The Tables Have Turned On Smart Table Tech
Hacker Steve Gibbs built a $300 interactive smart table using reclaimed tech, proving high-tech furniture doesn’t need a high price tag.
Who wants a plain old coffee table when they can have an interactive smart table loaded with the latest tech instead? Actually, most people probably want the boring old table — not so much because they love boring things, but because these tables typically cost thousands of dollars less than their high-tech counterparts. Sure, interactive tables have a fair amount of hardware packed into them, but are the high price tags really justified?
Considering that the main components going into one of these tables are a flat-screen TV, a mid-range computer manufactured a few years ago, and possibly a tablet, it would seem that they are quite overpriced. Hardware like this can be purchased for very little on secondary markets, or even at thrift stores. Hardware hacker Steve Gibbs recognized this and could not stomach the idea of purchasing a commercial table, so decided to attempt building a custom interactive smart table instead.
The final design for the table incorporated a repurposed 40-inch smart TV, an old laptop running Windows 11 Pro, and a touchscreen overlay frame to transform the TV into a giant interactive display. The table also features a tilting mechanism, allowing it to be used as both a traditional coffee table and a functional workspace.
One of the many challenges Gibbs faced was making the table practical for everyday use. Since a standard TV screen is not built to support heavy objects, he installed a 5mm-thick acrylic sheet with a light gray tint over the display. This not only provided durability but also gave the illusion of a standard tabletop when the screen was off.
Perhaps the biggest selling point of Gibbs' project is the cost. Commercial interactive tables often sell for $4,000 to $8,000, with some high-end models even exceeding $10,000. However, by sourcing free and second-hand materials — including the TV, laptop, and a soundbar — Gibbs managed to complete his build for around $300. Even if one were to purchase all components new, the total cost would still be significantly lower at approximately $700.
Functionality-wise, Gibbs’ table has a lot to offer. The TV serves as a display for both Windows 11 and an Android emulator, allowing access to a wide range of applications. An Amazon Fire tablet acts as a secondary interface, functioning as a wireless trackpad, keyboard, and control center. The table also supports streaming services, gaming, work-related applications, and even virtual tablecloths that can be cast onto the screen to enhance aesthetics.
As this project demonstrates, with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, tech enthusiasts can build custom smart furniture tailored to their needs at a fraction of the usual price. Whether for productivity, entertainment, or simply a futuristic aesthetic, Gibbs’ smart table proves that high-tech living does not have to come with a high price tag.
