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Tim Smith, Computeract!ve, Thursday 7 February 2008 at 00:00:00

Protect yourself from the heat of a notebook

It's not just weight that can make it uncomfortable to use a notebook on the lap . Heat is also a problem and, in extreme cases, can actually lead to injury. The LapGard offers protection from both heat and wireless signals, while distributing the weight as evenly as possible. It provides a flat surface on the user's lap, easing the weight of the notebook as much as possible but comes with a adjustable rest to position the notebook at a slight angle, allowing air to circulate around the underside. This not only helps prevent the heat from spreading down, but keeps the notebook cool. There is a flap at the back with a strap that holds the notebook in place. This would be a problem if the exit vent for your notebook's fan is at the back of the computer. It is possible to fold the flap down so that it doesn't obstruct the outlet but this then means the notebook is not as well secured on the LapGard. Two straps at the front of the stand keep the notebook in place. This is a good investment for anyone who really uses their notebook on their lap for any period of time. It was very effective at blocking heat, certainly more so that the large paperbook we had previously been using, and more comfortable than trying to use a desktop stand. Other stands we have looked at such as the Antec Notebook Cooler have feet that concentrate the weight of the notebook in certain places, and as such are uncomfortable over longer periods. The Antec cooler, designed to keep as much air moving around the notebook as possible, has a couple of fans built in and the feet to give it clearance from the desk. These work well but, as we've said, are very uncomfortable. As well as not having uncomfortable feet, the ability of this stand to fold flat also makes it more convenient for putting away in a notebook bag. It is thinner than might be expected given its impressive ability to block heat. It is certainly always better to use a notebook computer on a table rather than on a lap, but for when this isn't possible the Amps LapGard is almost indispensible, particularly given its good value £20 cost.

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