LapWorks Laptop Desk 2.0 review

At first glance, and indeed every other glance afterward, the LapWorks Laptop Desk 2.0 doesn't seem like much; it's basically two corrugated pieces of plastic, held in place by a couple of hinges in the middle lap from the heat of your notebook, while also serving as an ergonomic stand. The company's heat reduction claims are modest for the device, but it also acts as insulation from the underside of your notebook, reducing the likelihood of you getting "hot legs." " receive.

It'll add a little weight and bulk to your travels at 1.4 pounds and 0.6 inches thick, but if you often don't have a desk or table to work with, you won't mind making room for it in your laptop bag. It's worth it Don't even bother making the $30 investment if your notebook stays in your home as it has many uses.

For example, I tend to work on my couch. The laptop desk provides stability and just enough protection to keep me from going sterile from the more than generous heat output of my 15-inch PowerBook G4. However, I use it in half folded so I have two layers of thick plastic for protection. There is also a non-slip rubber surface to keep the notebook in place. The fun doesn't stop there though.

Used openly, the laptop desk provides a good, good, desk for your laptop. Larger, heavier notebooks like this 17-inch HP Pavilion dv9000 don't leave much room on the sides of the notebook. But I like the 15-inch laptop desk or smaller systems greatly, since it has side room for the mouse. (LapWorks sells an additional mouse surface for $9.95 for even more room.)

Finally, looking at the bottom/inside reveals a small plastic panel on one of the ends that folds up and notches on the opposite end. Fold the laptop desk in half and flip the panel up so it snaps into one of the notches and You have a height-adjustable notebook stand. Not only does this allow you to type more comfortably at a table or desk, but you can also use it to increase the height of your screen if you want to use it with a full-size keyboard.

The ventilation channels built into the surface allow hot air to be drawn away from the bottom of the notebook by convection. However, there is nothing that can physically push or draw the air away. So don't expect your computer to suddenly get cold because of the ducts. Again, LapWorks' cooling claims are pretty modest, which I respect.

The company recently refreshed the LaptopDesk with the Futura model. The design is basically the same but they opened up the air ducts for better cooling and added some grippy risers that minimize the amount of laptop that actually touches the pad, which in turn minimizes heat transfer from the notebook to your lap. The Futura is also slightly slimmer and lighter with a slightly flashier look.