debcook

My laptop is used everyday. Much of the time it is used sitting on my desk. So why is it called a laptop? OK, I understand that the name is accurate because it can be used on my lap.

Many times I try to write with my laptop sitting on my lap. For a short period of time it works great, but before long my legs are sweating and I am squirming in my recliner. Disappointed, I get up and move back to my desk. Portability is important to me so I want to find a solution to this problem.

The first thing I hear is “get a laptop cooling stand”. Great idea. Except that I do not want a device larger than my laptop on my lap in addition to my laptop. Do you want a gadget with fans running sitting on your lap? Me neither.

Actually I have researched quite a few laptop-cooling stands and I very seldom read that they belong on your lap. Most descriptions have them sitting on a desk – pulling out and distributing the heat produced by a laptop. Most have integrated fans powered by a USB connection. Some have the ability to set the laptop at an angle but most just look like a flat slab of metal (hollow in the middle) that a laptop is set upon.

Alas, my search has not been in vain however. I found two gadgets that I really like. One is the Xpad and the other is the Targus Portable Lapdesk. The Xpad looks great for home use while the Targus Lapdesk folds to a compact size for travel. Both are lightweight and while there are no fans included the laptop is elevated. Non-skid surfaces protect your laptop since it will not easily slide.

All I ask for is something that is portable, easy to store and easy to use. I truly want to use my laptop on my lap and I want to enjoy it. Have you used either one of these devices?