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Computer stand

Personal computers are becoming more commonplace at work and at home. A desktop computer generally includes two types: a tower computer and a horizontal computer. Consumers choose the type of the desktop computer in accordance with their needs. For meeting different needs, a computer of a tower type or a horizontal type is provided. Due to the compact size trend, a horizontal type of computer is made thinner than before. Portable computers such as notebook computers, laptop computers and other similar types of computers, are becoming more and more popular due to their ability to be used in non-office environments. Notebook computers offer many advantages, and they also have limitations. The integration of keyboard and mouse into a single package, for example, limits the size of the keyboard and the type of mouse. A typical laptop computer may contain a similar processor to a desktop computer, but within a much smaller enclosure, and hence may need to dissipate considerable heat. Many notebooks incorporate an eraser-type mouse amid the keys in the keyboard with left and right mouse buttons below the space bar of the keyboard. As people become more dependent on their computers, they are using them for longer periods of time. Several different repetitive stress type injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and eye fatigue, have become more prevalent due to the increased computer use. Manufacturers of desktop computers have taken some steps to alleviate these repetitive stress type injuries by incorporating ergonomic factors into the design of their products. With the ever increasing use of computers in almost every field of industrial and academic activity, there has come a need for an effective stand to support books and other documentation used with computers. Generally, the traditional computer desk used to provide the space for the arrangement of a computer host, a display, a keyboard, a mouse and even a printer so as to achieve the convenience of users. Although, this kind of computer desk can solve the problem regarding the space accommodating a plurality of computer apparatuses and thus beautifies the space and provides visual delight, disabled users or the sick persons lying on sickbeds are unable to use it. Docking apparatus, such as docking stations, port replicators, etc. are available for some portable computers to enable them to be easily interfaced with certain peripheral equipment such as monitors, printers, modems, etc. The docking apparatus allows portable computers to be quickly adapted for office use. The docking apparatus is designed to connect the portable computer to the peripheral equipment for use in an office environment. When the need to use the portable computer in a mobile manner arises, it may be detached from the docking device and used in a stand alone fashion. Docking apparatus typically include a base that the peripheral equipment is connected to, and a monitor stand which allows placement of a monitor above, or to the side of, the base of the docking apparatus. A typical monitor stand includes a generally flat platform portion and legs extending from the platform portion. The base portion engages the portable computer, making connection between the portable computer and the peripheral equipment. Once the portable computer is connected to the base, the peripheral device is operable by the portable computer.

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