September 5, 2007 4:11 PM
Portable Desk for Notebooks-Safety First
A little over a month ago, I received a product by LapWorks, the Laptop Desk Futura. The product is designed to improve laptop cooling and provide an ergonomically sound workspace across the lap. It also folds into a wedge-shaped stand for desk use.
When I first looked at the contraption, my first thoughts were another useless piece of plastic that offers no real value to the real world. Let me be the first to apologize to the company, and say I use the device practically every day. I love it! I endure a daily hour and a half train ride home, one way, might I add, and without it, I probably would get no work done and most likely be sterile by now.
The unit makes a great travel companion. It packs easily too into any bag.
Another advantage of this accessory is that the ventilation slots in the stand allow air to flow below and around the laptop, so that it runs cooler than it would if it was sitting on a flat surface. Constructed of high-impact ABS plastic, the Laptop Desk Futura weighs 16 ¼ ounces and folds in half to 11 x 10 3/4 inches and 1/2 of an inch thick for easy storage in any computer bag. It carries a one-year warranty.
The new unit was designed with open ventilation slots, which were previously closed channels so air can enter from under the Futura. These slots were elongated by 2-inches so hot air has a better pathway to escape from under wide screen notebooks. The company also created a 1/8 inch air space to let cool air circulate under the notebook with rubber pads that lift and separate it from the Futura.
In the next three months, the company plans to offer the Futura in bright, modern, hand-painted colors similar to iPod/MP3 player skins. The company also plans to offer customized Futura paint jobs. “All colors will be offered at premium prices,” said Jose Calero, LapWorks president.
The current unit modeled in gun-metal gray, retails for $29.95, which you can buy directly from LapWorks. As a lap tray, the Futura unfolds into a wide, 21 x 11 x 3/8 inch workspace. It is a known fact that a lightweight lap desk across the knees improves posture. Another known fact is a wide lap span (20-inches or more) allows knees to relax, minimizing strain on shoulders, neck, back, and arms.
Besides the ergonomics, laptops generate tremendous heat, which are both dangerous for you and your PC. Bottom line here is the Futura is a dynamite concept, which will protect the road warrior from any and all hazards one may encounter during his or her travels.
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