The Apple computer that has everything inside it is nice. I mean it looks like there is just the monitor. There is no big box or anything. and you can get a wireless mouse. We hide the printer in a drawer. Just one thought.

Okay, I just re-read your post and a new computer is not what you need. My daughter uses my husbands old computer to write stories. She is a writer, We put an old desk that I refinished years ago and her computer sits there. It actually blends in with the desk. It's one of those old piano desks and she occasionally adds beautiful things around her there for inspiration. I've seen people decorate with piano desks in nice rooms. I know I saw a beautiful writers desk at Williams and Sonoma too, but it was quite pricey.

Yes.. the apple/macbooks are very nice and stylish too.. but I work in technology and need to run a windows operating system so apple is out. But my office has all the "pieces and parts".. the printer, the larger monitor, router etc. All I keep in the living room is the laptop-- but it is ALWAYS there. What I am looking for is a piece of furniture to sit the laptop on when I am actively using it and when I am just monitoring (need to keep it visible but not typing)

Thanks for your quick reply!

I wonder if something from Levenger might work?

Here is a link that might be useful: Levenger tables

I found this but I dont know if its what your looking for.

Hope it helps!

Here is a link that might be useful: Lap top Desk

I had an issue for years with the computer and desk. We live in a mobile home (and will for a few more years because I'm a SAHM and we can't make a mortgage payment on just DH's income)and we have two kids, there is no "extra" room or space for an "office", every space is used up. When DD was on the way I suggested to DH that we could remove the hutch piece on our inexpensive desk and the bottom part would fit under the bar (counter) in between the kitchen and living room. The monitor set up on top of the counter. It worked but I hated the look of the desk, especially when I started to remove the fake wood furniture in the living room and replace my pieces with antiques. The style just didn't work at all! I searched for probably the last two years, trying to come up with a solution. I wanted to convert some old writing desk so we could use the computer on it, like add hinges to the front of the drawer to make a keyboard tray, remove the drawers and make a cubby for the tower. DH didn't see into my plans, though.

A few months back we were in a furniture store buying a cupboard for DD's room and I came across a real wood desk that I thought may work in our home if I could just paint it black and distress. We ended up buying that desk and I suggested to DH that since we do not use the counter, we could just remove that and use the little cubby area for the desk. It has worked so well for us! I have never been so happy about my computer and desk! I enjoy spending time here each day! LOL

I guess that doesn't really help you with your problem but my suggestion would be to open your mind and think out of the box. Maybe hit a few second hand furniture stores and just look at pieces and see if anything calls to you. Since you're putting your lap top on this stand, you won't need to worry about a keyboard or mouse or any extras so it should be easy!

Hey! I don't know if this will work for you but my Gran had one of those MSN computers that only allowed you to access the internet. It was about the size of a laptop. She had it on her old treadle sewing machine table! It was a quite stylish desk and matched her decor. Could you do something like that? And find a nice old wooden chair or wooden desk chair?

All you have out is the actual laptop and nothing else ? mine is always sitting on the coffee table or on the counter.

But mind you, I am one who does not look for ways to disguise my plasma screens or hide them behind a door. If it's something I use daily, it stays out.

the "thin as an envelope" mac air laptop is a thing of beauty.

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. In my mind I have something mobile in mind for the laptop-- something that I could wheel or move out of sight or out of path. My livingroom (which I am currently refurnishing) is long and narrow and I was trying to avoid adding a desk-- mainly because I don't want to add furniture when have a large office (which I am not using for the day to day work hahah).

So I guess Sweet's suggestion to think outside of the box may be the answer. I have an old solid wood but not so aesthetically pleasing (to me) rolling cube in the guest room that is holding a tv/dvd. I am thinking that maybe I could paint and add a decorative design. If I do it well, it could be a real interesting eyecatcher as well as serve my needs. It's a little low.. but no lower than my coffee table. I do like that it is on wheels.. I could easily move it to a corner if needed-- or make a cushion so that it could serve as extra seating if needed.

Another option is a wine stave table or bench. I like the lines of these and again, they are easily moved.

Mitch - your point is well taken. I did finally just get over the tv though the newer styles helped that greatly. I make my living on the computer-- and I do a good portion of my work at home. it IS a part of my life and I shouldn't fret it sitting out anymore than a coffee cup or such. I don't necessarily want to hide it though-- I need it to be convenient. (Those macs are sweet, aren't they?)

Sueb - Levengers was the first place I looked-- the "scooter" is perfect but it just looks so utilitarian. It may be what I end up with though.

Thanks again.. I am meeting a designer/salesperson at the furniture store later today. I'll keep all this in mind as I make my final selections.

Here is a link that might be useful: small wine stave tables

I made my table for the laptop. I got a 15 round from the wood section at Lowes and I bought a post there too to create a lap height pedestal table. I then stained and glazed the post, attached it to the round and I covered the round with leather. The beauty of this is that I can sit on my couch with a special orthopedic seat and use my laptop. I got the thinner post so that I could slide it right up to the couch and enjoy my puter time. I can't even imagine going back to my desk now, This little table has spoiled me. I haven't done this but you could put casters on it to slide it away. I just pick it up, it's very light and it actually blends very well with the rest of the room. Something to think about.

I like to keep my laptop by the couch. I use this little table from Ikea:
{{!gwi}}

It slides under the couch, and if I'm having company I just pull it out and put it in another room.

My husband has had this desk for around 4 years and uses it to do work all the time. It easily moves out of view when he's not using it.

Of course, it is just a bit more than the Ikea table!

Here is a link that might be useful: AirDesk website

I know the problem you are having-- a lot of my work is done on my laptop as well, and since I don't have a designated place for it, I've had a few accidents (tripping over cords, etc.)

I'd love to find an attractive roll up cart that blended with antiques. I haven't had any luck-- but here's the closest thing I can find.

I absolutely LOVE the oak wine stave table idea! That is so attractive and has such a great patina. Brilliant. Mind if I steal it?

Here is a link that might be useful: laptop cart