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    Rubbermaid laptop stand

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Ardroth, Jan 22, 2007.

  1. Ardroth

    Ardroth Notebook Consultant

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    I was looking into buying a cooling mat, but last night I saw a stand made by rubbermaid at walmart. It's at an angle, so it supposedly creates a more ergonomic working environment. It has a metal grate underneath to allow the computer to "breathe" better. I didn't buy it, but I wanted to see if anyone has anything good to say about it here... It was only like $17, so it's considerably cheaper then a cooling mat (not to mention it helps ergonomically). I'm just wondering if it's worth it... I use my laptop mostly as a home computer on my desk (desktop replacement), so it seems like it may be a good investment. My computer is always running since I'm usually downloading and such. Occasionally I'll take the computer to campus and such, but does anyone think the rubbermaid laptop stand is any good (especially considering my use)?
     
  2. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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  3. dragonesse

    dragonesse Notebook Deity

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    Well, this sounds like a good solution provided passive cooling is all you need to add to your laptop. If it tends to run really hot, you'd probably do better with something that has fans in it. If you're just looking for better ventilation and something to provide some slant to your laptop, this is probably fine.
     
  4. Ardroth

    Ardroth Notebook Consultant

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    Wow, that actually is pretty nice... but twice as expensive. The rubbermaid is simpler though... I actually don't really have a any problem with my comp getting hot (it's about 45 degrees on average use). But my last computer had a lot of dust build-up from sitting on a desk and getting no ventilation...
     
  5. vikingjunior

    vikingjunior Notebook Consultant

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  6. Ardroth

    Ardroth Notebook Consultant

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  7. valley

    valley Notebook Consultant

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    The dollar store has small "door stop", angled rubber wedges, in packs of three for $1.50. Unfortunately the temperature drops marginally, I'm scepticle about this claim people make.
    I'd lean towards powered fans, for proper heat removal.
     
  8. vikingjunior

    vikingjunior Notebook Consultant

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  9. amethyst

    amethyst Newbie

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    I bought the Rubbermaid laptop stand recently. The stand is adjustable, lightweight, has a ventilated bottom, and has a sturdy bottom "lip" to keep the laptop in place. I have used it on a table, on my desk, and find that when I move my laptop from room to room, it is easier to carry with the stand. The stand elevates the laptop just enough, making the keyboard much easier to see and use. No more neckaches! My boyfriend keeps "borrowing" it for his laptop, so I am looking for another one, but two Florida Wal-Mart stores are sold out already! I rate this accessory 10/10, a must-have.
     
  10. RogueMonk

    RogueMonk Notebook Deity

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    Pictures??
     
  11. MaxGem

    MaxGem Notebook Consultant

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    Since your laptop is mostly at home usage, it would be a good idea to get one or even a laptop cooler. I have the BYTECC Notebook Cooling Pad for my 17" laptop and is large enough to accommodate most of the laptop and is angled for better air flow as well as the 2 fans blowing into it. Got it for around $20+.
     
  12. grumpy3b

    grumpy3b Notebook Evangelist

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    i have the Rubbermaid stand that you saw at Wallyworld. Been using it for a while now (at least 6mos) and think it great. The only problem I had was the two restraining tabs on the front that hold the laptop in place tended to be somewhat scratchy so I just put a couple pieces of duct tape on them to soften the contact.

    But, it's a very sturdy solid stand. It does not work for non-flat surfaces like laps though. You could attach it to a board if you wanted.

    I also have that "Lapdesk". It's OK, bot great but has the advantage of being very light and portable. Folded open it allows use in your lap which is nice. I have used it for over 2-yrs but tend not to take it with me much anymore.

    If you want a very study well ventilated stand for around the house/office then the Rubbermaid is one of the better choices I have used. Plus at $17 it's dead cheap...
     
  13. Ardroth

    Ardroth Notebook Consultant

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    Well, I just bought one a couple days ago... so far I must say it is real nice. It elevates the monitor to eye-level, and it's definitely easier to type. I'm a little skeptical about the cooling action (as someone else pointed out)... Since I've started using it, my average temperature has dropped a whole 1 degree, and my fans still come on in their normal durations. At least it keeps the circulation level up...

    The only other gripe I have is that it goes way too high. The highest setting is almost ridiculous... Who in the world would want their keyboard to be practically at 45 degrees?! I have mine set on the lowest setting, and that's pushing it in terms of height. I tried it at the other 3 settings, and it's just way too high (I'm 6'1", and the lowest setting is plenty high enough).

    I'd recommend this over the other stands based on value though.
     
  14. RogueMonk

    RogueMonk Notebook Deity

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    Pictures!!!!????
     
  15. grumpy3b

    grumpy3b Notebook Evangelist

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    here is the Rubbermaid part number: ROL82410

    You can search for it and see pics.
     
  16. zolo

    zolo Notebook Evangelist

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  17. vikingjunior

    vikingjunior Notebook Consultant

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  18. idex

    idex Notebook Geek

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    If you use an external keyboard, I prefer something like this.
     
  19. vikingjunior

    vikingjunior Notebook Consultant

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    Received the SmartStand yesterday it's pretty solid and has cool rubber which the laptop sticks to very well, no need for straps.