Lap Desks

Anyone use a lap desk? I'm in a very limited space situation and a real desk is more or less out of the question. A quick amazon search turned up

Amazon.com: My Place Myplace Laptop Table Notebook Workstation: Electronics

It looks pretty decent, they also sold one with 2 fans to help cool that looks kinda flimsy

Anyone use something like this? I would prefer one that is large enough to use a mouse (15" laptop) but beggars can't be choosers.

Any input/suggestions? I can maybe get the material to build my own but again in my situation that is going to be tricky

 

I am using the same tray with my Alienware M17x-R2. I like it because you have 3 overall height adjustments (legs folded for tray mode, half-legs for using on the couch & full-legs for placing on the floor), plus you can raise each side of the top for an angle adjustment. It also has storage space under the mousepad side. Granted, with the size of an m17x, it will overlap the mousepad side about 1.5" if you have the left side flush with the edge, but to compensate, I just moved the m17x to the left & let it overhang a little. My only complaint is that about a year ago (it is about 2 years old now) the built-in mousepad ended up getting a small tear in the cloth & it started "a run" in the material, causing me to peel that off entirely. I now have a regular mousepad sitting there to reduce the chances of the mouse sliding off when I shift my position while on the recliner.

Here are a couple threads about various trays & stands that the M17x community uses for their systems, which should help give you an idea on what is possible for your 15" laptop:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/485832-laptop-stand-recommendations-m17x.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/481324-anyone-recommend-good-bed-tray.html

You could possibly try searching through this subforum & probably find more detailed information from owners of other 15" laptops too.

Good luck!

 

What about trying out a breakfast tray?

Or, this lapinator

I have something similar to the one you linked above, but parts of it are made of plastic, and I wouldn't recommend that one.

 

Have you tried seeing what LapWorks has? They've got a couple of nice solutions that might be right up your alley. You might want to check out the following review for more information:

HardwareLogic: Reviews - LapWorks Wizard Notebook Stand

 

That ones a bit more than I wanna spend

The Lapinator plus looks interesting might even have a little bit of mouse room

 

the lapinator plus is a really nice passive lap cooler. very lightweight and the padding makes it very comfortable for long uses. if u have a smaller laptop then u might have enough room on the sides of the plus model to use a mouse. if anything, u can always buy the mouse extension later on.

 

this is the one I use
Rocketfish Mobile Laptop Desk - Brown : Supports and Stands - Future Shop

has build in mouse pads on left and right side, and cup holder left and right side. Comfortable lots of padding. I love it.

 

I personally use this one. Amazon.com: Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315: Electronics It allows me to use my mouse for when I need to game and there is no table available.

 

How's the little pullout table for your mouse working out for you?...does it bend if you put a little pressure on it?

 

I use a breakfast try sort of thing, it has bean bag balls on the bottom in a very wide U shape, and then a hardtray on top for whatever to go on top. I think it's great, and also eases my head about radiation to my you know what

 

Surprisingly enough it is actually pretty sturdy. I only really use my laptop when I am out of the house and this lap desk has been small enough to carry around. When I feel the need to play a quick game the pull out tray works very well.

 

I also use the Logitech N315 Lapdesk. It's the perfect size really. Its thin and flat and short enough to be packed into a backpack with everything else. The mouse tray can flex but not in normal use. With the mouse tray pulled out, I have the tray resting on my leg which is why I have no flex.

 

I use the exact tray mentioned in the OP. I love the desk light part of it, almost makes up for not having a backlit keyboard. It works great for gaming while sitting/laying in bed, if I don't use the mouse though I just end up using the computer directly on my lap.

 

Any of these fit a 17"

 

Lapinator should. There is also the Lapinator Plus for 18" + (information w/in link provided) : )

 

Everything in the second post was about a 17" laptop.

 

Im stuck deciding between the lapinator (with mouse pad) or the Logitech portable N315

I'm leaning towards the logitech since its cheaper if it doesn't work I'm only out 15 instead of 30 and if it does I saved 15 bucks

 

I have the Logitech N700 and i recommend it a lot.
The built-in speakers are average (but better than laptop speakers), the fan doesn't make any noise and it's overall comfortable. In the beginning i hated that the cushion was so firm but i understand now it was because it was giving stability to the laptop, something that's really needed when gaming.