Lapworks Aluminum Desktop Stand loves my MacBook Pro
My MacBook Pro is a big honking laptop. I wouldn't trade it for anything, though, it's a great desktop replacement and it's working very well for me. I only have two problems with it- it gets too hot sometimes and my wrists hurt after typing a while on it. The former problem is only during CPU intensive tasks like games (so I've heard) and running Parallels. The latter is a bigger problem for me since I do a lot of writing and because the MBP is so thin and flat that after a while my wrists really hurt. I was thinking about what to do about that when the nice folks at LapWorks sent me one of their new Aluminum Desktop Stands to try out. What a difference the right angle makes!
The Stand is a very thin and light adjustable stand designed to hold any notebook computer at a comfortable angle for typing and viewing. It is well constructed from aluminum (hence the name) and can be used in a number of ways depending on your needs. There are 3 different angles the stand can be positioned to allow you to get your notebook at a comfortable angle for typing. In these configurations the screen is also elevated providing a totally ergonomic layout for your device. I use the Aluminum Desktop Stand in this configuration and it has totally eliminated my wrist problem. The stand holds my MBP securely and I just have to remember not to eject a DVD while on the stand as it does block the slot on the MBP. The elevated MBP runs much cooler as air can flow under the notebook and the difference is notable when using the stand. Both of my problems solved with a simple solution.
The stand can also be configured in 3 high angles for those who use an external keyboard with their notebook. This raises the laptop screen up to eye level for such usage. In any of the 6 configurations the base of the stand can swivel 360 degrees allowing easy rotation of the notebook for any scenario or to show the screen to someone nearby. No matter what the configuration I find the LapWorks stand to be very sturdy, even on my 17" MBP which is much wider than most laptops. It is well constructed and comes complete with a neoprene travel case that can function as a mouse pad in a pinch. It also comes with 4 stick-on rubber feet that can be attached to the stand to provide additional stability for the notebook, but I haven't found it necessary to use them with the MBP.
The LapWorks Aluminum Desktop Stand retails for $69.95 but can be picked up for $59.95 throughout the month of May, complete with a one year warranty. The stand is sold on the LapWorks web site and I highly recommend it.
I found the same thing, James. In addition, the heat would pool up around the top where the wrist pad is, and that my wrists even more uncomfortable. I used a similar angle solution and it helped a great deal. Although, I ended up plugging in a full size keyboard and mouse because of the heat issue.
Posted by: Rob Bushway | May 11, 2007 at 08:14 AM
Handy accessory for those who work long hours on laptops.
Posted by: siddesh | July 24, 2007 at 01:35 AM