iLap for Macs Keeps It Cool

Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:46AM EDT

See Comments (3)

Those of us who spend too much time on the computer need to take breaks from the desk and have alternate sitting positions so we don't develop nasty repetitive strain injuries. After evaluating my office desk, I gave it an ergonomic makeover, and I decided to take more breaks from my chair. I started to work from the couch using an over-sized wooden tray over my lap so I wouldn't singe my thighs, but it soon became a hassle. Notebook overheating is one of the reasons manufacturers recommend against working with "laptops" over your lap.

Macbook Pro owners—myself included—can't get away with using this notebook over our laps due to its tendency to overheat. Since the Macbook Pro's casing is aluminum, it tends to get too hot and will burn your thighs after prolonged use. I considered the CushTop, but Dory mentioned that it doesn't offer proper ventilation, so I scratched it off my list—even though the design was closer to what I needed. After scouring the web for a nice compromise of ergonomics and ventilation, I came across the iLap.

The iLap is made of aluminum with a sand-blasted and silver-anodized finish that matches MacBook Pro and Powerbooks perfectly. It raises your laptop's screen higher to reduce strain on your shoulders and neck, while keeping it cool by dissipating heat towards this area. You can use it on your lap or on your desk by removing the padded cushion that would normally support your wrists when using it on your lap. It's a great solution for Mac users who need a break from the desk.

I found mine at CompUSA, but you can order one online too for under $50. Does anyone have other recommendations?

Here are some related articles:

CushTop Cushions Laptop on Laps
iGo to Mac:You Complete Me
What Type of Chair Do You Have?
How to Avoid Repetitive Strain Injury

Comments on iLap for Macs Keeps It Cool

Post a Comment

Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

  • 1 Posted by blogizzle on Sun Apr 15, 2007 9:08PM EDT Report Abuse

    There was a little more in depth review of this product here: http://www.thinkmac.net/review/mobile/review-ilap-laptop-stand It seems like a good stand.

  • 2 Posted by cowpro on Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:12AM EDT Report Abuse

    Try a polyurethene cutting board that you can buy at Walmart for $9.00. Works great

  • 3 Posted by laura_steiner on Tue Apr 17, 2007 3:29AM EDT Report Abuse

    I'm a fan of the airdesk -- www.airdesks.com. It holds the laptop completely off your lap. It is very adjustable, and can hold the laptop at any angle. This allows you to type with your hands near your lap while the screen is near your eyes. Less of a need to hunch over. Great for working in a recliner. It's movable, but not conveniently so. Best for using from a particular chair. Not a perfect product. The plastic on my laptop tray had cracks all around it after a year or so. Still usable, but not comforting. The extra trays aren't well designed -- all three of mine broke. Wires and cords are held on by Velcro and can get twisted. All in all, though, it's the best laptop solution I've seen. I use it for hours and hours every day.

More Posts: First Prev 1 Next Last

Post a Comment

 

Sign In to see your profile information, saved products and more...

Register Sign In

My Favorite Gadgets

 

Recent Activity

 

Recently Viewed

on | off on | off
 

Recent Searches

on | off on | off
 
 
 

Also on Yahoo! Tech

Computers Home Office Wi-Fi & Networking Phones & PDAs Cameras & Camcorders TV & Home Theater Portable Audio
 

Question and Answer content at Yahoo! Tech is written by Yahoo! users at Yahoo! Answers. Yahoo! does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. For more information, read the Full Disclaimer.

Opinions expressed by the Advisors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Yahoo! Inc. Yahoo! receives no compensation from any manufacturer or distributor nor does it compensate any Advisor for the coverage of any product or service in any Advisor's content.