This article represents a detour from the rarefied atmosphere of finite-element numerical methods and the Maxwell stress tensor. In it, I’ll describe how to build a computer accessory that might be the most useful one you own.
It is ironic that the last place you would ever put your laptop is in your lap. First, your clothing obscures the ventilation ports. Second, the machine heats parts of your body that are particularly sensitive to excursions from the ambient. There are lots of pricey plastic gadgets on the market that you can place between your computer and your body. Some even have battery-operated fans. I’ll describe a simpler and more effective alternative, The Board™. This is a woodworking project that even a computer enthusiast can complete.
Ready to start
To start, go to your local building-supply store and buy a 2′ × 2′ sheet of plywood to make two pads. A thickness of 1/4″ is a good choice for a light pad. A thickness of 1/2″ gives a flatter and more stable surface. Pick a piece with a nice surface grain and be sure to sight along the edges to make sure it isn’t warped. The cost is in the range $6 to $7. Cut the piece to give two pads 12″ in depth. Use the full 24″ width if you want to use The Board™ in bed with a mouse. Trim it if you want to use it in a chair. I picked a length of 20″, long enough to span my legs and short enough to fit my favorite chair. Saw and sand the corners to radii of about 1.0″ to make it more pleasant to use and to give it a finished look. Be sure to varnish the plywood to bring out the grain and to prevent handling stains.
The Board™ is easy to store. It provides a flat surface so that your computer can ventilate as designed with plenty of thermal insulation for your lap. The varnished wood surface is perfect for a mechanical or optical mouse. Most important, you get the satisfaction of craftsmanship every time you use it.
Finished product