I don't see much reason for computer workstations to take up a lot of space. I also don't think it's worth spending money on "laptop docks," which typically do not do what I think they should. This is a little project I built in aluminum for my own use, and it demonstrates some ideas I have about simplifying and compacting computer work areas.

     The frame consists of three 1 inch square vertical aluminum tubes, semi-permanently installed against the wall. Plastic feet extend on screw threads at the bottom to compress against the floor, and some lag bolts are driven into the ceiling at the top for added security. One or more filleted laptops can be slid into customized brackets mounted to the frame, which also carries lights, a fold-down keyboard tray, and an external monitor. The laptops are easily removed for travel.

     The beige keyboard remains mounted to the tray at all times, and gets connected to the primary laptop when inserted. Ditto for the mouse. This way it's not necessary to type on a vertical keyboard. Any other mounted laptops can be controlled over the network using mouse/keyboard virtualization software such as synergy.

     Also check out my LCD Desk.

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Overview of the workspace. The Titanium PowerBook was on travel when this shot was taken; its empty slot is above the filleted Dell. The aluminum square mounted with a C-clamp is to block an annoying streetlight which would otherwise shine in my eye.

 

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Oblique close-up of the work area showing a filleted Dell laptop with a permanently-mounted second monitor, and the keyboard tray in working position. The Dell does not fillet to a full 180°, so to get the LCD oriented at a comfortable viewing angle the bracket needed to be tilted. This presented a problem for insertion/removal, so the solution was to mount the bracket on hinges. For insertion and removal the bracket is lowered into a vertical configuration, and for use it is tilted to the pictured angle.

 

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Detail of upper connections to the Dell laptop. The cables can be disconnected and the laptop removed for travel in about 20 seconds.

 

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Detail of the keyboard tray support. The L-shaped bracket in the middle is mounted on hinges, and folds to the right to allow the entire tray to fold down.

 

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Laptop Fillet in space-saving mode, with the keyboard tray folded down. In this configuration only about 6 inches of space from the wall is used. Floor feet detail also visible here.

 

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Integral halogens, and ceiling detail.

 

Sketches

Laptop Fillet

Keyboard tray and light