Typing Surface for Tablet + Keyboard

MarjaE · 02-15-2023, 07:21 PM

I'd like a lightweight but sturdy board to hold a keyboard and tablet.

I've made a flimsy one from a canvas board and twine, but I wonder if anyone knows where to find a sturdier one, or has instructions to make a sturdier one.

Otherwise, I need a desk or lap desk to type, and reaching for touch functions has been giving me a lot of arm, shoulder, and neck pain. It looks like most tablet keyboard cases have a flimsy hinge, so they still require a desk or lap desk too.

ottischwenk · 02-16-2023, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarjaE

I'd like a lightweight but sturdy board to hold a keyboard and tablet.

I've made a flimsy one from a canvas board and twine, but I wonder if anyone knows where to find a sturdier one, or has instructions to make a sturdier one.

Otherwise, I need a desk or lap desk to type, and reaching for touch functions has been giving me a lot of arm, shoulder, and neck pain. It looks like most tablet keyboard cases have a flimsy hinge, so they still require a desk or lap desk too.

Boox Tab Ultra

MarjaE · 02-16-2023, 01:48 PM

I'd still need to attach a keyboard.

meeera · 02-17-2023, 10:43 PM

To clarify, are you looking for a lap desk with inbuilt table holder, or a tablet holder to use on a tabletop? Or a tablet case with inbuilt stand that will hold the tablet up? Or do you need to have the keyboard physically attached to the tablet for some reason? I'm having a little trouble picturing what you're looking for.

The reaching issue might be improved by using a stylus, and learning as many keyboard shortcuts as you can for your OS.

MarjaE · 02-18-2023, 12:22 AM

I want something to hold the keyboard and tablet together, so

1. If I'm typing, I can see what I'm typing without having to go back and forth between the keyboard in one place and the screen in another,

2. I can carry them more easily,

3. I can sit down anywhere and start typing without carrying that massive lap desk, and/or stopping to set everything up,

4. I can pick everything up if I have to get away from approaching dogs, etc.

I also want:

5. something bigger than the canvas boards, so it can handle a 13" keyboard instead of 8", and

6. something sturdier than the canvas boards.

I went by a local craft store; nothing caught my eye. I also looked into pegboards, but can't find the right sizes.

P.S. I also have coordination issues, and can only use lateral and power grips, so I have less reach with a stylus than without it.

ottischwenk · 02-18-2023, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarjaE

I want something to hold the keyboard and tablet together,

There are adhesive covers with a crease - this is from the Likebook P10.

MarjaE · 03-02-2023, 03:07 PM

I bought a cafeteria-type tray, to hold a bigger keyboard, and a pack of velcro strips. I will get back with a review soon.

JSWolf · 03-02-2023, 07:05 PM

This is an excellent laptop tray. I have one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FW2KT8F

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MarjaE · 03-09-2023, 01:34 PM

With the tray, I still had to do way too much reaching.

I tried using Ease Joypad, but if I used my keyboard to open apps and files, then I couldn't use it to type, and vice-versa. Android has an option to use volume keys to turn accessibility tools on and off as needed, but it doesn't work with that keyboard's volume keys.

I got a more expensive Lenovo keyboard with a red nub. It works well with usb-c devices. I haven't found a working adapter for micro-usb.

In the meantime, despite almost no writing in the past few weeks, my rsi just gets more and more painful.

02-18-2023, 12:22 AM	#5
MarjaE Guru Posts: 936 Karma: 53902736 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: multiple	I want something to hold the keyboard and tablet together, so 1. If I'm typing, I can see what I'm typing without having to go back and forth between the keyboard in one place and the screen in another, 2. I can carry them more easily, 3. I can sit down anywhere and start typing without carrying that massive lap desk, and/or stopping to set everything up, 4. I can pick everything up if I have to get away from approaching dogs, etc. I also want: 5. something bigger than the canvas boards, so it can handle a 13" keyboard instead of 8", and 6. something sturdier than the canvas boards. I went by a local craft store; nothing caught my eye. I also looked into pegboards, but can't find the right sizes. P.S. I also have coordination issues, and can only use lateral and power grips, so I have less reach with a stylus than without it. Last edited by MarjaE; 02-18-2023 at 12:25 AM.

03-02-2023, 07:05 PM	#8
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,104 Karma: 144284184 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	This is an excellent laptop tray. I have one. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FW2KT8F Last edited by JSWolf; 03-02-2023 at 07:09 PM.

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02-16-2023, 01:48 PM	#3
MarjaE Guru Posts: 936 Karma: 53902736 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: multiple	I'd still need to attach a keyboard.

02-17-2023, 10:43 PM	#4
meeera Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,794 Karma: 68145694 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Libra 2, iPadMini4, iPad4, MBP; support other Kobo/Kindles	To clarify, are you looking for a lap desk with inbuilt table holder, or a tablet holder to use on a tabletop? Or a tablet case with inbuilt stand that will hold the tablet up? Or do you need to have the keyboard physically attached to the tablet for some reason? I'm having a little trouble picturing what you're looking for. The reaching issue might be improved by using a stylus, and learning as many keyboard shortcuts as you can for your OS.

03-02-2023, 03:07 PM	#7
MarjaE Guru Posts: 936 Karma: 53902736 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: multiple	I bought a cafeteria-type tray, to hold a bigger keyboard, and a pack of velcro strips. I will get back with a review soon.

03-09-2023, 01:34 PM	#9
MarjaE Guru Posts: 936 Karma: 53902736 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: multiple	With the tray, I still had to do way too much reaching. I tried using Ease Joypad, but if I used my keyboard to open apps and files, then I couldn't use it to type, and vice-versa. Android has an option to use volume keys to turn accessibility tools on and off as needed, but it doesn't work with that keyboard's volume keys. I got a more expensive Lenovo keyboard with a red nub. It works well with usb-c devices. I haven't found a working adapter for micro-usb. In the meantime, despite almost no writing in the past few weeks, my rsi just gets more and more painful.

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