I developed this system of having a computer/TV monitor suspended over my face after daydreaming about it for years. It took several versions, but I finally have it down to a science. I can swivel the monitor over my face in bed anytime I want, and then swivel it back. I have been using this latest system for the past 2 years. The monitor is high enough that I don't hit my head when I sit up, but low enough to see it clearly. I have it hooked up to my VCR (which is hooked into my stereo). Yes, I still use a remote to change channels, even though entire entertainment command center is immediately to my left :) . The computer is underneath the stereo beside the bed. My printers, scanner, and monitor are all hooked into it.
The monitor is a second-generation Apple Studio Display 15" LCD (analog, now discontinued), hooked into a Windows-equipped PC. The monitor actually has an NTSC/PAL (composite video) input, and has slits cut in the back which enabled me to hang it with those quick-lock straps. The suspension arm is one side of a wooden tool shelf, strapped to a TV swivel stand, and counterbalanced by lead weights. Securing the arm to the stand is the most difficult part, which I've now figured out. The shelving system is an integral part of it, and conveniently offers a place to put the peripherals.
I hold use either a Microsoft Natural Keyboard or an ErgoMagic keyboard which can actually split into two pieces, one on each side of you. I wasn't very happy with the ErgoMagic because the layout isn't quite standard (i.e. no windows keys). For a mouse, I use the wonderful Kensington WebRacer touchpad (has web browsers commands built-in), also discontinued, but sometimes findable. The Webracer usually sits sideways on my chest, operable by bringing my forearm up from the keyboard.
If you want even more decadence, sit a TV on a dresser or stand at the wall near the foot of the bed, and the TV appears just under the computer monitor, so you can watch both at the same time! (Yes, I've done this.) Or just listen in, and press a button on the monitor to switch to TV when it sounds interesting.
I'm thinking about painting the wood and cutting off the end bits to make it look more attractive, but that would be more for effect, as the system works really well now, and that's what's important. I can swivel the monitor back against the wall with my pinkie! I think it's better than a 'Netsurfer Classic' workstation (more comfortable).
No, I'm not handicapped. Lazy? Perhaps. But it took a lot of work to be this lazy. It's great if you don't want to, or can't get out of bed for extended periods of time. That's why I thought to send this to you. You could catch up on your email. Or even do your show from bed (wishful thinking...)!
With this thing, the hours can go by so quickly, all you need is someone to bring you food!
Nephiah
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