Customer Reviews

Ilap 12 - Laptop Stand By Rain Design

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'd done some extensive searching in I-don't-know-how-many different computer stores, looking for the right notebook stand for my iBook. All the stands I'd seen were meant for desktop use (like the iCurve), or were other brands that just looked, and after I tried them out, felt uncomfortable for use when sitting on a recliner.

I looked at the "Lapinator," but the thought of using a stand without padding of any kind didn't appeal to me. So when I did some further searching on the web (and eventually here at Amazon.com), I was intrigued by Rain Design's iLap.

After reading a review or two on other websites, I decided to dive in. I am not sorry I did.

I used an Amazon.com gift certificate I had handy, so while the price is a bit steep (I paid $49 dollars for it), I figured I had nothing to lose in purchasing the iLap. In my opinion, it's worth every penny.

The velvet-covered cushioned attachments are WAY comfortable. Whether I'm sitting straight-up in my recliner on the couch, or even with the footrest up on a recliner (how I'm using it right now!), the iLap is perfect. I don't have to arch my arms/wrists in order to type, and my 12-inch iBook fits PERFECTLY on the aluminum stand.

One thing I didn't like about other stands were the attachments for a mouse/whatever else. I personally don't need that stuff, so just the stand with the cushions is perfect for me.

I like how the cushions come off with velcro. I have a desktop PC, and may not use my iLap a ton without the cushions; but I have tried the iLap on my kitchen table, and I do like how the iBook "sits" on a table (with the velcroed cushions OFF).

Having the heat-conducting aluminum is a big plus. Nothing stunk more than having a hot lap right before bedtime due to the heat a notebook computer puts off. That's not a problem anymore! The iLap takes the heat away; I can't feel any heat, other than what I feel when I rest my wrist over where the HDD spins.

I can't speak into portability at all, as my iLap will stay home. If/when I take my iBook to work with me, the minimal amount of time I'll use it there is no big deal; will just use it on a table or my desk. But the iLap weighs hardly anything...yet it does not feel flimsy at all.

5 stars for the iLap from me! It's all I was hoping it'd be. Strong construction, plenty of padding (but not too much) for me, and while there's no "strap" or anything to lock my iBook on the aluminum stand, if you're careful (and who shouldn't be with an expensive piece of equipment!), there aren't any sliding issues at all. The iLap even comes with an extra set of "feet" if/when the ones on your notebook eventually fall off/wear off.

If you're looking for a bit of an elevated-lift when sitting down, and like resting your arms when typing (yet still keeping your wrists straight), and hate a hot lap, the iLap will work just fine for you as it does for me.

I have to hand it to the designers of this device! When I first saw it, I scoured the web thinking there MUST be a knockoff of this thing that I can get for half the price (so simple, right?). However, I am very pleased that I went with the real thing. It keeps the laptop and your lap cool as advertised and it does feel very ergonomically correct to me whether I am at a desk or in the recliner. Also, I am using the 12-inch model with a Dell L400 (not a Powerbook) and it works just as well. It makes the laptop/wireless card setup very enjoyable in the living room.

Got this to use with my G4 PowerBook. The iLap looks great, is made great, and--most imporantly--WORKS GREAT! Using my laptop on my lap or in bed is no longer uncomfortable. And I don't have second degree burns on my thighs anymore! I've noticed that my computer's fan doesn't come on as much, too. Internal temperatures? They're lower, too. I think the iLap will give me years of usefulness and extend the life of my PowerBook. This is a great design! Get one...you won't be sorry!!

very comfortable. if you're using your notebook on your lap right now, buy an iLap. u can't appreciate it until you use it. i love mine.

I had Targus's Podium Coolpad for few years, because it can swirl around, plus it has adjustable height for ergonomics. However lately, my wrists get tiresome since there's no wrist pad, and my legs gets pretty uncomfy cuz there isn't a padding underneath. Coolpad obviously only works on table (and I never use my 12 in. powerbook on my table).

I saw ilap few times few years back, but I wasn't sure if it's worth it. Finally, I ordered ilap. A week later, i received ilap (on time). No complaints with shipping. "Out-of-box experience" was pretty fun. It reminded me when I got my powerbook. Lots of ooh and ahh. It comes with extra padding set in case. Oh, and I was sitting on my bed, so immediately, I decided to place it on my lap with my powerbook. It fits. Lovely result! My wrists (more like my forearms) sits on the wrist pad. Comfy padding for my lap as well. I'm on my couch now, so that works beautifully. I haven't try a desk version, but im sure it'll do fine on desk. Mostly powerbook goes on my lap, rarely on my desk. Looks like ilap will be with me for a long long time! Well done! 5 stars for overall experience. ::applause:: Bravo!

One thing, I would like to have a mouse table on the side (i have mini mouse - I use it for game only). Maybe rain design create an "imouse table" that attach ilap???

I bought one of these at the MacWorld Expo in San Francisco for my wife. She complains about the heat her laptop produces. She fell in love with it right away, not only because it disipates the heat, but because it makes typing easier, due to the incline.
I quickly found myself using it when she was not, so I ordered one for myself.
This is a great product!

Nice for home use. Very comfortable on my lap although I prefer to use it without the front cushion. You really do need to put the provided non slip pads on to avoid a costly spill if your laptop has lost its own. Unfortunately, the laptop runs much cooler if it contacts the aluminum plate. I think much thinner pads might allow better cooling.
Pros:
nice construction.
very comfortable (rear hinged cushion), keeps lap cool.
Cons:
takes up too much space to be used on trips.
pricey.

Want to keep your MacBook cool? Well, maybe not cool, but cooler than just laying it on a table. If yes, then the iLap is for you.
Works. Elegant design.
My daughter likes to use her MacBook in bed and she thinks the iLap makes is much easier.
Highly recommended.

I like the Ilap; it appears to be well built and looks stylish. It even has a little bit of that Apple "unboxing" experience with the nice enclosing carton. It works well on the lap, as advertised. It is a bit of a hassle to remove the velcro pad to use the Ilap on the desktop (for the ergonomics) - not difficult, just a lot of velcro (which is good I suppose since it is less likely to wear out). However, my main motivation was to lessen the time the fans on my powerbook are on due to enhanced cooling but that has not been the case. The powerbook temperature is about the same using the Ilap. The aluminum Ilap does not actually contact the powerbook case because of the insulating rubber feet on the bottom of the computer so any cooling has to be convective. I guess the extra air space under the raised Ilap helps in that regard but I haven't noticed much difference compared to having the powerbook flat on the desk.
Anyway, I am using the Ilap all the time, even if I still have to listen to the whirring of the fans.

The iLap is a most wonderful product. Great design. Very comfortable. Now that I have it I wonder what I did without it. It keeps my lap cool and I can work on my computer so much longer because I don't get uncomfortable from the heat.