Lapworks Attache Laptop Desk

Introduction:

    Laptops, laptops everywhere. They are so prevalent that they have basically become an icon of today's society. There aren't too many places a person can go and not see a laptop. Because of their popularity, many companies have developed ergonomically designed stands catering to both the true laptop user and those who use laptops as desktops. But the comfort of the user is not the only goal for laptop stand makers: assisting in prolonging the life of the laptop itself is the focus as well. This is done most efficiently through removing as much of the heat generated by the laptop as possible.

    So, where am I going with this? Well, the item in the spotlight today at VH is the Attaché Laptop Stand, created by LapWorks, a company dedicated to providing the ultimate in laptop stands. The Attaché is unique in that it was developed to serve a multitude of purposes simultaneously. Of course, it is ergonomically designed with 4 height settings to eliminate unnecessary strain to the neck and arms.

    It also removes heat from the laptop in three different ways: it has a concave shape, called a convection cell, that allows heat to escape quickly; there are two fans incorporated into the stand that blow cool air onto the convection cell, cooling the air further; and the top surface of the stand is a solid aluminum plate which works like a giant heat sink, absorbing and dissipating any extra heat into the air.

    On top of all that, the Attaché has a built-in 4 port USB 2.0 hub that allows for the easy connection of peripherals - such as a printer, IPod, or digital camera - directly to the laptop.

    But is this the laptop stand for you? Let's look at the Attaché up close so you can see for yourself.
 

About the Company:

    LapWorks is a design and manufacturing company located in Rancho Cucamonga, California. We specialize in products that make working with your notebook safer, easier and more productive. These are products that:

• Improve posture/ergonomics

• Reduce heat build-up in notebooks and

• Protect a user’s lap from the full force of heat that radiate from the bottom of notebooks.

At LapWorks, we also aim to provide value-added services, resources and timely information to help our customers better understand:
    1. How to use a notebook computer in an ergonomically-correct manner to promote long-term health and avoid injuries.
    2. How to care for a notebook computer to promote its long-term health as well.

To that end, we provide our customers with the following FREE resources:

• Illustrations of best ergonomic practices, such as this one showing *correct laptop-using posture which we co-developed with injury-prevention-leader Sally A. Longyear, CIE, MPH.

• A monthly **newsletter with helpful tips on laptop ergonomics, usage and maintenance.

• A direct line to Wendy, a licensed ergonomist who will ****answer your ergonomic questions about laptop computing.

• A ****Laptop Computer Care and Feeding Guide with helpful information and articles on keeping your notebook healthy.

We know the importance of trust, honesty, and respect. We also understand that trust is not given but earned with every contact and transaction. And since you can’t see us, our actions will have to speak for us. To make sure that we are always on track and satisfying our customers needs, we send out survey questionnaires asking you to tell us what’s good and not so good about us and our products.    

Specifications:

• Material: High Density ABS Plastic

• Large aluminum plate absorbs/dissipates heat

• Product dimensions: 12-7/8” wide x 11-3/4” tall x 1-5/8” thick

• 4 USB 2.0 ports

• 4 push-button elevation settings

• Lowest elevation for ergonomic direct typing

• Higher elevations require separate keyboard and mouse

• Raises laptop screen to eye level for ergonomic viewing

• 2 silent built-in cooling fans

• weight: 2 Lbs. 7.5 oz

• ON/OFF power switch

• Rated Voltage: 5V DC

• Power Current: 0.18 A

• Rated Consumption: 0.9 W

• Fan Speed: 2200 +/- 10% RPM

• Fan Airflow: 20 CFM

• Noise Level: < 23 dBA

• Warranty: one year

A Closer Look:

Top	Dual Fans	Side View
Rear	Side Ports	Top Ports

    The LapWorks Attaché has a brushed aluminum face, with two inset, mesh-covered circle holes in the lower middle for the two cooling fans. Also on the front bottom is a black plastic strip, to which are connected two flip-open tabs to hold a laptop in place on the stand.

Elevation Button

Low

Medium

High

    The back of the stand is molded black plastic, with two openings for the cooling fans and the movable elevation stand. To change the elevation, a manual push button is used, which is located to one side. This part of the stand can be either in the closed position, or in one of 4 different elevation positions.

Power LED

Support Arms

Close Up View

Notice the Air Gap

    The other side of the stand has 4 USB 2.0 ports, one on the actual "side", and the other 3 along the top. Next to the USB port on the side is a mini USB port and a smaller barrel connection. These connect the stand to the laptop, and this is how the 2 onboard fans get their power. Just keep in mind that only an USB A to USB mini cable is included. A blue LED will illuminate to show when the stand is successfully connected to a powered-on laptop. One last thing here is an on/off switch that is used to control the fans. This sums up the the overview of the Lapworks Attaché laptop stand.

Conclusion:

    After several weeks of using the Lapworks Attaché I found it to be a solid and stable piece of equipment. The adjustable foot was secure and didn't have much slop in it whatsoever. The rubber pads kept the stand from sliding around on a smooth surface. With the aluminum and plastic construction, the Lapworks Attaché is extremely light to carry around; however, it's not meant to be something you lug around in the laptop bag due to its shape. Instead, it's meant to sit on your desk and act like a docking station, raising the elevation of the screen to keep the user from craning their neck and causing undo strain. The fans are 5 volts and get their power from the laptop. With the curve of the Attaché stand and fans blowing air on to the bottom of the laptop, proper ventilation is achieved.

    The Lapworks Attaché should make the perfect addition to anyone's office desk, while eliminating that bulky docking station and additional monitor. The true bottom line here is all about ergonomics and the Lapworks Attaché gets that monitor screen into a proper viewing angle for the user. I would like to thank Lapworks for sending this unit out for VH to review.

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