Using a computer while lying in bed
When I am lying in bed, I must think about it that I have to keep my muscles relaxed.
If I, for example, want to read something, then I am not able to relax so well.
However, there are times that I want to read something or search for something on the Internet.
So I wanted to try if I could use a computer and use Internet while I'm lying in bed.
I lie flat on my back, and there are various structures that place a computer screen above someone.
But those are heavy constructions and also a computer screen is heavy.
Because I have multiple beds, it should also be movable.
In my opinion, this is the nicest construction:
This construction could consist of a large base with small wheels,
with a small mini-computer on that.
On that a standing tube, with a monitor arm with a monitor,
and a second monitor arm for the keyboard.
However, if I would fall asleep and then step out of my bed sleepy,
then I could stumble upon that construction.
So I tried a projector (beamer):
Brand en Type : 3M MPro110.
This projector has a LED light that does not need to be replaced.
In 2010 I paid 118 euros for this second-hand projector.
To use the projector, it has to be dark ofcourse. But that's not a problem for me,
since it is already quite dark in my bedroom when I am lying in bed.
This projector has a low resolution, and the quality of the picture is not very good.
It is now the year 2010, and I expect that over 5 years or so the projectors
will be a lot better for a lower price.
I placed an old computer on some kind of low cart (like a trolley),
on which I mounted the projector.
I place this cart at the headboard of my bed.
The projector projects the image onto the ceiling.
1. Handle.
2. Projector (beamer).
3. Old computer.
4. Speakers.
5. Wireless internet.
6. Small wheels.
I put together this (ugly) cart with old stuff I had lying around.
I only had to buy an VGA extension cable, because the cable that came with the
projector is very short.
A small mini-computer, such as a mini-ITX form factor with built-in wireless internet
and a nicely designed little cart would of course be much nicer.
The resolution of this projector is only 640x480 pixels.
That is a very low resolution.
For a sharp image, the computer should also be set to 640x480.
In Windows XP, It is possible to get a screen of 640x480 by selecting a monitor of 640x480,
for example something like "Digital LCD monitor 640x480".
The Linux version I installed is Xubuntu, because it is an old computer.
And with a small font, a resolution of 640x480 was pretty okay.
To be able to use the computer, a mouse, trackball or similar device is required.
I strongly prefer wireless devices for safety. I could fall asleep, and then
I'd rather don't have wires.
I use my Logitech MX Air mouse
to control the computer, but a wireless trackball would probably be better.
To type, I place a wireless keyboard on my belly, but typing is inconvenient.
- Using the computer and using internet
The most relax way is when both arms ly alongside my body.
And for example with a mini-keyboard near my left hand and a trackball near my right hand.
Sometimes I use an on-screen keyboard (so that a mouse is used to click on
the letters and numbers).
There is however no easy way to use a keyboard.
An other thing is, that a few buttons are sometimes pressed, if I
move a little.
For the sound I have two speakers placed on the trolley.
But using a Bluetooth headset could also be good solution.
- Watching TV
- Watching TV via the computer
There are two possibilities: a plug-in card for the computer
(a TV card), or a device attached to the USB bus.
Unfortunately I found that the quality of those cards and USB devices
is not very good and also the software that comes with it is usually only moderate.
But that is not a problem for this projector, since its quality is also not very good.
- Watching TV without a computer
The projectur I used has also a video input.
Therefore it can also be used to show the signal from e.g. a television tuner,
and no computer is needed.
For analog TV the TV tuner could be an old VCR or DVD recorder.
I used an FM transmitter for sound. My mp3 player has a radio,
and I used that to listen to the sound.
I used a remote to operate TV tuner.
That way everything is wireless.
The FM transmitter is ment for in-car or indoor use,
but my neighbors could also be listening to it.
The final result is that I can't keep my neck muscles relax enough.
The biggest problem is when I want to type something,
but even watching TV via the projector has a negative effect on my neck.
Maybe someday I could try a "Head Mounted Display" (glasses containing a computer screen).
Last change to this page: August 2010
