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Setting up desktop computer in restaurants, etc

5

5pips49

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 7, 2025
Messages
167
I am interested in a portable computer setup. Specs:
-This will require a wall outlet.
-The computer will be a small size. For example, small form factor Dell or micro form factor Dell. Maybe even a laptop with the monitor lid mostly closed.
-The important point is the monitor arm. It needs to swivel and stay when you move it to a position, like the light that a dentist uses and shines in your mouth. This will be a small monitor, like 14". It needs to attach to undesirable tables because that is what I will encounter in places like restaurants. For example, the table top is not flat on both sides. Instead, there is a lip that comes down around the edge.

Bonus:
-Attach a keyboard tray to the stupid tables that are in restaurants, etc. Edit: maybe a floor standing keyboard tray.
-A tool to attach my network cable to the network in case it's mounted somewhere where I can't reach. Like a long pole tool or a drone.
-Mount a camera to watch my stuff when I go to the bathroom. Monitor from cell phone.

Anyone have products that work into this? Main thing to tackle first is monitor arm.
 
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5pips49 said:
I am interested in a portable computer setup. Specs:
-This will require a wall outlet.
-The computer will be a small size. For example, small form factor Dell or micro form factor Dell. Maybe even a laptop with the monitor lid mostly closed.
-The important point is the monitor arm. It needs to swivel and stay when you move it to a position, like the light that a dentist uses and shines in your mouth. This will be a small monitor, like 14". It needs to attach to undesirable tables because that is what I will encounter in places like restaurants. For example, the table top is not flat on both sides. Instead, there is a lip that comes down around the edge.

Bonus:
-Attach a keyboard tray to the stupid tables that are in restaurants, etc. Edit: maybe a floor standing keyboard tray.
-A tool to attach my network cable to the network in case it's mounted somewhere where I can't reach. Like a long pole tool or a drone.
-Mount a camera to watch my stuff when I go to the bathroom. Monitor from cell phone.

Anyone have products that work into this? Main thing to tackle first is monitor arm.
Click to expand...
Uh, I think what you want is a cheap laptop with a tote bag.
 
If one don't already have a micro SFF PC I'm struggling to determine what benefit a discrete PC with laptop-tier specs + laptop-size monitor would bring over a laptop. Also I'm curious what restaurants have customer accessible ethernet.

It made me think perhaps it's some kind of on-call troubleshooting setup but then sounds like there's no parts already on hand and it'll be a seated arrangement like a regular customer so I guess not?

Maybe it's a streamer production setup but then it'd have to be solo since concerns about leaving it unattended.

Anyway, magic arms (generic term for tensionable arms from a single point but made famous by Manfrotto) are useful for arbitrary mounting. Here's an example from the BeamCase 3D printable ITX case which comes with a magic arm mount for portable displays. Typically magic arms will have differently sized metal studs on either end which can be attached to a plethora of mounting accessories.

BeamCase.jpg
 
sharknice said:
What do you need this wacky setup for? There might be better solutions if you explain what you're using it for.
Click to expand...
Yes, could use laptop. That would make more sense. I just don't like laptops b/c ... well, everything. There might be laptops that are more like desktops in that they have a lot of ports, internal parts can be more easily replaced. But, not in the market for that.

The thing that I like least about laptops is that the screen is not positioned in a good position. I like the center of the monitor to be in front of my face when I look straight ahead. More like a desktop.

So solution is probably a laptop with HDMI out, and a monitor arm for small monitor (like 14"). However, monitor arm can't be destructive to the furniture.

I am 98% joking about the network cable. But, it might be better than wifi/ my own hot spot if a public place let you do that :)

The use case is just portable computing-- web browsing, productivity.
 
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So you want to use your device in restaurants, for one I am sure most would NOT want you connecting a monitor arm to a table to have a screen sitting there...and how long do you plan to work in one that you would need to leave your laptop to go to the washroom, just go before you set up?

You planning to live out of as restaurant to work 9-5?
 
MrGuvernment said:
So you want to use your device in restaurants, for one I am sure most would NOT want you connecting a monitor arm to a table to have a screen sitting there...and how long do you plan to work in one that you would need to leave your laptop to go to the washroom, just go before you set up?

You planning to live out of as restaurant to work 9-5?
Click to expand...
I think I would get uncomfortable sitting at a place for more than 3 or 4 hours. And even that would need to be outside of peak times. You basically need there to be empty tables. It might put the staff/ owner in an awkward position.

Doesn't necessarily have to be a restaurant. I have heard that people stay at Starbucks basically all day. But, maybe that's just a rumor.

But, yea, I hear you. The OP was a little bit "out there."
 
A laptop stand and a good Bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo would definitely be more effective. If you really need extra screen space and don't want to carry a separate monitor, there's always ASUS' wacky (but surprisingly solid) dual-screen Zenbook Duo.

Besides, for the web and productivity you don't need a desktop or even a monster laptop — just screen area. If I was in your boat I'd get a 15-inch MacBook Air and would be perfectly happy.
 
Could also get a mini pc and vesa mount it to the back of a monitor - oh wait are there pass through arms/stands he could do that/mount it to? 🤔
 
kram182 said:
Could also get a mini pc and vesa mount it to the back of a monitor - oh wait are there pass through arms/stands he could do that/mount it to? 🤔
Click to expand...
If the OP had gone that route, I would have rather recommended an iMac or a similar all-in-one.

With that said, any desktop-in-the-coffee-shop solution is going to be a huge hassle. Never mind the bulk or setup time — I won't be surprised if baristas ask you to put it away before you've even turned it on. Coffee houses already dislike customers who are mainly there to use the Wi-Fi... imagine the reaction when you start clamping a monitor arm and otherwise make it clear you're going to monopolize a table for most of the day.
 
Aurelius said:
If the OP had gone that route, I would have rather recommended an iMac or a similar all-in-one.

With that said, any desktop-in-the-coffee-shop solution is going to be a huge hassle. Never mind the bulk or setup time — I won't be surprised if baristas ask you to put it away before you've even turned it on. Coffee houses already dislike customers who are mainly there to use the Wi-Fi... imagine the reaction when you start clamping a monitor arm and otherwise make it clear you're going to monopolize a table for most of the day.
Click to expand...

People already do it, where do you think my previous pic (and these) came from?

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It's better and funnier than crack head bums setting up shop all day

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