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Lapinator and Lapinator Plus, a Closer Look 112

Posted by ScuttleMonkey from the don't-burn-out-the-hardware dept.
Mofo writes "Virtual-Hideout has a great real world comparison between two laptop desks . Perfect for laptop users looking to cool off their lap. From the article 'However, with the massive popularity in recent years of laptop computers, along with the evolution of power (which creates heat) infused into them, the laptop accessory market is really getting huge. Laptop desks is one such accessory and are plentiful on the market, but very few are practical and even less are large enough to enjoy.'"
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Lapinator and Lapinator Plus, a Closer Look More

Lapinator and Lapinator Plus, a Closer Look

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  • .. my friend owns a Dell Inspiron 600M, and his laptop shaved his thighs. It has one of the worst ventilation/exhaust system, and he has to leave it upside down (when off) to cool it down. I did suggest keeping in freezer..
    • I've got a Dell XPS M140 (A juiced up Inspiron) that stays pretty cool on the bottom.

      It uses the bottom for air intake for the CPU - and every minute or two you get this blast of hot air out of the back left of the computer.

      One of my cats is a heat vampire. She's already figured out that sitting next to me is the warmest place in the house when I'm using my laptop.
    • I'm a personal huge fan of LaptopDesk.net. http://laptopdesk.net/desks.html [laptopdesk.net] . They're ultralight, fold up nice and fit into your laptop bag, they are cheap, totally resistant to everything - and I love the swivel pad that one of these come with so you can rotate your laptop. It's simple, it works.
      • I second the motion. I use their laptop disk folded up (with minimal angle) to keep my 12" G4 iBook comfortable on my lap. Works very nicely. It is also is handy on a table or desk.
    • well, I own an Inspiron 600m, and have never had a problem with it getting hot- its pretty compact, but well engineered. The only part that gets warm on occasion is the lower left hand corner, which houses the hard drive (in newer 600ms, this is a 5400 rpm Toshiba drive, so that could explain the heating)

      As someone else mentioned, the 600m pulls cool air in from below, and ejects it out the back, so unless you block off the vent, and then convert a DVD to Divx with it on your lap, then I can't see it getti

      • the 600m pulls cool air in from below, and ejects it out the back, so unless you block off the vent,...then I can't see it getting too hot.

        Most if not all Dell laptops pull cool air from below. "So unless you block off the vent" - What? How do you use your laptop? I have yet to find a comfortable position with my Inspiron that does not block the bottom vent. I dare not set it on my bed. Even on the hard, flat surface of our diningroom table, it's overheated with the lid shut - yes, it also vents through t

    • Maybe your friend's 600m is defective, because mine doesn't suffer from heat problems (and I compile code on it). If anything, this thing stays surprisingly cool most of the time.
    • I did suggest keeping in freezer..

      That might not be such a bad idea. Remember the 486 overclocked to run half-life?

    • Re:Dell (Score:2)

      by Jerf ( 17166 )
      I'm going to echo other's observations that your friend's laptop was likely defective. The 600M is, at least as of today, based on the Celeron M processor [dell.com], and that should actually run pretty cool.

      I was somewhat amused by this article because I actually read it on an Inspiron 6000, running on a Pentium M, which I use as a true laptop (i.e., on my lap) for many hours a day. I run Gentoo on it, so I'm often compiling and such. I have no idea why anybody would need a "Lapinator" for this laptop; if I max out t

  • alternatives (Score:4, Funny)

    by flyneye ( 84093 ) on Wednesday February 22, 2006 @04:08PM (#14778985) Homepage
    cutting board :$1.98 Wal-Mart
    spongebob or dora traveltable : $.98 clearance aisle Wal-mart
    (includes groovy holders for stuff in legs)
    tray stolen from retro drive-in restaurant:priceless

  • oh, come on. (Score:5, Informative)

    by Triv ( 181010 ) on Wednesday February 22, 2006 @04:09PM (#14778991) Journal
    This isn't much of a 'comparison.' The linked article is comparing two different models of laptop desk from the same company and there's a big 'sponsored by lapinator.com' link at the top of the thing.

    Next on slashdot: logitech mousepad showdown! 8x8 versus 10x10! Read on for the thrilling trials!

    Puhlease.

    • Agreed. It's an infomercial. What next, articles about puff pieces for laptop bags?

      If Slashdot must accept infomercials, could they at least get a more interesting class of advertiser?

      And please, put "Advertisement" on the sponsored articles. Thanks.

    • At least they're not concluding from the review that it beats Linux for "certain server applications".
    • Comment removed based on user account deletion
    • Next on slashdot: logitech mousepad showdown! 8x8 versus 10x10! Read on for the thrilling trials!

      WOW I can't wait !

    • And its a pretty bad shill at that. From TFA (The F**** Advertisement):
      • Page 1: who the hell can navigate with their index finger on those little laptop squares?
      • Page 2: I use a trackball... it's driven by thumb power!
      • Half the first page is in light-grey italics, making it a pain in the ass to read, but that's OK because it's just a complete cut-and-paste from the product website anyway
      • We're nerds. Sorry, but Keeps your Laptop cooler and Comfortable and Stable just marketing fluff, not proper specs. Where

  • This has got to be a joke! (Score:4, Funny)

    by endrue ( 927487 ) on Wednesday February 22, 2006 @04:11PM (#14779008)
    Why is this news? It would be more interesting to read a comparison of my left and right hands.
  • Buy a Dell laptop, and enjoy your free sterilsation no more swimming around soldiers more like fried sperm from Dells mobile nuclear reactor. I swear you could melt metals with a dell notebook.

  • I'm a Scientist.. (Score:2, Interesting)

    by bano ( 410 )
    I'll just burn my penis like this oaf.
    http://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/11/22/man_burns_ penis_with_laptop/ [theregister.co.uk]
  • Aside from blocking ventilation grilles, etc., isn't the natural undulation of one's lap bad for the hard disc?
  • I would like to know if there are any similar products to these 2 out there. I use my laptop on the couch all the time, and my solution was to use an artists Wooden palette to avoid going impotent from the heat. I honestly didnt know that these things existed. The wooden palatte sure beats having the laptop directly on my pants, but im sure somthing like this could do a much better job.
    • Considering how anything Laptop-related tends to be overpriced (kind of like USB cables sold at retail), here are some suggestions for alternatives. None of them are super portable, but for using on a couch, lounger or bed at home, they do the trick:
      1) A "breakfast in bed" tray with swing out legs. If the laptop isn't too hot, the fold-in area for the legs will provide enough of an air pocket between your lap and the PC (though this may feel lumpy). If your laptop runs hotter, rest the tray on the arms of
      • I have one of those writers lap desks. It is a solid wood top with a leather pillow to cushion your lap. It is wide enough to fit my 15.4" Dell and a mousepad. As my old notebook got hot enoughto start splitting the wood, I got a Targus mini cooler pad. It is just a little platic piece that lifts the notebook up a couple of inches so it can get better air flow. With the cooler pad the notebook CPU runs about 10-15 degrees F cooler.
    • Sorry for the blatant advertisement... Try iLap. I have been very happy with them.

  • Fertility... (Score:2, Informative)

    by dhj ( 110274 ) *
    Not that slashdotters need to worry about this, but there should be a fairly large demand for this type of accessory. Especially since this nice scary study came out:

    http://news.com.com/Study+Laptop+heat+a+threat+to+ fertility/2100-1044_3-5485763.html [com.com]
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd= Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=1559108 7&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum [nih.gov]
    http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/ 20/2/452 [oxfordjournals.org]

    The study showed laptop use can significantly i
    • I have a simple solution to this: a recliner.

      I just sit in my recliner, kick my feet up, and push the laptop down so it's well away from the jewels. My knees get nice and toasty though.
    • "Of course I'm sterile, baby. I own a Dell laptop!"

    • Comment removed based on user account deletion
    • In the spirit of pure sarcasm, I'd like to point out 2 things:

      1) Don't you think that the fact that you're reading an ubergeek site like Slashdot sort of decreases your fertility more because of your geek factor than than your sperm count?

      2) You're not at risk of getting that chick you met on line pregnant anyways 'cuz she's actually a DUDE, just like you... : )

      Heh.

    • Cats (Score:1)

      by spge ( 783687 )
      While your working at your desktop, also ensure any pet cats/dogs/rabbits/girlfriends stay clear of your lap as well.

  • Laptop Lesson (Score:3)

    by sedyn ( 880034 ) on Wednesday February 22, 2006 @04:19PM (#14779089)
    Here is a simple lesson I've learned about laptop accessories:

    Unless necessary, for whatever reason, the hassle of carrying, unpacking, repacking, etc. is not worth it. Something that is larger in 2 out of three dimensions of the laptop is especially cumbersome.

    Now, I know there are people who own laptops but don't really use them outside of their homes. Those people might benefit from this (I use a TV tray or my desk at home).

    Here's my advise to the comany, if you REALLY think there is a market for this, integrate the pillow as the case. That way there isn't an extra object to carry, then they can dual market it as a protective case (some people are really cautious about their laptops).
  • with the evolution of power (which creates heat) infused into them

    And all this time people were wondering why they could never procreate. [macsimumnews.com]
  • I don't think much of a review that starts by copy-and-pasting the manufacturer's vague ad-speak like "Comfortable and Stable" "Use it anywhere!". Who the hell wants to read that? And for that matter, why are we looking at a "real world comparison" of a large and a small product from the same manufacturer? And why is the photo on the first page so unhelpful? It hardly comumunicates anything about what the product does at all. And the description doesn't help any. And if you read the article it basically say

  • How to mod log into a free, open source Lapinator! (Score:4, Funny)

    by hikerhat ( 678157 ) on Wednesday February 22, 2006 @04:31PM (#14779194)
    As a slashdot reading hacker, I have a limited income - my allowance from Mom. Thanks Mom! Lapinator looks like a great product. How many computer products have type B thinsulate in them? Not many! Sadly, I cannot afford my own Lapinator, the worlds greatest lap desk!. But I'm a hacker, so I figured out a sweet log mod (It's log! It's log! It's big, it's heavy, it's wood!) that lets you simulate your own Lapinator! Lapinator is the worlds greatest lap desk! Anyway, here's the mod:
    1. Put on the sun screen! you're leaving the basement, and going outside!
    2. Go outside. You should be able to find a log. In a park, or on your farm, or somewhere!
    3. Saw the log into planks. Be careful you don't cut off your quake hand! (Or whatever you use your hand for, LOL!!!!)
    4. Glue the planks together.
    5. Wait for the glue to dry.
    6. Wait for it....
    7. Laminate! (As an exercise for the reader, download a sweet pic of Natalie Portman and laminte it to the glued together planks for a sweet mod of the mod!)
    8. Go back inside (take your glued together laminated planks with you!)
    9. Put the glued together laminated planks on your lap, and then put your laptop on top of that.

    There you have it. A sweet mod for those of you who can't afford a lapinator right now. Lapinator is the greatest lap desk ever made!

    • WTF? Why would i use a log.. where the hell am I supposed to get a log from? You think log's grow on tree's boy?? People like you are the reason's we have the problems we have in the world today. VP's shooting people.. monkee's being our great grand daddy's.. I tell you.. the end is nigh my young friend. The time of judgement is at hand and you and your log lover's have been judged lacking! All hail Ceaser! Boh-YAA!
    • Hmmmm....I wonder if Amy Devers has this mod on her site.
    • Equipment: jigsaw and sandpaper.

      Materials: foam house insulation, masonite (preferably the kind with white plastic used for bathroom walls) and liquid nails.

      Cost of materials is 20 to 40 dollars depending on what and how much you buy.

      Instructions: Rough cut desired shapes. Sandwich foam with two sheets of masonite and let dry. Cut and sand desired shape. Round edges and foam hiding trim are bonus features. The result will weigh a pound or two and have great stiffness and insulation properties.

      Use

  • Laptop desk? (Score:3, Funny)

    by SeekerDarksteel ( 896422 ) on Wednesday February 22, 2006 @04:32PM (#14779196)
    Bah, old hat. I prefer my desktop lap! Quite simple to get really.
    1) Eat a bag of cheetos.
    2) Repeat step 1 until your lap is large enough to comfortably support something the size of a desktop computer.
    No need to worry about the expense or inferior performance of a laptop, with the added bonus that no matter where you go you can set it up without having to carry any extra addons!
    • without having to carry any extra add-ons?

      I'd argue that your method merely ensures that your "add-ons" are built-in! Thus they need to be carried regardless of whether you're carrying the laptop or not...

      Perhaps the stereotype about the american obesity is right after all? But this puts method behind the madness :-)
  • I've tried 3 products and only 1 has accomplished the task of keeping the computer cool.

    The first one was from laptopdesk [laptopdesk.net] It worked nice on an older laptop but didn't prevent my toshiba from over heating. I then bought this [targus.com] and it stopped my machine from overheating.

    When my wife got a laptop I bought her this [targus.com] Was cool that it had a usb hub. However, the fans broke in 5 days.

    So, I'm still using the simple one [targus.com] that reminds me of legos. Works great and no moving parts. the angle it puts the keyboard is
    • Yeah, I tried those too. The problem with the powered ones is that they also drain your battery. Like I stated in another post, I have the Xpad. It's entirely passive, so it doesn't drain battery life. It's also pretty lightweight and fits in my case right next to my computer. They've got a good overview of the design of the thing on their web site. http://www.xpad4laptop.com/ [xpad4laptop.com] The only problem is that it's made for a standard size notebook, so if you have one of the ginormous things, it doesn't reall
      • I've got the xpad too. The site is still a little cheesy, but the product is pretty good.

        It does pretty well on the heat isolation, but what I like best is that my laptop's fan actually goes on less when I use the xpad. I would like to claim it extends my battery life, but I have no statistics about it to pull out of my arse.

  • but very few are practical and even less are large enough to enjoy.

    How much is a laptop-dance from the laptop-less dancer? That would be practical and enjoyable.

  • Diceman! Making copies! Writing reviews of the Lapinator and the Mousitizer. DiceMan-arino! trying out the laptops. cheking for heat-resistance. Laptop-a-ding-dong. Sham-a-lamma-Thinsulate-amma. Alright. good review.

  • I did a lot of testing and the Xpad is the one that I bought. It's great. It really lets me use the thing on my lap. I actually got it a while back from the inventor at the Orange County Computer Show in Los Angeles, but they sell them directly on their web site at http://xpad4laptop.com/ [xpad4laptop.com]
  • My Gateway laptop has its air intakes in the bottom, causing ventilation problems when it is not placed on a hard surface. I wonder how hard it would have been to place them in the back.

    Cheers,
    Adolfo
  • The age old question I have been pondering with my new Toshiba laptop, when I'm at home using it plugged into mains power. Should I leave the battery in or take it out?
    • Take it out!

      You battery can handle low levels of overcharge pretty much forever. BUT, what batteries do not like is heat.

      Running your computer off the wall will put it into full performance mode & it will generate more heat than if it was just using the battery.

      Therefore, when you're running a laptop off the mains & intend to leave it that way for quite a while, you should remove the battery.
      • No, leave it in. The battery wil automatically drain even if not used. This adds to the total number of limited number of charging cycles. Leaving the battery out for months on end will also ruin the battery. Lastly, the battery functions as a large capacitor to stablize minor power spikes on AC mains.
      • Some Laptops use their battery to iron out voltage fluctuations (desktop computers have large capacitors for that). If that's the case, leave it in, as taking it out might make your laptop unstable and perhaps more sensitive to voltage surges.
  • Ummm...I'm literally writing this on my cutting board...

    Normally, I just put it on my coffee table, but since I'm sick at home, I have to type more, and this lets me sit upright on the couch, instead of hunching over the coffee table. My lap is slightly warm without the cutting board, but this lets me set it flat, which lets it breathe more...in either case, the fan never comes on, unless I am watching video.

    Why doesn't the fan come on? Because I have it at it's lowest power setting...I'm just working, no

  • Surely this should tell us that we should really be looking for better heat and power efficiency in *mobile* computers, rather than simply upping polygon counts in HalfLife or whatever....

  • ....when a legless TV tray gets posted as news. All that was missing was the Ronco name brand.
  • By keeping the heat off your legs with an insulator you are keeping the heat in your laptop. That doesn't sound good.

    Next time just buy a laptop without teh suck. Mine was built with a full aluminum housing that sinks the heat fast and even. In fact, the only time the fan has ever turned on was when I tried to run WoW on it. I guess it takes both the GPU and CPU running full speed to kick in the fan.

    My previous laptop was cheap plastic crap that burned my legs, ran the noisy fan doing simple things like
    • A much better idea than putting something which insultates against heat under your laptop is to put something which conducts heat under your laptop. In my case, I use a metal cookie sheet. The result of having a conductor under your laptop is that heat it creates will disipate faster, resulting in a cooler laptop. Also, it will still provide a certain amount of insultation against heat moving downwards. With the better cooling, the amount of insulation the metal and the air between the bottom of the lap
  • Laptop desks is one such accessory and are plentiful on the market, but very few are practical and even less are large enough to enjoy.

    You got it right the first time. What happened the second time?

    Less is for uncountable quantities (less grain, less snow, etc.). Few is for countable quantities (few students, few grammar nazis, etc.). Fewer are large enough to enjoy.
  • I absolutely love my iLap [raindesigninc.com] As the name might imply; it's designed more for Apple laptops, but it's great. It's all aluminum, which is great for conducting heat away from your portable, and it comes with nice pads that keep the computer at a comfortable distance and angle for typing and using the trackpad.

    The one downside is the relative lack of portability - it's not the kind of thing you can fold up and put in your bag. I've taken it with me for extended trips where I could keep it in my luggage, but for

  • New, improved Lapinator. Turn ordinary stuff into rabbits!

  • My UWXGA 3.2gHz 1.5GB RAM HP laptop runs super hot and tries to vent through the bottom even though there is just 1/8" clearance. My solution was to create an "H" shape out of LEGOs -- the 2 long sides run across the front and back, the center connector runs under the middle of the laptop (I removed one piece from the middle connector to promote cross flow). The advantage of LEGO was that I could build the shape I wanted without tools, it could be collapsed for travel, and at no point does it fit snug aga
  • I got one after this article showed dup the other day, it showed up today, about 2 days later, and I really like it! I got the Plus, which for my Alienware is a good fit, and it's definately better than the Targus foldable lapdesk I was using before. The Targus was solid plastic, no insulation, and frankly I think this is genius, putting a great insulator like Thinsulate in it. I didn't get the mouse pad, there is enough room for a small mouse on the remaining space even with my 16" laptop, but I hardly

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