Notebook Platforms for using in bed, couch, etc...

Greetings. I want to buy a notebook Platforms for using in bed, couch, etc. for my 15.4" Wide Thinkpad. Since using the notebook on my lap is a bit uncomfortable, mainly because of the heat.

I want something that's easy to store. But it doesn't have to be that portable. I'll only use it at home. It shouldn't be that big, but it should fit my 15.4" notebook without any problems, nor let it slide.
Also, I don't want any cooling features, nor the need to have to plug the platform to AC.

I'm thinking of buying the Belkin CushTop, since it has positive reviews. But maybe someone knows others (or can report their experience with this peripheral).

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You can alway go for the cheaper option (like me) and use a standard A4 Ringbinder or a plank of wood

 

by lookin at the cushtop, it looks like there might be a problem with cooling. the material looks real soft like the memory foam stuff so the laptop might "sink" a bit into the material. that might block yur vents.

i went with the targus x-stand for use, off of my cryo LX. i would recommend somethin that lifts the rear of yur laptop up a bit to help coolin. somethin along the lines of the lapinator.

 

I would get one of those cheap breakfast in bed tables. They are cheap and you can find them in any like Walmart, Kmart, Bed/Bath Beyond :]

 

Actually, the CushTop is really good for cooling (according to reviews). The X-Stand is not an option. The Lapinator seems to do the job. It's a tad big, though. Also, the lifting provided by the Belkin one is a nice feacture. But the Lapinator is also more portable. Thanks for the advice.

Those aren't that good for sitting on a chair, for instance. They need additional support from another surface.

I'll probably go with the Cushtop. Thanks.

 

I use a board from an old dresser. Got one at home and one at college. Work perfect for it.

 

I completely agree. I have the Cushtop, and have not noticed any cooling problems. Very comfortable too.

 

Would the Cushtop prevent the air circulating from the laptop? It looks interesting...I might even buy one :O

 

I had the same concerns. Some reviews I have come across allay those fears.

Perhaps the biggest concern I had about using the CushTop was that it would act as a type of laptop heat-trap. As I’m sure you’re aware, excessive heat can be deadly to a laptop, because�it�can cause sudden crashes, unexpected shut-downs and worse. So my last intention would be to put anything against my laptop that wouldn’t allow hot air to easily exit as designed. Well, I needn’t have worried.

Because the CushTop is so stiff, it does not conform to the bottom, back or sides of the propped up laptop; this allows the laptop’s vents to remain unobstructed. I suppose it is possible that there might be a poorly designed laptop out there with its intake or exhaust vents on the bottom, in which case there would be a problem while using the CushTop - as well as when setting the laptop on any other surface.



from:

http://www.geardiary.com/2006/12/28/the-belkin-cushtop-review/

 

I have a bit of plywood that is a bit bigger than the laptop. I nailed a strip of wood along the back edge so the laptop wouldn't slip off (it doesn't block airflow). The size is a lot wider than the laptop as I found this made it more comfortable when it is on my lap. WHen I am at home, the laptop sits on this all the time - it also insulates the table top from the heat of the laptop.

David

 

I use three things:

-Myself sitting propped up with my knees bent up to secure the lappy!
-A really cool nightstand I have, that's the perfect height!!

-And my cat's I've trained them to hold my laptop!
Lap cat = laptop holder = laptop cat...perfection!!!


Cin

 

I have no complaints about my Lapinator.

 

Another vote here. Light as a feather, small and 100% insulating of the legs and nuts.

 

i already have enough cooler junk i don't need/use, but the lapinator really peaks my interest. this might be the next product i check out.

branny or gigiya: do u guys see any temp drops with the lapinator? any other benefits?

 

Hello matey,

Never measured internal temps or anything like that but 12 hour sessions on Civ and Spore and the legs remain cool!

 

I have the CushTop and it works great. No over heating problems at all.

 

I also have the CushTop and *LOVE* it. When I picked it up at Target I really didn't have high hopes for it, but had read such glowing reviews on Amazon that I figured I'd give it a try (since I could always return it). But after using it for one evening I was completely sold. It is, hands down, the best accessory I've bought for my new laptop.

It it stiff enough that your laptop has as much space beneath it as it would if it were sitting on a table. Whats great about it is that the type of fabric they use on it really has a good grip with the rubber feet of a laptop. It's amazing how much I can tilt it with my laptop feeling steady as a rock. I use it on an ottoman in front of a chair in my den, but it also is a great height when sitting it in your lap (and very light as well). Moving from room to room is super easy too since (because of the opening in the middle) you can pick up the CushTop and laptop together very easily. I have a Sony Vaio FW (16.4") and am still able to use the side meant for 15" laptops. Flipping it gives you the larger side meant for 17" and up sizes.

I can't say enough good things about it

 

I've made mine out of a cardboard box
Just get a box size that fits your size of a laptop (not including the lid and bottom flaps, explain in a minutee)
Push one of the corners in, so now its flat instead of a square,
The lids will also be flat and lined up, Bend one (top or bottom flaps, dont matter) down so it looks like the lifted back of this cooler http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/im...4954&s=office-products&qid=1224103570&sr=8-29 (of course the cardboard will be thinner than the thick thing they have holding it up in the back) and tape it there so it doesnt fold when weight is on it. Than with the free lids (top or bottom, whichever you didnt use the first time) fold it ALL the way around, so it looks like the Lip of that cooler, that works as a wrist pad and keeps the laptop from sliding forward.
Than just cut hole(s) where your fan(s) are and your good to go!
trust me it works and its free

 

Just use one of those TV dinner trays with adjustable height and tilt.

 

lol... I am sure they like the warmth as well.

 

Check out my post a while back about what stand to use in bed here