A laptop desk is an excellent asset to any home or office, even if you don’t use a laptop all that much. But with so many different styles, shapes and sizes, it can be challenging to know what to look for and how to choose a laptop desk?
This article gives you a deep insight into the numerous features of a laptop desk to empower you to choose the best one to suit you. Also, learn exactly what you need to look for when buying a laptop desk along with tips and tricks for getting the most out of them!
More importantly, find out how it could immediately and radically boost your comfort levels and improve your posture.
Let’s get straight into it.
Toasted skin syndrome is a condition where people develop a rash or burn on their skin as a result of the heat from a laptop resting on their legs. Source
How to choose a laptop desk?
When choosing a laptop desk, your primary concern will be the purpose of the lap desk and how you intend to use it. It will need to suit the size of your laptop or device and the environment that you use it in. If it’s used in multiple locations, then a lap desk with height adjustable features is likely more suitable than a laptop cushion. To choose the best laptop stand, the below factors should be assessed to ensure you consider all angles:
- Laptop desk type
- Laptop desk purpose
- Laptop desk price
- Laptop desk size
- Laptop desk adjustability
- Laptop desk weight
- Laptop desk weight capacity
- Laptop desk fan
- Laptop desk foldability
- Laptop desk portability
- Laptop desk mouse tray
- Laptop desk storage compartments
Laptop desk type
The type of laptop holder that you opt for will be dictated by how you intend to use the laptop holder, where you plan to use it and how portable and compact that it needs to be.
Laptop holders are available in a variety of designs:
Laptop desk: A laptop table positioned on top of foldable legs.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Good adjustability | Wooden products can be heavier |
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Good portability | Weigh more than laptop desk cushion |
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Can be used in multiple locations/positions | Lack built-in mouse track pad |
Laptop desk cart: A laptop table positioned on a cart which can be wheeled around.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Good adjustability |
Poor portability between floors or buildings |
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Good portability in a room |
Larger in size and consumes more space |
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Limited in locations/positions it can be used in |
Laptop desk cushion: A laptop table attached to a cushion that sits on your knees.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Good portability |
Minimal adjustability |
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Can be used in multiple locations/positions |
Lacks fan for laptop cooling |
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Less ergonomic |
Related: What Is A Laptop Desk? – Ultimate Beginners Guide & FAQs!
Laptop desk purpose
The primary reasons that you are looking to get a laptop desk will influence the type of laptop holder that you opt for. If your primary purpose is to adopt a better posture while you work from your laptop, then a laptop desk or laptop table cart are 2 of the better options.
A laptop desk cushion will increase your level of comfort as you nurse the laptop. It will also provide a barrier between your legs and the laptop to prevent the dreaded toasted leg syndrome!
Questions that you can ask yourself to help choose a laptop holder include:
- Why am I getting a laptop holder?
- Is adjustability of the laptop holder to improve my posture important?
- Where will I use the laptop holder?
- Will I use the laptop holder in multiple locations?
- Do I need the laptop holder to hold other objects?
Laptop trays are commonly advertised as a laptop bed tray. However, they can be used in countless different ways; they can even be used for tasks not even related to your laptop or device.
In addition to holding your laptop, it can also be utilized to hold a multitude of objects including:
- Mouse
- Tablet
- Phone
- Book
- Coffee
- Food
- Stationery
Tip: Laptop trays can double up as a breakfast tray or dinner tray.
Laptop desk price
A laptop desk usually cost in the range of $17.99 – $84.99. This makes them a relatively budget-friendly unit which most people should be able to afford. The more that you’re willing to pay for a laptop tray, the more components that you are likely to get.
Laptop carts are generally the most expensive, followed by laptop desks and laptop cushions.
You can also expect to pay more if there is a built-in fan for the laptop or storage compartments.
Laptop desk size
The primary focus with the design of the laptop table is that it fits your laptop. Usually, the manufacturer will specify what size laptop the laptop tray is capable of holding.
It is important to remember that the laptop tray will also need to have clearance space for:
- Fitting USBs or hard drives on the side
- Attaching any cables or chargers to the laptop
- Allowing you to pick up the laptop
Some cables can be rather chunky and sturdy which means that they would need extra clearance.
This clearance area is primarily a concern if there is an edge around the perimeter of the laptop tray.
Tip: If other people are sharing the laptop tray with you, consider the size of their laptop too.
Laptop desk adjustability
Achieving a better posture is one of the primary reasons why many people invest in a laptop desk. After all, spending hours hunched over a laptop on a desk can wreak havoc on your neck and back!
This is where the adjustable laptop desk offers a quick and easy solution.
Laptop desks tend to offer the most adjustability, followed by the laptop cart and laptop cushion.
Instead of crouching your neck downwards to look at the laptop while you sit at a desk, the lap desk raises the laptop screen height.
This enables you to look straight ahead at the screen and minimize bending your neck and back.
Ideally, you’ll also have a separate keyboard and mouse so that you can follow the principles of ergonomics to adopt the best posture possible!
For instance, on my laptop desk, there are 3 different joints where the angle of the legs and laptop tray can be adjusted. This means I can adjust different components by as little as 5°.
Therefore, depending on the position that you’re sitting in, you will need to adjust the angle of the legs and laptop tray to accommodate your height.
If the laptop desk has the foldable legs, these tend to have less adjustability. They lack the same number of joints as the adjustable legs on a laptop desk.
This means that they are less capable of being adjusted to the desired height.
Laptop desk carts can raise and lower the height of the laptop tray. However, many of the lack the ability to tilt.
Laptop cushions generally offer nothing in the way of adjustability.
Therefore, it boils down to the surface that it is positioned on or the way that your body is angled when you rest the laptop cushion on it.
Some laptop stands for bed come with a slanted cushion so that it naturally points the laptop slightly upwards when using it.
Tip: Some laptop cushions even feature a carry handle for easy transporting.
Laptop desk weight
A laptop table is usually lightweight and weighs an average of 4.41 – 7.33 pounds. Also, some laptop desks come in a variety of sizes to accommodate your laptop size and overall user requirements.
Laptop carts weigh the heaviest and range around 14 pounds.
Laptop cushions weigh the lightest and have an average weight of 2.7 – 4 pounds.
Laptop desks made from wood tend to be heavier than those made of plastic or metal.
Laptop desk fan
The problem with resting the laptop on your legs, bed or couch is that it can obstruct the laptop fan. This can result in the laptop overheating or malfunctioning if the fan is blocked too much.
The laptop table prevents this from happening since the laptop is positioned on a hard surface and allows the fans to work fully unobstructed.
Some laptop bed tables come equipped with a fan that connects to the laptop via a USB cable. It is usually attached to the underside of the laptop tray.
This laptop fan helps to keep the laptop cool while it is running.
Plus, if it’s positioned over your legs while the fan is running, it helps keep you cool on warm days!
Laptop desk foldability
The foldability of a laptop desk primarily affects the laptop desk and mobile laptop cart. The laptop cushion desk doesn’t have any foldable features.
When opened up into the proper position, the laptop desk legs and compartments consume a much larger footprint than if it was folded.
Ensuring that the laptop holder components can be folded into place will make for much easier storage and transportation.
Laptop desk portability
A common question people want to know is, are laptop desks portable?
Laptop desks and laptop cushions are portable and can easily be moved between rooms, floors and even buildings.
The laptop cushion is one of the most portable options since it doesn’t require folding to move it.
Laptop desks are also extremely portable. However, it’s likely that you’ll need to fold them if you’re transporting them in a car or placing them into a bag for travel.
So, you can opt for a more compact size if portability is a priority.
All these aspects make them easy to transport. This means that they can be used in work, home or even in the workshop.
With the laptop desk cart, these are designed to be wheeled around to the necessary location. This generally means that they remain on the one floor.
Recommended product: Ergotron Neo-Flex Laptop Cart
I’ve also reviewed it here: Ergotron Neo-Flex laptop cart review
If portability between floors or buildings is important, avoid selecting a laptop desk cart as they are more difficult to transport.
Laptop trays are very adaptable and can be used in different locations including your:
- Bed
- Desk
- Chair
- Sofa
- Counter
- Floor
- Workshop bench
Laptop trays can also be transported between different rooms, floors, buildings or even between work and home.
Tip: Laptop trays can easily fit in a car or large bag, and they can even be brought on holidays.
Laptop desk mouse tray
Some laptop desks feature a separate mouse tray which attaches to the side of the laptop desk. This enables users to have enough space for the mouse to be used.
It’s unlikely that the laptop tray will have enough space for the mouse to fit alongside the laptop. Unless you opt for a much large laptop tray than needed.
Or opt for a lap desk with a built-in mouse pad which is positioned to the side of the laptop.
If you do try to purchase a larger laptop tray there are some factors worth bearing in mind.
Remember, you would need enough space for the laptop to fit, along with any USBs or cables.
Plus, not only would you need space for the mouse, but you’d also need space to move the mouse around on the laptop tray.
Also, many laptop desks are equipped with a mouse tray that fits on the right-hand side of the laptop tray.
If you are a left-handed person, you’ll need to ensure that the mouse tray or mouse pad can be connected on both sides of the laptop table.
Laptop desk storage compartments
Some laptop desks feature storage compartments and slots for holding accessories and gadgets.
Examples of compartments that they contain include:
- Phone slots
- Tablet slots
- Pen holders
- Cup holders
- Storage drawers
- Book holder
If you intend to hold a phone in the phone slot, the phone will need to be thinner than the slot to fit.
You’ll need to ensure that the slot is wide enough to hold your gadget in place.
For instance, if you have a phone with a cover on it, the phone is likely going to be thicker.
By measuring the thickness of the phone with the cover on and comparing it with the gadget slot dimensions, you can determine if it will fit in the slot or not.
The same applies if it’s a tablet.
Laptop desk wrist rest
Wrist rests are a common feature on laptop bed trays and offer support to your wrists while you type. They also serve as a device ledge to prevent the laptop falling off.
However, if you prefer not to have a wrist rest, there are laptop desks which don’t feature one.
Instead, they just have a small wooden ledge to keep the laptop in place.
While they won’t offer the same level of space or ergonomics as a sit-stand desk, it is a much more affordable option than a standing desk which costs much more than a laptop table.
Related: How much do standing desks cost? Plus, 40 price comparisons included!
Conclusion
Taking some time to consider the best type of laptop desk for you will be an invaluable exercise. By following the above simple steps, you can instantly identify the key criteria and make an informed and smart decision.
Plus, it also helps to avoid the agonizing headaches and hassle of a poor quality or utter unsuitable laptop desk.
Laptop desks are a budget-friendly and versatile unit which can easily improve your posture.
Most importantly of all, they’re an investment into your health!
They help you achieve an improved posture guarantees elevated comfort levels while also reducing the risk of back and neck pain and injury!
Achieving a good posture is more easily accomplished with an adjustable laptop desk.
If you are a frequent laptop user, a student or you are working from home with a limited setup, you’re almost guaranteed to find a laptop tray an invaluable asset!
I use my laptop tray every single day and I’ve owned it now for over a year!
Click here to see why I love my laptop desk: Sit stand height adjustable desk – Newoer Ultra Large Adjustable Laptop Table Desk
Although they don’t offer the same level of ergonomics and space as a standing desk, they are a more compact, affordable and portable option which you’re bound to make plenty of use of.
Do you own a laptop tray or are you considering investing in one?
I’d love to hear your feedback and any queries that you may have! Please leave them in the comments box below and I’ll be sure to get back to you!