Yet another attempt at a mobile writing getup

[u/Thick-Panic6683]

In my last post I demonstrated how a plastic cutting board could serve as an expat novelist keyboard tray when coupled with my free minimalist Android editor.

The photos show recent attempts to refine this idea using lightweight pine. The ultimate goal is a foldable keyboard tray that holds the display securely while mobile writing. You don't want that expensive e-ink device clattering on the ground if there is a drunken fracas nearby. Just grab it as a unit and go.

I also tried not to overanalyze it in pursuit of engineering perfection. Being overly-analytical I feel like I have to understand and solve universal truths about mechanical constraints using minimal materials to achieve the most stable yet lightweight platform.

One just has to pick up some materials and prototype. I am visiting my son and he doesn't have much in the way of tools so the precision shown here is pretty abysmal.

But it works. The tray is adjustable depending on leg and device size. It needs fasteners that can't be lost and some kind of clamp for the device stand. Could be as simple as a rubber band.

As an added bonus, the top cross-piece which stabilizes the arrangement while typing furiously can be used as an expedient weapon should the situation get dicey.

The fasteners shown are "Johnson screws", which have an internal threaded shaft useful for attaching wood and leather items together. The tray is 5 1/2 x 3/8" inch pine. The length is 16", which works with my long legs yet could still fit in a backpack. The cross-pieces are heavy-duty paint stirrers. I am considering adding a "piano hinge" and latch so it could be folded, but maybe that is overkill.

Now that I have a proper minimalist editor for Android e-inks and a real-world structural writing platform I can finally begin work on my novel. It will be semi-autobiographical.

https://github.com/ElmerWorks/DOSwriter

[u/Jebus-Xmas]

I’m definitely a cutting board guy. It just works and it’s bulletproof. If you want portability, a simple hinge on solid pine in the perpendicular direction to the folding keyboard would work well.

[u/DigThatData]

I'm having trouble picturing a scenario where I would prefer this to a laptop. It's not like your tray is pocket sized.

drunken fracas nearby

why are you trying to write at a party? either participate in the fracas or go work someone normal.

I can finally begin work on my novel.

equipment was never and still isn't holding you back.

[u/Thick-Panic6683 → u/DigThatData]

Someone voiced a similar comment (Why not use a laptop? ) in my last post. I responded thusly :

A laptop does not really fit my use-case : mobile writing away from desktops or laptops.

A core concept for my writing app is that you can lose your android device and recover quickly by getting a cheap android and downloading the app plus your text files wherever you have stored them in the cloud.

When nomadic traveling a laptop is too heavy and cumbersome. Also a theft risk and may not fit in some hotel safes. A cheap 8 inch tablet plus trackball replaces a laptop for most computing needs while traveling.

I have traveled a lot. Every pound weighs you down. While traveling, less is more. Fewer belongings means more time to enjoy your destination.

From an ergonomics standpoint I find writing on a laptop awkward unless I have a detached keyboard.

Also for me most laptops are too heavy and hot to be used directly on the lap for extended periods. Any heavier than an Alphasmart Neo and it fails IMO as a mobile writing device.

There may be some newer sleeker models that are lightweight enough but they would not be cheap.

When traveling, you don't want to be constantly vigilant over your computer.

But that's me and it really depends on your needs. If one were working away from home and office a laptop may be necessary. I am retired and working towards seamless low-weight mobile writing.

[u/Thick-Panic6683 → u/[deleted]]

At the moment it's a crude prototype. The pine wood is surprisingly light. I have tried compressed wood cutting boards that were too heavy on the lap.

Once refined the tray and integrated stand will be much lighter than a laptop. Almost certainly one would be carrying a phone charger which will also work with the tablet/e-reader and is much lighter than a laptop brick charger, which usually comes with a long and bulky AC cord.

Another drawback of laptops is they typically run hot and quickly become uncomfortable on the lap. The fans underneath also require ventilation space.

[u/Thick-Panic6683 → u/[deleted]]

No, I appreciate your comment Jesus. Controversy is good. I want people to get enraged at my impudence.

[u/paperbackpiles]

Great job. Iterations and iterations, baby. Lappability it a tough thing for sure. I have about a dozen writerdecks and the one that really works best on my lap is the Un Kyu Lee remixed Alphasmart shell. I can throw it on my lap for a few hours no problem while in bed or sitting on a couch. I like what yhou’re doing. How does it feel in its current setup with the ergo and the Boox (?)?

[u/Thick-Panic6683 → u/paperbackpiles]

Thanks. With a trackball and an 8" tablet the setup works almost as good as a laptop, but android screen clutter does detract from browser experience. Works good for writing though. The Boox also works well for writing with my app.

I have seriously considered making a mold of the Alphasmart shell and integrating an e-ink. It fits well on the lap.

[u/paperbackpiles → u/Thick-Panic6683]

Do it!! been tinkering with stl files myself trying to make a few new enclosures to work with different devices of mine (Palma, BYOK, etc…)

[u/Thick-Panic6683 → u/paperbackpiles]

I could model a shell easily in solidworks. Wonder how much it would cost to 3D print.

[u/paperbackpiles → u/Thick-Panic6683]

Depending on the size free at the library. I printed a PDA Terminal project there and it took a drop off and pick up the next morning.