In various embodiments, a transparent hinged substrate apparatus integrated nto a portable computer may address common deficiencies associated with space limitations on student desktop surfaces. The transparent hinged substrate apparatus may utilize, in some embodiments, a transparent substrate that is positioned between the display side and the keypad side of a portable computer. The transparent hinged substrate apparatus may be movable into multiple positions including one position that covers the keypad side of the portable computer without touching any of the keys of the keypad. Thus, the keypad surface may now be used as a work surface using the same physical space occupied by the portable computer.