ThreadPad: 3D printed tablet stand with X41 keyboard *PIC*

[feklee]

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:433339

Electronics is WIP.



Edit: Picture now below 50 KB limit.

[RealBlackStuff]

That looks rather cumbersome.
Who wants those silly (green) support-cables?
They are completely in the way!

[feklee]

They are completely in the way!

May look so on the pictures. From my experience and tested with various devices, however, the cables - inspired by suspension bridges - neither obscure the screen nor do they interfere with typing: They're on the side. The design allows easy adjustment of tilt angle, and the tablet is held firmly in position, even upside down:

https://vine.co/v/MLz2AD01pma

My first design, Thing 278342, was with ThinkPad hinges. The disadvantage is that it's complex to build, and so I never did. The ThreadPad, on the other hand, just pops out of the printer, and then you stick it together.

Anyhow, this is just a fun experiment, nothing that needs to have commercial value.

[RealBlackStuff]

I still only type with two fingers, and my hands come in from the sides.
Perhaps a professional touch-typist might be able to avoid those suspension-bridge contraptions,
but a lot of us need more airspace for our hands!

[feklee]

Well, it's the first iteration. Future versions could have the position of the cables optimized, or maybe offer a selection of holes. Thanks for the feedback!

Concerning touch typing: A couple of years ago I took a two day touch typing course. In the first few months it required a lot of discipline to not fall back into old habits, but now I don't look back.

[ilakast]

Nice concept actually. Heavily resembles the TransNote to my eyes. Also, the X41 keyboard has a great typing feeling (at least my tablet does it for me). Regarding the cables I don't think they are an obstruction, rather a bit ugly maybe. Nevertheless, I am much more positive contrary to RBS

[feklee]

rather a bit ugly maybe

You can change color.

I chose green: It complements the keyboard's red/blue labeling to form the colors of the IBM logo used on ThinkPads.

[Temetka]

I would have gone with red to match the trackpoint cap.

Otherwise it looks great. Ignore those hunt and peck naysayers.

I would suggest though looking at the kickstand on the surface pro 3. That's a really nice concept.

[feklee]

I would suggest though looking at the kickstand on the surface pro 3.

Thanks for the pointer! The kickstand is indeed interesting. However, I don't think it would work in a shaking bus or metro, which are environments that I plan to use the ThreadPad in.

[penartur]

Now, if only X41 (or similar) keyboard was available in Surface Cover form...

[Saucey]

I've been thinking about about a 755CE I have is having display issues, I'm thinking about gutting it.
For the keyboard a Poker II mechanical seems to have the dimensions to fit. The problem is the display, I am unsure if it is thick enough for a tablet to fit.
I'd have to do some filing for the 16:9 screen ratio.

[indotoonster]

Just wanted to say that I saw the videos you posted on thingiverse and am utterly impressed (and amused, love the sound effects!).

I've never tried 3D printing anything, but this project really appeals to me... I thought the ThinkPad Helix would be my dream machine, but the lack of physical trackpoint buttons really was a dealbreaker. This hack really opens up possibilities of combining a proper ThinkPad keyboard with fancy tablets in the future... do you think this would work with a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition or a Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2?

[Ibthink]

I thought the ThinkPad Helix would be my dream machine, but the lack of physical trackpoint buttons really was a dealbreaker

Slightly OT: The new Helix will be available with dedicated TrackPoint buttons early next year (see: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/tablets/th ... x-2nd-gen/)

[Summilux]

Oh, I missed this thread.
I'm not a fan of cables either, but props to Feklee! A project that seeks to integrate a classic keyboard is always welcome, especially since that's quite a difficult thing to do.

[portsample]

I'm waiting to be able to print a T61 14.1" standard palmrest with NO touchpad...

[Utwig]

I like it. Please 3d print more thinkpad stuff. Eventually we may print a T62p

[Ole]

Just chiming to say that if you find a good way to design this so a Surface Pro 3 would fit into the picture, and retain all the trackpoint stuff like middle button scrolling I would very much like to be a customer.