Since I have been using my new laptop I have come across a couple of products that I think are must-have add-ons for any laptop owner or user.
Below are my experiences and review of these products. I hope you find them as useful as I have.
CushTop Notebook Stand
This is a must-have for anyone who frequently uses a laptop computer. The CushTop notebook stand is a padded stand that allows a laptop to stay cool while protecting your lap. The stand is angled to allow comfortable typing and viewing of the laptop screen while the covering is textured so the laptop does not slide off the stand when used at an angle.
I have used this stand from the first day that I have had my laptop and I absolutely love it! I like to sit at my coffee table and use my laptop but I had to stop because it started to hurt my back and shoulders, since at the table is not the ideal height for computer work. The stand raises the laptop and angles at just the right angle for use at the coffee table.
Additionally, the stand works great if you want to use the laptop on your lap. I frequently sit back on the couch and use my laptop on the stand and it is angled perfectly. The fabric really does prevent the machine from sliding of the stand I have tilted the stand quite a bit and the laptop has not moved.
One other feature that I should mention is that there is storage space, like a cubby, in the stand that allows for storage of the power cord and accessories great if you are a neat freak like me!
Case Logic 15.4-Inch Reversible Neoprene Laptop Shuttle
Like all fashionable geeks one of the first items that I bought for my new laptop was a slick new laptop bag. Not only was the bag a great fashion statement, black on the outside with a funky design and pink on the inside (which matched my phone) it provides thick padding and a sturdy strap for protecting and toting around my laptop in style.
All excited I get home put my laptop in the bag and then discover that all the bag will hold is the laptop even getting the power supply in the bag was tricky. I will admit I probably knew this in the store but was so taken back by the style that I ignored the voice of reason you know the one that we should listen to but always hope is wrong.
As stylish as the bag was this was not going to work for me. I depend on public transportation a lot and the last thing I need to have to haul multiple bags around to client sites no matter how light a laptop is by the end of the day it feel like dead weight so back to the store with the laptop bag in search of the perfect tote.
Trying to locate the perfect laptop bag was like a really bad version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears - the bags were too big, or too small, or too bulky, or not the right color or just plain ugly. I was about to throw in the towel when I came across the Case Logic reversible neoprene laptop shuttle.
The shuttle is a thick fabric sleeve made from neoprene (same as wetsuits) that houses a laptop so it can be carried in almost any type of bag which was a major bonus for me I have a huge collection of bags in multiple sizes, shapes and colors (I am on a quest to find the perfect bag) so I figured I would give the sleeve a shot.
I brought it home and my laptop fit perfectly in the sleeve. It is easy to get the laptop in and out of the sleeve no fancy zippers, latches, Velcro or snaps. To insert the computer into the sleeve there is a flap that you pull back to slide in the computer and then cover back with the flap. Though there is no fastener for the flap I have not had any issues with the computer falling out of the sleeve. I now think so far so good, I really like this sleeve now for the ultimate test fitting in the bag.
I then pulled out my favorite bag for the sizing test would it fit and allow other devices along for the ride it did! I now had a way to tote around (and protect) my laptop without having to purchase a laptop bag or carry multiple bags. If you travel with your laptop frequently this is a great device for protecting and carrying your computer.
Happy Geeking!