Wood Bench

Karrie asked if i could make a quick and simple bench for her back yard, just cut a couple of 2x4's and nail them together. Instead i decided to make this:
Obviously it took a bit more time and effort but it was basically the same cost, right around $30. I measured several existing chairs to get the right dimensions and sketched several different designs on paper until i ended up with something i liked. Then i drew it on AutoCAD to get the right dimensions and made sure it all went together correctly. Here's an image of the AutoCAD drawings i made.Here are the actual PDF files:
PDF 1
PDF 2
I printed out the full size pattern then cut out the pieces. I added the holes to lighten the weight, which i think it makes it look better too. Again form and function working together.
I spent a few hours tracing the patterns onto the wood, then cut out all the pieces.

I used a router to round over all the edges, then screwed and glued everything together.
There were a few surprises. One major change was that i decided to make it 4' wide instead of 5' wide. When i put the first 2 slats on i realized that it was too wide, so i cut them down to 4'. That also meant that it was stronger and there would be no wasted wood since they were 8' boards.
It didn't turn out exactly as i hoped. The seat could be longer and back rest could have been be more comfortable.

Once i had it all together i took off the slats then sanded, stained and put two coats of polyurethane on everything.

Keyboard & Mouse

I have been looking to buy this Lenovo Mini Wireless Keyboard N5901 for a while now. It sells for $60 but it's frequently on sale for $30 and that's what i ended up paying for it.
In many of the reviews people complained about the keyboard not being lighted, i can sort of see what they meant. If you are using this a an HTPC remote then you will probably be watching movies in a dark room. Think of this as trying to type on a cell phone because it's about that same size.

It connected to the computer very easily, just the typical USB wireless transmitter and my computer recognized it right away. I used it for a week but ended up going back to my wireless mouse and keyboard. I just felt more comfortable with a mouse and keyboard. But if you are someone that doesn't do a lot of typing, maybe the occasional email, and doesn't have space for a mouse and keyboard then this would be fine.
It does have a bit of a "plastic" feel to it, especially the track ball. But having said that it worked fine.