Laptop Lap Desk: Ilap 15 Pc - Laptop Stand By Rain Design Review

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(More customer reviews)Overview
If you are a proudowner of a G4 Powerbook, or any other Apple laptop computer, then you are aware,like I am, of how hot these laptops can get. One solution to turning down the heatis by using a fan-cooling laptop stand, such as the MacMice iBreeze. However, the iBreeze is designedfor desktop use, and most laptop owners have a varying number of locations they liketo use their laptop besides their desktop, such as in a chair or a sofa where thereis no desktop space available. On an airplane, those fold down dinner trays on theback of the seat in front of you are hardly a decent platform for your Powerbook.To solve the problems of heat as well as ergonomic comfort, Rain Design has engineereda versatile stand for your Powerbook called the iLap. The iLap is a laptop standthat keeps your laptop cool, and at the same time, lets you work comfortably on yourlap as well as at your desk. Designed specifically to fit the Apple Powerbooks, theiLap laptop stand is made of aluminum with sand-blasted and silver anodized finish.iLap is also suitable for other laptops as well. It comes in five sizes: 12 inch,14 inch, 15 inch, 15 inch widescreen and 17 inch widescreen versions.

This review was of the 15" iLap used with my 15" G4 Aluminum Powerbook.This iLap retails for $59.90.

Features
* iLap keeps your laptopcool by using light weight aluminum as a cool sink.
* Allows your laptop torun more efficiently and last longer.
* iLap raises your laptopto keep your lap cool.
* Padded with velvet cushionsfor extra comfort.
* iLap is ergonomicallydesigned to suit both lap and desk works, so you stay cool even on prolonged use.
* Raises your laptop screenhigher to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.

Setup
The iLap comes pre-assembled, except for the detachable front cushion that isused for when you have the computer on your lap. Out of the box, it's ready to useinstantly on your desktop. The cushion is easily fastened on to the front of theiLap to provide you the comfort of working from your Powerbook on your lap.

In Use
The iLap is made of a cool aluminum material with a swivel cushioned back that elevatesthe iLap to just the right angle. When using the iLap on a desktop, you leave offthe front cushion, and the iLap sits at just the right angle to making typing onyour Powerbook a better experience. I rarely use my Powerbook on a desktop - mainlybecause I already have three other desktop Macs: a G3 and a G4 at home, and a G4at work. However, when using my Powerbook on a desktop, I did find that it was muchnicer to work on with the iLap stand.

The real test for me was using the iLap from the places that I normally use my Powerbook.I like to use it while sitting on the sofa watching TV, often times laying on abed, and once in awhile while in a plane on a business trip. Without the iLap, myPowerbook really heats up when in use, which makes it less likely that I'll keepit on my lap for too long. At some point, I'll move it from my lap to the coffeetable, which requires me to hunch over quite a bit.

To use the iLap onmy lap, I first attached the velvet cushion that comes with the iLap. It attachesquite simply with a velcro strip that holds the cushion firmly in place. I thenput my Powerbook on the iLap (a very good fit), and then placed the iLap on my lap.I immediately found it to be far more comfortable than without the iLap. The backcushion of the iLap swivels, so I was able to adjust it to my comfort level no matterwhat position I chose to sit in. As time went by and the Powerbook began to heatup (as it usually does), I never really noticed. This meant I could continue usingit from my lap instead of moving it to the coffee table like I normally do. Thealuminum base of the iLap on which the Powerbook sits acts similar to the heatsinkin your computer by absorbing the heat. It doesn't take all the heat, however, soit never heats up to any level of discomfort. With the cushion padding that separatesthe iLap from my lap, I noticed the heat even less, to the point that there was absolutelyno discomfort due to heat.Thefront cushion also acts as a nice wrist pad for typing on the Powerbook.

When using the Powerbook while laying in bed (whether my own, or some hotel roomon a business trip), I found the iLap to provide better ergonomics. I'm sure thatan ergonomic expert would tell you not to use a Powerbook while laying down, withor without an iLap, but sometimes that's just where I happen to be when I decideto boot it up. The point is, the iLap improves the experience by elevating the Powerbookand placing it at an angle that is better for typing. Whether I was sitting up inbed with the Powerbook on my lap, or laying down on my stomach with the Powerbookon the bed, the iLap improved the experience.

For a piece of metal with a couple of cushions, $59.90 seemed like a lot of moneyat first. However, given the investment I've already made in purchasing the Powerbook,and given the function of the iLap, the price tag justifies itself by way of greatlyimproving my use of the Powerbook. First of all, the iLap is engineered quite well.The aluminum base and swivel leg are very sturdy, and the padding is well stitched and very comfortable. More importantly, it functions exactly as advertised, greatlyimproving the ergonomics of working on my Powerbook, and thereby enhancing my enjoymentof using it. Finally, by drawing heat from the Powerbook, the iLap decreases thewear and tear that processor heat can cause, prolonging the life of your investment.The only thing missing is a carrying bag that allows me to tote my iLap along withthe Powerbook.

Summary
The iLap is a versatile and compact laptop stand that is made for your Powerbook.It comes in a variety of sizes suited for all of the varying sizes of Powerbooks.The aluminum base absorbs heat from your Powerbook, making your Powerbook coolerto work with. Using the iLap with a Powerbook on your desktop, it provides an ergonomicallyimproved elevation and angle. Using the iLap with the velcro attachable front cushionallows you to use your Powerbook on your lap with much more comfort, both by keepingthe heat away from your lap, as well as providing just the right angle to work with.The iLap is one of those simple yet very cool product add-ons that truly enhancesyour Powerbook experience. If you are looking for something to make your Powerbookmore comfortable to use, or are tired of it burning a hole in your lap, the iLapis the perfect Powerbook companion.

Pros
* Absorbs heat from your Powerbook and keeps it offof your lap
* Cushions provide additional comfort
* Swivel cushion provides different angles for differentlap sizes
* Comes in a variety of sizes to meet your specificneeds

Cons
* You may need to shop for the right case to holdboth your Powerbook and iLap

Overall Rating:
4 1/2 out of 5 Mice

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Product Description:
Rain Designs iLap is a versatile laptop stand that keeps your laptop cool, and at the same time, lets you work comfortably on your lap as well as on your desk. Made of aluminum with sand-blasted and silver anodized finish, iLap acts as a cool sink to conduct heat
away from your laptop while airflow underneath dissipates the heat, so your laptop stays cooler and lasts longer. iLap also keeps you cool by lifting the heated bottom of your laptop off your lap and is padded with cushions for extra comfort. For better ergonomics, iLap raises the screen and tilts your keyboard to a more comfortable angle, so there is less strain on your neck, shoulders, and wrists. Winner of Laptop Magazine Editors Choice Award, 'This is the most versatile laptop stand you can buy.' iLap comes in five sizes: 12-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 15-inch widescreen, and 17-inch widescreen for Apple and PC laptops.

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