Customer Reviews

iLap Laptop Stand 15” W for MacBook Pro by Rain Design (10025)

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

There is no other laptop stand that works as well as this, but there are a few flaws. The main problem is the bottom cushion's cover is not well fitted to the cushioning material inside. This leads to the bottom cushion needing occasional adjustment to keep it from slipping out from under the stand, even when secured by Velcro. The cushioning material and the rivets securing the top cushion also feel cheap considering the price. However, there are basically no alternatives that serve this function (and this does work very well keeping that laptop cool and me comfortable), so I am still happy with it.

I use this with a 15" MacBook Pro and it works great to keep my legs and lap cool. Very comfortable when working on the couch or in bed.

My computer was sliding around a bit so I attached the extra rubber feet (provided with the iLap) to the top surface of the iLap and now it really stays in place.

The only minor issue is that the front velvet pad is only attached to the bottom side, so it is a bit "loose" and doesn't stay flush with the front of the computer. It doesn't bother me but if it did I could probably fix it with a small bit of velcro tape on the top side.

Though it is a tad pricey, I do admit I bought it for it's looks and how it would go well with my MAC G4. The few points I have to make that I would highly recommend this to other buyers is that it's front and back cushions can easily move back and forth to accomodate where you are sitting whether it be in bed or on the couch. Since it does not touch your lap because of how it's angled, you never ever feel your lap top's heat while in use. I would highly recommend it, not only for it's color and style, but for it's versatility wherever you take it.

After reading reviews here on amazon, I had high hopes for the iLap, perhaps too high. First, I expected a dramatic temp. decrease for my PowerBook, but only see a consistent 2-3 degrees cooler. Second, the wrist pad SUCKS!! the foam itself slides around inside the pouch & constantly needs to be pushed back into place. I like the overall design, except it could certainly benefit from maybe some nylon washers/bushings between where the rivets hold the rear stand on. Why is this even hinged? It only moves like 4 degrees anyway.... Overall, it looks good & does it's job aparently better than it's compedidors (this is the first cooling stand i've used). I just feel that more R&D should have been done on the pads/stands, rather than releasing something w/ unnecessary features..

At the bottom, I've updated a couple of comments now that I use the iLap for my MacBook Pro.

I bought my iLap in July of 2006 for my PowerBook G4. I was having problems with my PowerBook being unbearably hot when placed on my lap so I decided to give the iLap a try.

The iLap has surpassed my expectations. I feel absolutely no heat on my lap from my PowerBook even though I use my PowerBook many hours at a time, every day. The hinged front and back cushions offer enough flexibility that I can use the iLap in many different positions, such as sitting up or laying on my back on the couch. I also find the cushions offer enough support that I don't have problems with discomfort from the weight or metal of my PowerBook or the iLap itself.

I have not had the slipping problem others have reported. My iLap came with 4 rubbery pads that grip the PowerBook very well. If I do notice any slippage, all I have to do is clean the pads and the feet on my PowerBook, and the slippage stops completely. I have to clean it maybe every 2 or 3 months which is very reasonable. I constantly walk around with my PowerBook on my iLap, and the grip is so good that I have to be careful to remind myself that they are not truly attached because I sometimes find myself not holding my PowerBook as securely as I should. So far, in 8 months of use, the iLap has not allowed my PowerBook to slip even with my occasional carelessness.

The iLap has held up very well after 8 months. The cushions have not degraded, the front cushion remains firmly attached (although, I usually don't take it off as there's no need), and while I'm sure the cushions must be dirty by now, you wouldn't know it by looking at it. I have used a lint remover on the cushions a couple of times to clean up cat hairs when my cat thinks my closed PowerBook is her personal warmed napping spot, but that's about as much care as my iLap has needed.

I have found my iLap to be so good that I take it everywhere I go, including finding ways to put it in suitcases when I go out of town. The hinged front cushion helps greatly when packing it, and it's stood up well through many plane rides in the front pocket of suitcases that were checked in.

I can't say enough good things about my iLap. It is one accessory that I find completely indispensable for my laptop usage and comfort. It receives my highest of recommendations, especially considering how well it's held up for so long.

UPDATE: I have now used my same iLap for 2.5 years! I still can't live without it! I have had a MacBook Pro for about 1.5 years now, and continue to use my iLap with it. I finally did run into slipping problems as the rubbery pads hardened with age. But I found a great way to resolve this issue.

When I bought my MacBook Pro, I immediately put it in a clear hardshell case to protect it. To stop it from slipping on the iLap, I simply put velcro on my hardshell case and on the iLap. Now the MacBook Pro stays put without any slipping at all no matter how I position it.

If you give velcro a try, I suggest putting the soft side on the Mac's case and the hook side on the iLap itself. That way when you take your Mac somewhere in which you don't take the iLap, the velcro on the bottom isn't a problem.

I also wanted to comment that I ended up removing the cushion in the front of the iLap, and I have found it to be very comfortable on my lap without it.

I've used Macintosh computers since 1986, and this is one accessory that I have used the longest. I cannot be happier that I bought it.

UPDATE 2: Wow, I ran across my old review and just realized that I've been using my iLap for over 5 years! It's still doing great! I'm now using it with my 3rd computer, and still can't imagine being without it. I use this thing every single day for many hours each day. Amazing value to get this much use out of a produce. It's still just as good as ever!

After much consideration, and after reading many glowing reviews of this product, I finally purchased one. I didn't care for it as soon as I saw it but thought I should use it for a while to see if my opinion changed. My opinion only got worse. At this point I feel this is a poorly thought out piece of garbage. I am shocked by the disparity between the reviews I've read and my own experience with the product.

1] The back "leg" pivots. This is completely unnecessary and makes the stand more unstable that it needs to be when on a lap.

2] The absence of a "floor" to the product means it has to rest on a surface no shorter than the product itself. This forces me to sit in a particular way in order to use the product, thereby limiting my comfort.

3] The front cushion does not attach in any way. The picture makes it look like there's velcro holding it in place, but in fact this is just a strip of material adding a bit of friction. The result is the cushion will slip off during use.

4] The cushion itself is so soft and pliable that instead of supporting anything it merely deforms out of the way.

5] There is almost no friction between the computer and the stand. This means it slides around, again increasing instability. I even went and purchased the optional rubber feet but surprisingly that didn't increase friction at all.

5] There is no front lip on this product. That, combined with the previous flaw, means that more than once my laptop has slid off the product, off my desk, and onto the floor!

In conclusion, this product is uncomfortable to use and ineffective at holding up a laptop. A complete failure. Making matters worse, this is one of the more expensive laptop stands on the market. My recommendation is to avoid it at all costs.

The iLap does what it is supposed to do. A portable should not be used on a pillow, a bed, a carpet or surface with a fabric that will block the vents on the bottom of the portable. Doing so hinders the ability of the machine to cool itself.

And yes, it keeps your lap cool.

The iLap kept the machine off the bed. The machine was noticeably cooler. I am not going to put that into degrees or percentages. All I can say is that the fan has not activated as often as it used to.

I used it with both a 13" MacBook and a 15" MacBook Pro. When not being used at home to keep the machine off the bed, I use it on a table to get the machine at a better angle.

I have to get one for my sister who uses her PowerBook on the bed all the time. Get one and feel better.

This is a great laptop stand for you desk and even for your lap, if you sit with your legs straight. However, if you like to work with you legs crossed the edges will dig into your legs.

Others have commented on the foam bottom, and I must concur. It falls off easily, is a little tricky to put back on, and the fabric feels cheap.

Otherwise it's good. The aluminum matches the Macbook, is light weight and thin. Raises computer nicely for easy viewing. Not adjustable though - one height only. I'd buy it again, most likely.

This product is designed to work in two configurations, according to the Rain Design website: on the lap with front padding attached, and on the desk with front padding removed. Unfortunately, if you plan to use this product for desk work it is a complete failure. The surface holding the laptop is completely smooth brushed aluminium, which looks great, but there is nothing to hold the laptop in place and it quickly starts to slide off after a few seconds or minutes. I have this for convenience and ergonomics, so I cannot abide having to re-position my computer every few minutes just to have the stand work as specified. It would also be possible for the laptop to be damaged by falling off the edge of the table if left alone. I have the version specifically designed for my computer, a new Macbook Pro 15", so there can be no excuses.

Also, the padding used is not firm but feels cheap and crackles a little. This means it is not practical to use the padding whilst set on a desk as the laptop jiggles around during use. Otherwise this could have partly salvaged the product as the front padding ensures the laptop stays on the stand (though it reduces the incline required for ergonomic placement).

Rain Design: your iLap laptop stand FAILS as a stand. This is completely unacceptable and I will be returning this product.