Now before you change channels on this review because of the product title, I want you to know that this does have something to do with Tablet PCs. While the LaptopDesk from LapWorks was originally designed for laptops, I was told it would work quite well for Tablet PCs as well. Did this mobile accessory live up to that expectation? Read on to find out.

Introduction

The inventors of the LaptopDesk designed it with heat control in mind, the desk has heat ventilation channels in it to reduce heat emitted from a laptop. Apparently this thought spun off of people who were getting burned by using their laptops in… well their lap. Now obviously the same concept would apply to convertible Tablet PCs, but what about slates? Well, LaptopDesk 2.0 also happens to have some nifty convertible features that allow this to work out quite well.

Two Modes

The LaptopDesk has two modes, one that folds out and acts like a lap desk, the other allowing for different typing angles while used at a desk. The first one really works out well for those with convertible Tablet PC models. It sits nicely on the lap, and has no-slip rubber on both sides to keep your tablet/laptop from falling off the desk, and the desk from falling off your lap. It also has the heat channels, or grooves, that I mentioned earlier. With my TC1000 I couldn’t really test how well they work, so I had my Dad use it for a while with his IBM laptop. He was impressed, as the LaptopDesk allowed him to have a much longer period of use without the heat buildup. The LaptopDesk web-site claims 15% to 20% less heat buildup, and I would say we probably got that much, but not a lot more. It did still eventually get hot all the way through, but it took a while.

Below is a picture of my TC1000 on the LaptopDesk in this mode. You can see the heat ventilation channels off to the left and right of the TC1000, although they don’t do much good for it. All the “brains” and things that generate heat on the TC1000 are in the screen part, not the keyboard. When used in this mode the desk does kind of dwarf the tiny Tablet PC, but I can see where it would be just the right size for the larger laptops.

The other mode the LaptopDesk has was designed for use with a laptop staying stationary on a desk. The desk folds together and provides 5 different angles to raise a laptop’s screen and keyboard. Now this would also work with convertible Tablet PCs, but what is really nice about this mode is that it is great for slate Tablet PCs as well. Not sure what I mean? Take a look at the picture below.

On a desk, as well as in your lap, the different angles of the LaptopDesk raise the Tablet PC up to just about a perfect writing angle. This is great for not having to hold it up while writing on your Tablet PC at your desk, or anywhere else for that matter. The ventilation channels also work well in this mode, letting the heat escape instead of baking the desk (or your leg). Now Tablet PCs don’t run that hot anyway, but when using it like this in slate mode, I did notice that the fan didn’t come on nearly as often as if it was just sitting on my desk. The picture below better shows the angle of the desk.

This mode would also work well for desk use of most convertible Tablet PCs in laptop mode. However I did find that the lack of a wrist rest area on the TC1000 caused a bit of uncomfortable typing since my wrist was resting on the hinges of the desk. For travel the desk does fold flat, and is fairly light although it will add some weight to whatever you carry. A short time ago I took an airplane trip and took the LaptopDesk along. I did notice the extra weight in my carry-on bag, although it didn’t bother me too much. It also worked nicely for slate mode use in flight, fit just right on the lap. Unfortunetly while it isn’t that wide, it was still too wide for folding out all the way in an airplane seat.

Even though it is small and decently light, the LaptopDesk is still very strong. On their web-site they show a picture of a bowling ball being dropped on it and not breaking it. While I didn’t try that with my unit, I can tell that it is very durable and extremely hard to break. I expect it will last a very long time.

Conclusion

Overall I was pretty impressed by how well this laptop computer desk works for even pure slate Tablet PCs. I was surprised that it fit in so well, being designed before Tablet PCs really came about. Although the real beauty of the Tablet PC platform lies in its versatility to go anywhere without any desks or wires, this desk can still be useful in many situations. I use it a bit now when I’m just at home or sitting around with my tablet in slate mode, it helps minimize the stress on the arm of holding the Tablet PC at a good writing angle. Well done by LapWorks in my opinion, even though they didn’t originally have Tablet PCs in mind.

Pros: Nice writing angles, good heat control
Cons: Adds some weight to your bag, could be a little smaller for Tablet PCs

Buzz Meter: 3.5 out of 5

(For those who like to take an external mouse with them, LapWorks makes a clip on mouse pad for the LaptopDesk as well. See their web-site for more details)

The LaptopDesk costs $29.95 and is available for purchase from LapWorks Inc. at:
http://www.LaptopDesk.net