using an iMac in my lap . . .

[ProfGentleGiant]

Hello, folks. I'm a forum newbie.

Here's the deal. I want to buy and use an iMac in my lap. I am a scholar, and I spend long hours reading and writing. I sit in my recliner. I don't need the iMac to be portable because I have a laptop from the university. I am trying to figure out a way to have the iMac and keyboard/mouse in my lap.

Any ideas? The only idea I have is to attach the iMac to a lapboard of some type, but I imagine that would be top-heavy and fall over. If I counter-weighted it, I would have a heavy board across my lap.

I would be very thankful for any suggestions. I can get a lovely iMac--with larger screen and faster processor--for much less than a MBP.

Thanks so much.
Timothy

 

[flopticalcube]

I think the 24" models are VESA mountable. You could maybe mount it on a swing arm that is secured nearby and swing it over your recliner.

 

[D4F]

just so you know.. the 24" is 'quite' heavy... Good luck tho

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

Hello, folks. I'm a forum newbie.

Here's the deal. I want to buy and use an iMac in my lap. I am a scholar, and I spend long hours reading and writing. I sit in my recliner. I don't need the iMac to be portable because I have a laptop from the university. I am trying to figure out a way to have the iMac and keyboard/mouse in my lap.

Any ideas? The only idea I have is to attach the iMac to a lapboard of some type, but I imagine that would be top-heavy and fall over. If I counter-weighted it, I would have a heavy board across my lap.

I would be very thankful for any suggestions. I can get a lovely iMac--with larger screen and faster processor--for much less than a MBP.

Thanks so much.
Timothy

You could go with the VESA mount or something like this:

Add a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and you're all set.

You could also get a Mac Mini and hook it up to a big TV and use with wireless KB and mouse.

 

[forafireescape]

Can you just find a lap table for the keyboard and mouse and have the display on a table in front of you?

 

[digitalnicotine]

I suggest getting one of those laptop trays on wheels. They sell them at Officemax, etc. There is also the Herman Miller Scooter. I got this option, but it costs around $300, and the depth may be too small.

The wall mount is probably the safest option, as anything I'm suggesting requires you to be extremely careful not to topple it over.

Check out this bed tray from CB2. I was thinking that perhaps you could drill 2 holes into it and slide through a strap to secure the iMac stand to the tray with a brace or some webbing. That would at least make it so that the iMac would only topple over if the entire tray did.

Since you stated you'll be stationary, the best options seem to be wall mounting it on an arm, or securing it to a laptop desk. In fact, even if you do mount it to a wall, you will likely want a laptop desk for your mouse/keyboard in order to ensure ergonomically correct positioning for extended use.

Check out what this guy did.

Wall mount option.

Laptop tables options.

Good luck to you.

 

[ProfGentleGiant]

Thank you so much for all the very helpful replies. I would welcome any additional ideas as I research the ones discussed here. I'm grateful for the assistance!

Cheers,
Timothy