Hands-On Review--Laptop Laidback

A short while ago we received an email from Doug Martell of Laidback We "R", Inc. in Nova Scotia, Canada. Doug described their new product, the Laptop Laidback, and offered to send us one to check out upon request. We did, he did and we have been using this marvelous device around the house for a couple of weeks.

The Laptop Laidback is shown in the photo at right sitting on a sofa and holding a new iBook (Dual USB). It consists of a table in black or white with two wooden support arms. The table has a ledge to keep a PowerBook from sliding down and velcro strips. One may stick enclosed velcro strips to the back of a PowerBook to secure it to the table. We found this to be not necessary but some may wish to add the strips for maximum security. The supports have a pivot in their "elbow" so they may be adjusted to any angle. The table has slots where the support arms attach so the table may be adjusted to be closer or farther from one's lap.

The second photo at right shows that a PowerBook G4 Titanium also fits very well on the Laptop Laidback. In addition, we used it extensively with an original clam shell iBook.

The Laptop Laidback is designed to be used on a sofa, easy chair, recliner, patio lounge and bed. We used it with the PowerBooks in all five places. Plus we used it while sitting on a carpeted floor in front of the TV.

It worked extremely well for those with normal girth or thinner. Typing on any of the PowerBooks was comfortable. One of us with a somewhat greater girth than an average person had no problem on a soft/deep sofa or in bed as designed but in stouter chairs and on the floor, the forearms of the supports proved to be a bit shorter than desirable. Still, the Laptop Laidback worked and our stout one could comfortably type on his PowerBook G4. The Laptop Laidback has become a permanent piece of furniture in our family room and used everyday. Occasionally, it will find its way to a bedroom to support some late night work. Those who use a mouse with their PowerBook may wish to attach a small board with brackets to the right or left hand side of the table or use a book or small board beside oneself on the sofa, chair, floor or bed.

The Laptop Laidback travels well. It is easy to disassemble and the four pieces of the two support arms adhere by velcro to the table top (16" by 10") so that it is one piece and only 1.5" thick. It weighs 4.4 lb. Its price is US$89 including all taxes and shipping costs.

We fully recommend the Laptop Laidback.