Customer Reviews

Ilap 15 Pc - Laptop Stand By Rain Design

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

 

 

Overview
If you are a proud owner of a G4 Powerbook, or any other Apple laptop computer, then you are aware, like I am, of how hot these laptops can get. One solution to turning down the heat is by using a fan-cooling laptop stand, such as the MacMice iBreeze. However, the iBreeze is designed for desktop use, and most laptop owners have a varying number of locations they like to use their laptop besides their desktop, such as in a chair or a sofa where there is no desktop space available. On an airplane, those fold down dinner trays on the back of the seat in front of you are hardly a decent platform for your Powerbook. To solve the problems of heat as well as ergonomic comfort, Rain Design has engineered a versatile stand for your Powerbook called the iLap. The iLap is a laptop stand that keeps your laptop cool, and at the same time, lets you work comfortably on your lap as well as at your desk. Designed specifically to fit the Apple Powerbooks, the iLap laptop stand is made of aluminum with sand-blasted and silver anodized finish. iLap is also suitable for other laptops as well. It comes in five sizes: 12 inch, 14 inch, 15 inch, 15 inch widescreen and 17 inch widescreen versions.

This review was of the 15" iLap used with my 15" G4 Aluminum Powerbook. This iLap retails for $59.90.

Features
* iLap keeps your laptop cool by using light weight aluminum as a cool sink.
* Allows your laptop to run more efficiently and last longer.
* iLap raises your laptop to keep your lap cool.
* Padded with velvet cushions for extra comfort.
* iLap is ergonomically designed to suit both lap and desk works, so you stay cool even on prolonged use.
* Raises your laptop screen higher to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.

Setup
The iLap comes pre-assembled, except for the detachable front cushion that is used for when you have the computer on your lap. Out of the box, it's ready to use instantly on your desktop. The cushion is easily fastened on to the front of the iLap to provide you the comfort of working from your Powerbook on your lap.

In Use
The iLap is made of a cool aluminum material with a swivel cushioned back that elevates the iLap to just the right angle. When using the iLap on a desktop, you leave off the front cushion, and the iLap sits at just the right angle to making typing on your Powerbook a better experience. I rarely use my Powerbook on a desktop - mainly because I already have three other desktop Macs: a G3 and a G4 at home, and a G4 at work. However, when using my Powerbook on a desktop, I did find that it was much nicer to work on with the iLap stand.

The real test for me was using the iLap from the places that I normally use my Powerbook. I like to use it while sitting on the sofa watching TV, often times laying on a bed, and once in awhile while in a plane on a business trip. Without the iLap, my Powerbook really heats up when in use, which makes it less likely that I'll keep it on my lap for too long. At some point, I'll move it from my lap to the coffee table, which requires me to hunch over quite a bit.

To use the iLap on my lap, I first attached the velvet cushion that comes with the iLap. It attaches quite simply with a velcro strip that holds the cushion firmly in place. I then put my Powerbook on the iLap (a very good fit), and then placed the iLap on my lap. I immediately found it to be far more comfortable than without the iLap. The back cushion of the iLap swivels, so I was able to adjust it to my comfort level no matter what position I chose to sit in. As time went by and the Powerbook began to heat up (as it usually does), I never really noticed. This meant I could continue using it from my lap instead of moving it to the coffee table like I normally do. The aluminum base of the iLap on which the Powerbook sits acts similar to the heatsink in your computer by absorbing the heat. It doesn't take all the heat, however, so it never heats up to any level of discomfort. With the cushion padding that separates the iLap from my lap, I noticed the heat even less, to the point that there was absolutely no discomfort due to heat. The front cushion also acts as a nice wrist pad for typing on the Powerbook.

When using the Powerbook while laying in bed (whether my own, or some hotel room on a business trip), I found the iLap to provide better ergonomics. I'm sure that an ergonomic expert would tell you not to use a Powerbook while laying down, with or without an iLap, but sometimes that's just where I happen to be when I decide to boot it up. The point is, the iLap improves the experience by elevating the Powerbook and placing it at an angle that is better for typing. Whether I was sitting up in bed with the Powerbook on my lap, or laying down on my stomach with the Powerbook on the bed, the iLap improved the experience.

For a piece of metal with a couple of cushions, $59.90 seemed like a lot of money at first. However, given the investment I've already made in purchasing the Powerbook, and given the function of the iLap, the price tag justifies itself by way of greatly improving my use of the Powerbook. First of all, the iLap is engineered quite well. The aluminum base and swivel leg are very sturdy, and the padding is well stitched and very comfortable. More importantly, it functions exactly as advertised, greatly improving the ergonomics of working on my Powerbook, and thereby enhancing my enjoyment of using it. Finally, by drawing heat from the Powerbook, the iLap decreases the wear and tear that processor heat can cause, prolonging the life of your investment. The only thing missing is a carrying bag that allows me to tote my iLap along with the Powerbook.

Summary
The iLap is a versatile and compact laptop stand that is made for your Powerbook. It comes in a variety of sizes suited for all of the varying sizes of Powerbooks. The aluminum base absorbs heat from your Powerbook, making your Powerbook cooler to work with. Using the iLap with a Powerbook on your desktop, it provides an ergonomically improved elevation and angle. Using the iLap with the velcro attachable front cushion allows you to use your Powerbook on your lap with much more comfort, both by keeping the heat away from your lap, as well as providing just the right angle to work with. The iLap is one of those simple yet very cool product add-ons that truly enhances your Powerbook experience. If you are looking for something to make your Powerbook more comfortable to use, or are tired of it burning a hole in your lap, the iLap is the perfect Powerbook companion.

Pros
* Absorbs heat from your Powerbook and keeps it off of your lap
* Cushions provide additional comfort
* Swivel cushion provides different angles for different lap sizes
* Comes in a variety of sizes to meet your specific needs

Cons
* You may need to shop for the right case to hold both your Powerbook and iLap

Overall Rating:
4 1/2 out of 5 Mice

I love my Ilap laptop stand. I have a Dell E1505, 15.4 widescreen, and it fits perfect. I have a backpack for a 17" laptop and the Ilap fits in my bag so I can take it anywhere I go. It keeps my laptop cool and it keeps my neck from getting stiff. I take online classes and I'm always working either on my couch or on the dining room table. The Ilap works just as well on the table as it does on my lap. You will no longer burn your legs and you don't have to worry about your laptop getting overheated. It is ergonomically correct and your neck and wrist will not hurt after working on your laptop for an hour or more. The wrist pad is very comfy. . I love it! It's great! I would highly recommend to anyone who uses their laptop in their laps.

I purchased the Ilap 15PC to keep my Dell Inspiron 6000 cool and keep the laptop heat away from my coffee table. The laptop fits the Ilap perfectly with about 1/8 inch left over on each side and about an inch left over in the back. It seems to disperse heat very well and is suprisingly comfortable when typing from my lap or directly off of the table. I have a cordless keyboard so most of the time it is just sitting on my table, but it is serving its purpose and doing so very well.

I waited nearly 10 months before writing this review. I've lived with this product, and use it a great deal with my Macbook Pro. Having said that, it does what it says it will do, but it could be better constructed.

The plastic adhesive dots supplied to provide elevation to your laptop will slide and fall out over time, preventing proper ventilation of your laptop.

It's not really very comfortable to use while sitting up, but it works well when you're laying down on the couch. If I had to do it again, I'd probably look elsewhere for another similar product.

The positive is that it does keep the heat off of my lap and matches my MBP. The negative is as many have said (but I didn't believe it). The wrist pad feels cheap, poorly designed, and does fall off easily. Didn't they test this before releasing? I'd rather use it without the pad so I don't have to try to keep it on. If you can live with the tacky wrist pad, then buy this item. For the money I expected more.

I know it is unclear but this is the 15" Widescreen PC version of the iLap. I got the iLap for my Dell Inpsiron 1520. Also some people have complained about the velcro attachment of the front cushion. This seems to no longer be the case, it looks like Rain Design updated the iLap because mine slides in instead and is not secured by velcro. It is actually held in place quite well.

As far as quality goes, obviously this is everything that other reviewers said it would be. Before I got the iLap, my laptop was unusable on my bare legs (shorts, boxers sometimes) because it got so hot and I'd have to squirm around to try to cool my legs off. I do notice some improvement in my posture as well.

iLap is the best lapstand out there. You won't find anything better than this.
It keeps the laptop cool and it's very comfortable for typing long periods of time.

I really love it. its just cool and beautiful .. I love it and can't use my mac without this master piece.

Can't complain about much about this laptop cooler, save for the price and the fact that the bottom bad like to come sliding off. I finally had to put a piece of packing tape across the inside bottom to hold it on, which makes it near impossible to slide the pad off now, but I don't use it on my desk anyhow, so doesn't hurt for what I use it for. The price is quite a bit higher than other pads, but the 15" stand holds my 17" DELL Inspiron without issue, so props for not making me buy the even more expensive 17" stand! All in all, I'm not sure if I'd purchase another one, as there are less expensive models out there now, but I'm happy to have this one, it's sturdy, and has been great for the last year I've had it.

The best laptop stand ever! Now if they would only incorporate fans, like the cool master one, I would be eternally grateful!