Introduction:

Lapinator Plus w/Mousitizer

   If you've been a longtime reader of Virtual-Hideout, then you know that I got into laptop reviews about 2.5 years ago when I bought my first laptop (17" HP DV9500). Well just like the mainstream buyers have gone portable computing with the increased buying of notebooks, I too have gone the way of the notebook for the most part. Lower prices and faster hardware has really driven notebook sales over the past few years and there no signs of slowing. After spending 10 years chasing the next biggest, baddest and fastest (and more expensive) desktop hardware, the ease of a one time buy of the notebook that could for the most part replace the majority of my desktop tasks was more than welcoming. I still keep up with the new stuff, but not like days gone by.

 When I decided to buy a notebook, I went all the way with a high performance 17" notebook (semi-desktop replacement) and it's by no means extremely portable, but it is indeed portable if need be. Since buying this notebook, I've spent less and less time cooped up in the office with the desktop PC. The ability to chill on the couch in the living room and still be involved with the family while getting some research or work done is priceless. No more running off to the office every time I needed to work or look something up on the internet. However placing a large (and hot) laptop directly on your lap for extended periods of time, or just about any amount of time for that matter, isn't very practical. Something was needed to fill this need for my particular situation.

If you've been following VH, you know that I've reviewed a ton of laptop desks and notebook coolers over the years and I'm always keeping an eye out for the next best thing. However one product has been a staple in my daily activities since I reviewed it; the Lapinator Plus.

Using any product every day (literally) for over 2 years straight will have its effects on that product, either through wear and tear or what have you. However overall the Lapinator Plus has held up remarkably well. With the exception of the sticker peeling up on the Mousitizer and some minor warping to the surface of the Lapinator Plus itself, it's perfectly fine. Here's some pictures of the over 2 year old used unit...

   As you can see by the pictures, other than some minor wear and tear, the Lapinator Plus has held up remarkably well with no effect on performance. I still sat for hours on end using my hot laptop on this with no burning legs or discomfort. Also, looking at the underside you can see it looks brand new, even after literally thousands of movements to and from my lap from the adjacent end table where I store the laptop with Lapinator under it. They literally never are separated. I can not stress that enough.

I've kept in touch with the guys over at Lapinator over the years and recently they sent me a fresh Lapinator Plus w/Mousitizer. They know how much I love it and use it and since they were so gracious, I decided to write an article to re-introduce you guys to Lapinator and further endorse their product. I literally can not live without it. To me, it's like a comfortable desk chair or a comfortable keyboard. Simply a necessity. Let's take a look at the new unit, better than 2 years to the newer and see if there are any differences.

   The new unit seems more streamlined, a little tighter in its tolerances perhaps. The new top seems firmer which is a good thing. It appears less likely to warp as easy. However let me clarify that the warping did not effect performance or obstruct airflow at all, at least in my case, but again I've always used more bumpers than come standard. I like using 6 of them strategically located to lift my laptop and hold it securely in place. Personally I thing this setup is ideal for a 15" - 17" laptop. If you haven't already, please check out my previous Lapinator review comparison here for more information and details on this product and other Lapinator products.

Conclusion:

   There's not much else I can say here, I love this product and use it every single day. I'm using it right now to type up this article on my laptop. It's comfortable, keeps my legs cool and is lightweight. It's also extremely durable.

My original Lapinator review using my wife's 15" Dell laptop was published 2-22-2006. Four years ago!! I updated that review 2.5 years ago with the introduction of my new 17" laptop. Today I hope to inform some readers that this was not a flash in the pan. This product has become an integral part of my daily life. My wife and I both have a Lapinator Plus (w/Mousitizer) and use them daily. I recently introduced my 11 year old daughter, who just got her first laptop, to using the Lapinator.

As I stated at the beginning of this article, I've tested tons of laptop desks, notebook coolers, etc. I have yet to find a laptop desk that just simply works (for me) as well as the Lapinator Plus. If you like to be comfortable and protected when you're using your laptop on your lap, then give the Lapinator a try. Head on over to their site let me recommend grabbing some extra rubber bumpers. Also, if you use a mouse or thumb ball, then I highly suggest the Mousitizer also. 

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