A macbook, like any laptop, allows you to work anywhere. However, that doesn’t mean it’s good for your precious laptop to be sitting on your blankets, or couch when you work. In fact: it’s not good, because if you work for longer periods of time the laptop is bound to get overheated. Most laptops, including Apple’s Macbook lines, have their airvents at the bottom, which means that you’re likely to block them in ordinary use.
This is not good. It can lead to overheating which in turn may shut your laptop down and many of the components are heat sensitive so that they will degrade and break sooner than they would if you did cool your laptop properly.
Since Macbooks are among the most expensive of laptops, whether you have a Macbook Air or Macbook Pro, it’s all the more important to take good care of it so you can enjoy it for years.
In choosing a lapdesk there are really only a few considerations:
- The size of your laptop
However, most lap desks are created in a one-size-fits philosophy. That is: they’re made for 17 inch laptops and anything smaller will of course also fit. Since the newest Macbook Air and Macbook Pro lines don’t go higher than 15 inch, size is not really an issue. - Whether you want storage with your lapdesk
- Whether your lap desk should actively cool your laptop, is designed to or only protect your legs from the heat
- Looks: since you splurged on that macbook, you probably want a lapdesk that fits the style of that expensive laptop.
LapGear Deluxe Computer LapDesk
This popular lap desk includes room for an external mouse as well as pockets for peripherals like an external drive and mouse. Users do complain that a 17 inch laptop doesn’t quite fit. However, the more comfy 15 inch and 13 inch models DO fit. I suspect that it’s 17 inch widescreen laptops that DO fit, while ordinary (older) 17 inch laptops have too big a screen.
iLap Laptop Stand By Rain Design, designed for the Macbook
This design is obviously created with the Macbook Air and Macbook pro in mind. Doesn’t it show? The aluminium cools the laptop while the cushions ensure proper airflow for even more cooling action. This lap desk comes in version for 12 inch, 13 inch widescreen, 14 inch, 15 inch, 15 inch widescreen and 17 inch widescreen. That’s every type of laptop out there.
The stand is not meant for use with an external mouse though and doesn’t have pockets either.
Personally I prefer that: smaller is better. My lap is not that big.
The cushions can be removed, so you can fit the configuration to your own preferences.
Logitech has a whole line of lap desks. This is one of the more comfortable versions. The cooling is in the meshing in the cushions, weirdly enough. This design is large enough to fit a 17 inch Macbook Pro, for those who still have one, so it may be a bit big if you have a 13 inch laptop.
I do think it’s a beautiful lap desk, so it won’t disgrace your Macbook. I avoided buying this one because I felt it was too big. However, tastes vary and if you want to use it with an external mouse you’re probably well off.
This is the second Logitech lap desk I’m reviewing. It’s the only one of the set with inbuilt fans, powered by a USB connection to the laptop.
It has a load of positive reviews an the design may not be soft on the legs, but I find in practice that this is not actually necessary. The body doesn’t need a cushion as long as there are no sharp edges on the legs.
Reviewers note that this is a very light lapdesk.
Once you have a laptop, you don’t just want to use it at your desk. Sometimes you want to browse while lounging on your couch, or reference it as you’re doing homework, sitting on your bed talking things over with friends.
Yet a laptop on your lap is actually not a very healthy thing. The heat can cause skin problems, and in males can even impact their fertility.
Enter the lap desk, or the more simple lap pads.
Lap pads are little more than cushions between your laptop and your lap. A lap desk may have space for accessories like mp3 players as well as room for the mandatory cup of something or other. Some are great for sunday morning breakfast in bed too: with room for magazines on the side.
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