LapWorks, the company semi-famous now for releasing their Laptop Desk, a product that allows laptop users to use a laptop without burning their legs, providing a better angle to type at, and giving better air ventilation for the laptop.
Well now LapWorks have released a new product, called the Futura Laptop Desk. It is essentially the same “idea”, but with some new additions. So how well does it do?
I am still a great fan of the “Original” Laptop Desk (ok, I call it the original one, but I am referring to the Laptop Desk 2.0). As it is really such a simple product I wasn’t sure that LapWorks would be able to further improve on it – at least, not improve on it to such an extent that I would consider going out and buying the latest version. However I am pleasantly surpised.
Lets see what they have to say about the Futura Laptop Desk:
LapWorks® Inc., the market leader in ergonomic and heat- reducing laptop desks, stands, and accessories today announced a fashion-forward addition to its Laptop Desk® family – the Laptop Desk Futura™. Like its Laptop Desk 2.0 and UltraLite siblings, the Futura’s dual-purpose design provides an ergonomically-sound workspace across the lap, and folds into a wedge-shaped stand for desk use. An oval-shaped burst differentiates the chic Futura design, and it will be LapWorks’ first laptop cooler to come optionally in fashion colors in the coming months. The initial units, in modernistic ‘gun-metal’ gray, retail for $29.95 directly from LapWorks.
To improve laptop cooling over previous designs, LapWorks 1) created open ventilation slots which were previously closed channels so cool air can enter from under the Futura, 2) elongated these slots by 2 inches so hot air has a better pathway to escape from under wide-screen notebooks, and 3) created a 1/8-inch air space to let cool air circulate under the notebook with rubber pads that lift and separate it from the Futura.
“In the next three months we plan to offer the Futura in bright, modern, hand-painted colors similar to iPod/MP3 player skins,” said Jose Calero, LapWorks’ president. LapWorks also plans to offer customized Futura paint jobs. All colors – hand-painted and customized – will be offered at premium prices. “Some of our customers have asked when we might have a trendy Laptop Desk, so we are dipping our toes into the fashion fountain with the Futura,” Calero explained.
The Laptop Desk Futura weighs just over a pound (16 ¼ ounces), and folds in half to 11 x 10 ¾ inches and one-half of an inch thick for easy traveling in any computer bag. It is constructed of high-impact ABS plastic, and carries a one-year warranty.
“The Futura’s design takes better advantage of the thermal dynamics of heat rising to cool notebooks,” said Calero. “The moment hot air radiates from the bottom of a notebook, it travels laterally looking for the quickest way to rise. The new open, elongated slots let cool air in from the bottom to mix with and begin cooling the hot air seeking its way out and up. Additionally, we are confident that the Futura will not absorb sufficient heat to overheat and radiate heat downward, which is good news for the lap.”
The Futura retains key design features of the award-winning, dual-purpose Laptop Desk 2.0 and Laptop Desk UltraLite.
As a lap tray, the Futura unfolds into a wide, 21 x 11 x 3/8-inch workspace. Ergonomist Sally A Longyear, CIE, MPH, uses LapWorks’ wide-span lap desks to demonstrate correct posture. “LapWorks’ Laptop Desks span the entire lap so you can relax your knees naturally instead of squeezing them together to balance a laptop,” Longyear says. “This minimizes strain on the shoulders, neck, back and arms.” This illustration shows correct laptop-using posture on a desk and on a lap.
As a desktop stand, the Futura folds into a wedge shape that offers 5 typing angles that incline the notebook’s keyboard for more ergonomically comfortable use than when set flat on a desk. It also elevates the screen 3 ¾ inches closer to eye level at maximum incline to reduce neck strain.
Because of the limited mousing space on the Futura, customers who prefer an external mouse when using a laptop on their lap should consider the Laptop Desk 2.0 or the slightly longer, yet lighter Laptop Desk UltraLite which was designed to support notebooks weighing less than 5 pounds. Later this year, LapWorks expects to offer a snap-on MouzPad to expand the Futura’s mousing area.
The Futura Laptop desk itself comes in a very small package, with just a simple bag and cardboard insert acting as the only packaging. The first thing you notice is its “Futuristic” look (guess thats where the name came from!), it looks like something you’d expect to see in a sci fi movie.
One of the greatest improvements that have been developed for this version of the Laptop Desk is the much needed holes for ventilation. Previous versions didn’t allow adequate ventiliation as it was effectively just one solid block of plastic, so air had to run along channels until it reached the edge of the desk.
The Laptop Desk itself is made of very strong plastic, and the hinges feel about 10 times stronger than the previous generations. I was always a little scared of breaking it in half, but I am confident with this version of the Laptop desk that will not happen!
On the underside of the laptop desk there are several rubber feet, that ensure that when it is put on a surface, it won’t be sliding around.
All in all,working without the Futura LaptopDesk is a pain – its one of those products that you dont know how you lived without it, before you got it! So whats the rating for tonights late night review? 8/10!
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