If you need to use your computer in bed, using a laptop in bed is easiest. But if your existing computer is a desktop computer, don’t despair – there are still plenty of options.
Ricky using her desktop computer in bed
My first “computer in bed” setup was simply to put the computer right beside the bed, so I could see the screen easily, and put the usual keyboard on my lap! No cost involved and it worked for years.
You could also use an over-bed table and put the monitor on that so it’s closer to the centre of your line of sight. The main box of the computer (if it’s separate) can then sit either on the over-bed table itself or down on the floor beside your bed – if the cords won’t reach you can purchase extension cables to go between the computer and monitor.
For the keyboard generally just putting it in your lap works fine, perhaps supporting elbows and wrists with cushions or pillows. A wireless keyboard is much easier to manage than one with a cord, and a trackball or trackpad is easier to manage than a mouse because no mouse-pad is needed. Some keyboards come with a built in trackpad or trackball so you only have to manage one device.
- Ricky Buchanan
Ricky,
You should buy a copy of Dragon naturally speaking, it’s a speech recognition application that would save you having to even bother with a keyboard. You simply put on a set of headphones and speak. It can open up applications, menus, and lots of other stuff that we normally do using a mouse/keyboard. It’s the ultimate lazy man’s/woman’s application.
Mark
Hi Mark,
I tried that too, but my voice is too soft and I speak bad. I had to correct so much, that just typing everything was easier. The sore throat, soft voice and bad speaking also gets worse when I speak too much.
I think Ricky has the same problem.
Ingeborg
[...] have my desktop computer set up to use in bed, so I am snug under the blankets and keyboarding in bed is possible. A similar setup would work [...]
Hey Ricky!
I actually came here looking for this entry, but it felt like something was missing from it, and then I realized you’d posted it on the ATMac site: http://atmac.org/adapted-computer-system-for-bed-or-wheelchair/
You know, I’ve been wanting to do this for awhile. I may attempt it tomorrow. Actually, I wish I had one of those trays that overhang the bed like at the hospital, but I cant afford that. I have neck problems so cant really afford to have my neck tilted too much. I do work about 10 hours a day on the comp. Anyhow, nice information..
~Rob.