Insulating Laptop Pad
When using a notebook/laptop computer actually in your lap, the heat buildup can get annoying. This pad is meant to insulate you from the computer-generated heat, while still allowing it to dissipate heat from below.
Cut the Insulation
I used extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation board (the pink stuff; the blue stuff and green stuff are similar). I would not recommended expanded polystyrene (EPS) board--the white coffee cup foam--it tends to crumble when cut.
Note that you can cut XPS by scoring it about halfway, and snapping it.
Note that you can cut XPS by scoring it about halfway, and snapping it.
Cut Dimple Mat
I am in the building research field, so I have some of this plastic 'dimple mat' hanging around my lab. This product is typically used to waterproof foundations--it creates a drained air space, so that any water that gets in drains out.
The idea for this piece is to space the laptop off of the insulation board, with a ventilated air space underneath. Admittedly, you can use a laptop on a table or a bed without a problem, but I figure more cooling=better.
The dimple mat comes from a company called Cosella Dorken; another company that makes a similar product is System Platon. Unfortunately, you might have a hard time finding it--I have seen Platon at only a few Home Depots. It also comes in big rolls--way too much for the project.
A similar product that you might be able to use is Dri-Cor; I have definitely seen this at a lot of Home Depots--it is 2'x2' squares that you lay down on your basement floor, to create a warmer/dryer floor.
The idea for this piece is to space the laptop off of the insulation board, with a ventilated air space underneath. Admittedly, you can use a laptop on a table or a bed without a problem, but I figure more cooling=better.
The dimple mat comes from a company called Cosella Dorken; another company that makes a similar product is System Platon. Unfortunately, you might have a hard time finding it--I have seen Platon at only a few Home Depots. It also comes in big rolls--way too much for the project.
A similar product that you might be able to use is Dri-Cor; I have definitely seen this at a lot of Home Depots--it is 2'x2' squares that you lay down on your basement floor, to create a warmer/dryer floor.
Attach It Together
I used rubber bands for this--I originally planned to glue it (using foam board safe construction adhesive/Liquid Nails), but the rubber bands seem to work well enough.
Done! (and Notes)
This is what it should look like when done.
Ideas for improvements:
- Non-skid material so the laptop doesn't slip off (hasn't proven to be necessary yet)
- Cloth cover, to improve user interface portion (sweat buildup, etc.)
- If you have one of those recalled Dells or Apples, you might consider adding a layer of 5/8" Type X Drywall (one hour fire rating). Or maybe Kevlar.
Ideas for improvements:
- Non-skid material so the laptop doesn't slip off (hasn't proven to be necessary yet)
- Cloth cover, to improve user interface portion (sweat buildup, etc.)
- If you have one of those recalled Dells or Apples, you might consider adding a layer of 5/8" Type X Drywall (one hour fire rating). Or maybe Kevlar.