50rs DIY Laptop, Ipad, Tablet Stand

3 Line Summary: Do not pay 2000 rs + for a laptop stand, here is a Laptop / iPad or any Tablet stand for just 50 rs and you can make it in 30 mins FLAT!!!

DIY Laptop/Tablet Stand

Constant neck and shoulder pain has been haunting me for the past 2 weeks and I knew the problem, MY LAPTOP! At my workstation the laptop is not at the ideal height and my neck is bent slightly to look at my laptop. Started looking for "Laptop Stands" and came across various model from 1000 rs to 6000rs with fan etc. That's when I started looking for DIY ideas and created a Laptop Stand for 50 RS!!!

If you can spare 30 mins and 50 rupees, you can do this. Let me show you how:

Stuff you need:

You will get all these is any electrical or hardware shops.

1. 2 feet of 1 inch electrical pipe (4 rs per ft, 8 rs total)

2. 6 L-Shaped Elbow joints (2 rs each, 12 rs total)

3. 2 dummy caps ( 6 rs)

4. Saw blade (5 rs)

5. Spray paint - black (20 rs , the can is 200rs I used 10% for this)

6. Measuring tape

7. An apprentice - optional (I am blessed with my 2 kids who are ever ready to help me)

Total = 51 rs

Steps to make your own Laptop / iPad / Any Tablet Stand:

1. Measure the length and width of your laptop. This will determine what size of arm and base you need.

2. Measure the height at which you need the laptop. For my needs the laptop had to be raised by 5 inches from base. This determines the leg of your stand.

3. Now mark the Pipe for Base (1) , Arm (2), and Leg (2). You can use a sketch pen or CD marker. In my case, the Laptop measure 12 inches, so my BASE was marked at 11 inches (it should be shorter than laptop to hold it). The length of my laptop was around 8.5 inches, so my ARM was marked at 9 inches. The height I need to raise my laptop was 5 inches, hence the FEET was marked at 5 inches.

4. Now cut the base, 2 arms, and 2 feet. When you use a saw blade, if you don't have a saw blade holder, wrap a cotton cloth around it like a handle. It will help avoiding injuries. Also, keep the pipes mounted on a higher surface like a chair or stool, this helps in cutting it easily. Don't worry, cutting an 1 inch pipe is a very very easy, will take like 30 secs! Always keep a paper below the pipe. This will collect all the smaller particles and will making cleaning easy.

5. Now, you should have 1 base, 2 arms, 2 legs, 6 elbow joints, 2 dummy caps all ready to assemble

6. Fit 2 elbow joints to the base. Then fit the legs to either side of the base's elbow joints. Now, fit 2 elbow joints to the other end of the Legs. Fit the ARMS to the elbow joints in the legs. Position them as you want. Its easy to flex and move them. There is no need to glue them. Place the dummy caps to the elbow joints at the end of the arms. Here is how yours will look like. Now, look at the line of sight and neck position in the before and after picture. BYE BYE NECK PAIN :)

7. Now, you can use this as it is. But, if you are like me and think this looks little ugly, you can paint them :). Disassemble them and if you need to make some adjustments like sawing few cms to make this perfect do that and ensure its perfect for your needs. Then place them on top of paper or box (will prevent paint spilling to floor), and spray paint them. Leave 10-15 mins between each coat. I gave mine 2 coats.

8. Once they have dried, assemble them. First the base and elbows, then legs and elbows, finally the arms and elbows. Add the cap to it. Here is a picture recap:

Base with elbows

Legs with albows

Arms added with elbows and my lovely apprentice

Dummy cap added

9. You can stick rubber or cork to the base to ensure the stand does not move. You can also paste rubber to the top to keep the laptop or tablet from moving.

10. That's it, you are done. Give a big pat and go flaunt it to your friends and family!

The stand is very flexible and can be used in many ways, like:

1. Kitchen iPad or Tablet Stand: As a stand for your ipad or tablet in the kitchen, great when you are cooking and you want the recipe at nice viewable angle. Just flex the arms inward for this.

2. Hanging stand for iPad or Tablet : Hang the stand in a kitchen shelf and make it a hanging recipe book or movie/sitcom TV ;)

3. Sofa laptop stand: Another great use, you can use it when using your laptop while sitting in a chair or sofa, makes it easier and ergonomically better for your neck and no heat to your thighs.

Hope you guys enjoyed it. Do post your own creations :)

Photo Credits: My lovely wife :)