 Logitech Lapdesk N700
Christo van Gemert
Laptop users have it easy and convenient, most of the time. Their computers don’t die when the power goes out and there’s also that matter of mobility. These two (admittedly good) advantages do come at the price of having a computer that’s more fragile than the average desktop and – thanks to the compact design – a bit more difficult to keep cool. The multimedia experience on a laptop is also not the greatest, with less-than-average sound quality and volume on offer from the tinny speakers packaged in their slim frames.
With those limitations in mind, Logitech has designed the Lapdesk range of notebook stands. For a while now, manufacturers have opted to refer to laptops as notebooks, simply because actually using them on one’s lap could lead to a few uncomfortable temperature problems. Modern processors use quite a lot of power and while battery tech certainly manages to keep them running for a few hours, it doesn’t mitigate the heat issue. Try playing a game on your notebook, while it’s resting on your lap, and you’ll know what we mean.
To that end, the Lapdesk N700 scores a double whammy. Firstly, it has a cushioned bottom for comfortable placement in nearly any position. Seated on a couch or lying knees-up in bed, it’s the best way to use your laptop without causing heat buildup. It also has a built-in fan to aid airflow underneath the computer. It works very well with all notebooks, even those without undertray air vents.
Hooking up the fan is a simple matter of plugging in a USB cable, attached to the Lapdesk. This also serves to power the beefier speakers. Yup, no longer do you have to worry about tinny sound from your small onboard speakers – the bassy boomers on the N700 will outperform them with ease. DVD viewing in bed has never been more pleasant.
Sadly, and as can be expected, the cooling fan and speaker will draw a bit more power. While the fan can be switched off and the speakers not used, it defeats the point a bit. But it still beats having a hot piece of computer on your legs.
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