If you’re working from home or someone who uses a laptop frequently, it’s likely that you’re experiencing pain and discomfort. Plus, you are almost certainly causing yourself significant damage to your neck, back and other regions of your body too. This could lead to lifelong back and neck pain down the road! A quick and simple way to bring comfort and better posture into your life is by using a laptop desk. In this article, find out what is a laptop desk?
Plus, these handy units can be used for much more than just a laptop stand! Find out how along with why you should get one and where a laptop desk can be used.
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 users develop a brownish skin discoloration as a result of the heat from a laptop resting on their legs. Source
What is a laptop desk?
A laptop desk is a unit which is used to hold a laptop while it is positioned on a surface. The laptop desk can be positioned in a range of places including on a table, bed or even on the floor. The primary purpose of a laptop table is to increase the height of the laptop screen to make it more ergonomic to look at. Another function of a laptop desk is to hold the laptop to reduce the weight of it on your lap. Laptop tables can come equipped with coffee holders and device holders. They can also be used to hold other objects, including tablets, books or even food.
What does a laptop desk do?
Raises the height of the laptop:
Instead of crouching your neck down to look at the laptop while you sit at a desk, the lap desk increases the laptop screen height so you can look straight at the screen.
Holds the weight of the laptop:
Nursing a laptop on your knees can get tiring, especially if you need to keep your legs bent in bed to keep the laptop upright.
The laptop desk holds the laptop up while resting on the likes of a bed or couch, so your legs don’t need to carry the weight.
Keeps the laptop fan unblocked:
Sitting the laptop on your legs, bed or couch can result in the fan becoming obstructed. This can cause the laptop to overheat or malfunction if the fan is too severely blocked.
The laptop table desk eliminates this from happening since the laptop is positioned on a hard surface and allows the fans to work to their full capacity.
Prevents toasted skin syndrome:
The laptop and the laptop fan both emit heat from the components working. If the laptop is on your body, it can cause an unpleasant rash or even burns to occur, known as erythema ab igne.
Google photos of toasted leg syndrome if you dare!
This becomes a problem, particularly if you have the laptop resting on your bare skin.
Although, the heat can get through clothing and cause burns too.
The laptop desk eliminates this since the laptop isn’t resting on your legs.
Holds other objects:
In addition to holding your laptop, it can also be utilized to hold a multitude of other objects including:
- Mouse
- Tablet
- Phone
- Book
- Coffee
- Food
- Stationery
Tip: Laptop trays can double up as a breakfast tray or dinner tray
How to use a laptop desk?
A laptop desk is relatively easy to use. Depending on the style of desk, the legs of the lap desk may need to be adjusted to the correct height.
For instance, on my laptop desk, there are 3 different angles which the legs and laptop tray can be positioned in.
Therefore, depending on the position that you’re sitting in, you may need to adjust the angle of the legs to accommodate your height.
This is a case of trial and error, but once you follow the principles of setting up an ergonomic workstation, you can adopt a better posture.
Where to use a laptop desk?
Laptop trays are very versatile and can be used on a:
- Bed
- Couch
- Chair
- Desk
- Counter
- Ground
- Workshop
Laptop trays can also be transported between different rooms, floors, buildings or even between work and home.
Related: Laptop Desk Types – 4 Popular Types & Genius Uses For Them!
Are laptop desks portable?
A laptop table is usually lightweight and weighs an average of 4.41 pounds. Also, some laptop desks come in a variety of sizes to accommodate your laptop size and overall user requirements.
So, you can opt for a more compact size if portability is a priority.
Plus, the legs of a lap desk are generally foldable. Some laptop desks even lack legs, instead they have a cushion underneath.
All these factors make them relatively portable, so they can be used in work, home or even in the workshop.
One of the options available is a laptop desk cart. These are designed to be wheeled to the necessary location, which is generally on the one floor.
If portability between floors or buildings is a priority, avoid choosing a laptop desk cart as they have poorer portability.
Tip: Laptop trays should easily fit in a car or large bag and brought on holidays.
Are laptop desks worth it?
Laptop desks are an excellent solution for people who work or game from a laptop or tablet on a regular basis. It will increase your comfort and ergonomics while you work from the laptop desk. Plus, they are compact and can be used for multiple purposes as was mentioned previously. It also can prevent your laptop from becoming overheated due to the fans being blocked. Furthermore, it can prevent injuries from occurring, including toasty legs. The chronic negative effects of working from a poor posture can also be mitigated by using a laptop tray, including back and neck pain.
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.
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
Laptop desks are a budget-friendly means of equipment which can improve your posture and comfort levels while you work from a device.
They are an excellent means of keeping your laptop cool too.
Laptop trays are commonly marketed as a laptop bed tray but can be used in a wide variety of ways; they can even be used for tasks not even related to your laptop or device.
If you are a heavy 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 can’t live without 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.
But, if a laptop desk doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, the next level up is a standing desk converter. Check out my recommended products here >>> Ergotron Standing Desk Converters <<<
Or check out this guide that will teach you everything you need to know: 5 types of standing desk converters – ultimate cheat sheet!
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!
