LapWorks Aluminum Desktop Stand

Introduction:

   With more and more people constantly on the move, it's just fitting that these on-the-go people have a comfortable and ergonomic stand for their laptop. Which leads us to the LapWorks Aluminum Desktop Stand. This lightweight stand has multiple positions, like the low settings for typing or the 45° setting for maximum viewing when using an external keyboard. The simple little stand even incorporates a built-in swivel base that spins 360°, and includes a Neoprene slip cover that also doubles as a mouse pad.    

Specifications:

        • Cools laptops up to 23%!
        • Elevates the screen up to 6-3/4"
        • 6 adjustable angles/elevations
        • 360 degree rotation
        • Ergonomic design
        • Durable aluminum construction
        • Folds flat for easy storage
        • Includes neoprene travel bag that
           also serves as mouse pad
        • Fits any laptop

A Closer Look:

Retail box

Instructions

Under wraps

    The packaging for the Desktop Stand is a simple, thin box with a sticker on the front saying what it is. On the inside, the contents are placed in a plastic bag to keep everything together. The actual stand itself is in the Neoprene slip cover.

Slip cover

Front view

Side view

    With everything removed from the box and bags, it becomes clear how thin the actual stand really is. The entire stand is constructed from thin aluminum to keep the overall weight down. When in the stowed-away position, the stand is only 1/2" thick. The Desktop Stand is made up of four pieces of aluminum. Two large pieces make up the tray and footplate. Two smaller pieces are also used: one which is shelf support for the laptop, and the other is the support arm used for the elevation/angle of the laptop. All the pieces are hinged together with piano-style hinges, which provide a lot strength to the hinged area.

Hinges and Supports

Support shelf

Swivel

    On the bottom of the footplate, a built-in swivel rotates 360°. On the LapWorks website it states that laptops over 8lbs may not spin properly on the swivel base.

Field Testing:

Well supported

Lower Support leg

    Remove the Desktop stand from its slip cover and set it up to the desired height. While using the Desktop Stand in one of the three lower positions so I could use the keyboard of the laptop, the middle position felt most comfortable for me to use. Although the middle position was good for me, it still meant I had to use the laptop keyboard, which I hate to use. I prefer to use a full size split natural ergonomic keyboard.

Upper Support leg

In use

    Next are the upper three positions which are used to raise the laptop up to a maximum 45° angle. This is intended for people who use the laptop as a desktop unit in the home with a keyboard and mouse. With the laptop screen raised up high like this, it will reduce the strain on the neck and eyes versus using the laptop on a table top.

    The included slip also doubles as a mouse pad. I prefer to use a separate wireless optical mouse versus the touch pad on my laptop, and as we know, optical mice can be picky about the surface they are used on. The slip cover, which is black Neoprene, worked perfectly for my optical mouse.

    LapWorks claims a reduction of laptop temperature of up to 23% when using the Desktop Stand. Unfortunately I cant test this claim properly since my laptop doesn't display any temperature in the BIOS or with MBM. Sorry folks.

Conclusion:

    The LapWorks Desktop Aluminum Stand is a simple, yet effective, tool for anyone with a laptop. The thin, low profile when in the collapsed position will leave users wondering if they remembered to pack the Desktop Stand in their bag. While using my heavy laptop, the swivel stand worked well, so there's no issue with that.

     What I personally like about the Desktop Stand is the ability to go from a regular laptop stand to a stand that elevates the laptop high enough to use as a desktop unit in a matter of seconds. Also the swivel base is a convenient way to rotate the laptop to show other people what is on the screen. I would like to thank the folks over at Lapworks for sending out this unit for VH to review.

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