I thought the iLap by Rain Design was going to be just another laptop stand. Sure, it looks nice, as this aluminum stand matches the PowerBook G4s perfectly, and still matches the overall motif of the iBook, but I wondered what made the iLap better than cheaper stands from other companies. I soon learned that the flexibility of the iLap is what sets it apart from the rest.
Depending on what laptop you own, the iLap will cost between $50 for the 12 inch model and $70 for the 17 inch model. The stand itself, is anodized aluminum, with covered foam pads. The front one is removable, while the back one is not.
For desktop use, the iLap works like almost any other stand – place your laptop on top of it and place it on your desk. It elevates the back of your laptop so that typing is more comfortable. Removing the foam pad from the front is necessary when being used on the desk.
For mobile use, the iLap really shines. The foam pads on the front and bottom of the iLap provide a comfortable platform for you to use your laptop on your lap, and giving you enough space to actually use your trackpad. Another feature of the iLap is that it elevates the usually quite hot bottom of a laptop off a user’s thigh, replacing the hot metal surface with the other foam pad.
Improved airflow underneath a laptop because of the iLap allows for a computer that runs cooler. The aluminum is advertised as helping dissipate the heat as well.
The iLap is available in many sizes to fit almost any laptop, from the 12″ iBook/PowerBook to the megawide 17″ PowerBook, and all the sizes in between. Wintel laptops of similar sizes will also be able to use the iLap. To find out if your laptop will fit the iLap, a web page lists all the dimensions. Getting a larger size is also an option for smaller laptops.
You can now take your laptop anywhere and not have to look for a desk or table, as you can comfortably use it for hours in your lap, thanks to the iLap. This is one of the best stands for road-warriors who want a stand they can truly use anywhere.
The One-Sentence Verdict™
Taking the concept of the laptop stand and allowing the same stand to be used on the desk and a person’s lap makes this one a must-have.
Pros: Anodized aluminum dissipates heat, comfortable, can be used on a desk or a lap
Cons: Wrist rest must be removed for desk use
The Facts
Product: iLap
Company: Rain Design
Platform: Mac (iBook or PowerBook)
Price: $49.90-$69.90
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2 Responses to “Review: Rain Design iLap”
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01/02/2007 at 9:45 pm
does the ilap really cool the macbook pro? i own a 17″ and this thing gets really hot. why wouldn’t i buy a cooler with built in fans? (other than the mobile issue)
01/02/2007 at 9:54 pm
Well, when this was written, Apple’s portables did not run nearly as hot as your MacBook, but it provides better cooling than just using the computer by itself by allowing air to pass across more of the computer’s surface (and keeps it off of your lap). Obviously there are more options these days, but they often are intended only for desk use and/or require a USB port.