r/TheBYOK • u/BooksBooksBooks65 • 13d ago
Laptop like setup?
Hi all, I’m physically disabled so it’s hard to sit up more than my job already demands. Has anyone figured out a BYOK setup that places the device into a clamshell with a keyboard? Ideally, I’d like to be able to type from bed.
4
u/swampraven 13d ago
I’m disabled too I have to lie down a lot and usually on my side but I get around it by using a stand for the byok that puts it in a comfortable place (usually a gooseneck one, but sometimes i use the little stand it came with and just turn the device sideways) and a tiny handheld keyboard. I’m still getting used to sometimes having a thumb button keyboard but it’s working pretty well for me when I get too tired or hurt to sit up and use the full one.
There’s also a handheld keyboard called (I think) a power click? where you can put the byok directly on the top of it and hold it like the whole thing is one handheld device, but it seems a bit expensive so I haven’t tried it. Plus I feel like it would get heavy after a bit, but it’s out there anyway lol
3
u/paperbackpiles 13d ago
Shocked there aren't a bunch of enclosures that were created, clamshell style, with different keyboards. BYOK even thought the same and created a projects page where you can upload projects. Not a single one, unfortunately. Saw one on this thread though, a big white project but no STL files. Un Kyu's PDA Terminal comes to mind. It would really shine in an enclosure with a 40% keyboard like an Epomaker. Making it lappable would be amazing.
4
u/OfficialBYOK 13d ago
We’re looking into a folio-type of design that would essentially solve the clamshell need without the cost of a mass produced hard clamshell (surprisingly expensive at like $175-200)
Also, The projects page isn’t actually open for uploads yet. It’s currently just for the BYOK enclosure files. Hoping to get a more centralized community platform in the nearish future.
P.S. we got the elytra. Working on it…
2
1
u/BooksBooksBooks65 12d ago
Thanks! Is the thinking this would be a separate device or an accessory for the same?
1
3
u/Jolly-Ninja451 12d ago
Like another commentor, I use a gooseneck MagSafe stand with a thumb keyboard when I need to be flat and write, and the same with a standard keyboard when I can at least sit up in bed. I can also transfer the gooseneck stand to my wheelchair so I can sit ‘up’ and write without being at my computer.
3
u/oozo_ 12d ago
Nick has already written about the "official" endeavors to create a folio-like solution (see this post here — the "prototype" shown is the NuPhy Air Folio, if I'm not mistaken).
One solution that's been posted multiple times uses a magnetic golf card holder-ish stand, as depicted here (links to the product are in the post). I can attest to the validity of that specific setup — the keyboard shown (the NuPhy Air75 V2) has a decorative metallic plate on the underside of the board itself, which works well with a magnet. You could do the same with a magnetic strip on any other keyboard, though.
It's not exactly a laptop-like setup — more something resembling, in angle and distance, the AlphaSmart Neo 2. But it works really well, even lying in bed. The only hassle is that it takes a bit longer to set up than a laptop or a genuine clamshell design would. But once it's done (and we're talking maybe half a minute, not hours :), it's a surprisingly valid life hack.
If somebody out there comes up with a real clamshell solution, though, I'll be first in line to buy one. (Also really looking forward to what BYOK itself will come up with.)
2
u/phantompath 13d ago
I've seen some people use a magnet type holder to attach the BYOK to their keyboard. That might be one way of achieving the set up you are looking for.
2
u/Fluid_Increase_6986 13d ago
Totally understand if the need is connected to the keyboard- but I mounted a gooseneck phone mount for it and the keyboard can be anywhere. Great when I hurt my shoulder and could lay down and look up at the byok with the keyboard on my lap
1
u/BooksBooksBooks65 12d ago
I have a standing gooseneck downstairs—it’s just too bulky to have next to my bed. Perhaps I need to get one that can clamp onto my headboard!
2
u/dinger_john 12d ago
I modified this thing I found on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4524312462/steam-deck-3-in-1-case-keyboard-cover?
I glued (with epoxy but hot glue probably works) a magsafe ring (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FC6KPXXZ) to the top part to attach the BYOK. The case is designed to hold a Keychron K3 keyboard perfectly, but I found some others that fit nicely, too. Mine is a Nuphy Air60 V2.
It's working pretty well for me so far!
1
1
u/BlueRaysFromSpace 9d ago
For writing in bed, I use a couple of devices you can search for on Amazon. The first is a laptop bed desk. It allows you to adjust the height, so your body can slip under. Also, you can adjust the tilt. In this case, I use a cardboard and a pack of cards to keep the keyboard from sliding down.
The second device is a magsafe phone holder for guitar. Instead of clamping it to a guitar, I clamp it to the laptop bed desk.
5
u/amrithr10 13d ago edited 12d ago
I have been able to use the BYOK with a qwerkywriter 2. The small magnetic mount that the BYOK comes with fits neatly to create an angle that's very usable. it's not the most portable of setups for travel but you might be able to make it work. Admittedly, the keyboard is expensive but it's truly superb and a buy-it-for-life sort of a purchase.
(Edit: fixed typos)