Including a cup holder in the interior design of a car may have been the greatest idea since sliced bread. However, using it for a cup only is a close minded notion. With so many other things to throw in it, the more popular of which I?ll include in this article, you have the ability to create a home away from home, or a mobile office.

Cups and beverages are the natural choice. We thank the auto industry for including a cup holder in the interior design of our automobiles. Cups of coffee, bottles of water, and even the now popular energy drinks can accompany us on our morning commute to the office, or when picking the kids up from school. Minus the occasional spill, most of us just take this simple application for granted.

As technology advances, so does our need for it, and our most useful inventions, cell phones and PDA?s, fit nicely in the cup holder. The position being centrally located helps us never miss a call. (Many states are passing “hands free” laws regarding cell phone usage, and although I agree we should be driving first, texting later, the cup holder is still a logical place to store these types of devices.) The number of cup holders included in cars has also increased, so often times more than just the two devices mentioned above can travel with you, like mp3 players, hand held gaming consoles, or even small video players.

For myself, I?m always counting out pennies while waiting in line at the drive-thru. Other than the few nickels, and occasional dirty dime masquerading as a penny, there only ever seems to be copper coins. This use is probably found more among the younger generations, like those going to high school or college, but it is nonetheless a logical practice.

There?s one last topic, and probably the most creative. Various articles on the web describe a laptop tray that extends from the cup holder in your car. Constructed of PVC pipe, duct tape, and glue, this inventive use is described as making the morning commute more exciting. Cool idea or not, I don?t promote using any device while the car is on, or more importantly while it is in motion. For more information (or to see a picture with a detailed description) search ?cup holder laptop tray? on any search engine.