Testing and Conclusion
I tested the LapDesk using my laptop with the following specifications:
Dell Inspiron 6400
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (Merom/1.83 GHz/2MB L2)
Nanya Technology 2x1GB PC2-4200 @ 4-4-4-12
NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 128MB
Seagate 160GB 5400RPM SATA
15.4" LCD @ 1280x800
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Comparing CPU temperatures when the laptop was on the wooden desk and when the laptop was on the LapLogic G800 Aerogel extreme LapDesk was actually not too exciting -- the results were pretty similar, with the CPU temperatures when the laptop was resting on the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme being a bit more fluctuating, but cooling down faster. Then -- an epiphany -- the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme didn't promise to cool the laptop, but to prevent the heat from reaching your lap (and other parts of your body, ahem). There's only one test for this kind of function -- real world testing.
The LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme did not disappoint. After stress-testing, even the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme got pretty hot, so I set it down on the table to cool off. In a matter of less than five minutes, the LapDesk cooled to room temperature again -- pretty impressive. I ended up using the LapDesk -- while sitting cross-legged, wow -- comfortably for more than a half hour, then left it on for forty-five minutes, and used it again for fifteen minutes. The laptop sat on the surface -- and the opposite surface which should be resting on my lap would indicate how warm or hot it got. After all, I can't stay on the computer for THAT long. Turns out it was still comfortably warm, completely usable. However, I noticed that even though it did succeed in keeping the user cool, it didn't exactly cool the laptop -- if you ask me, it's most likely because it was designed with the user in mind, not the laptop; I put no blame or accusation on LapLogic (In fact, I was pleased that it kept me cool).
The LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme is impressive -- it utilizes the same material as insulators up in space, for goodness' sakes! There certainly is a bit more past the surface -- it's got an interesting rigid body, implementation that blocks all three methods of heat transfer, and an appropriate size for its purpose, which is to be as portable as the laptop. It can take the heat, alright -- and you can even sit comfortably in weird positions while balancing your laptop on the rigid LapDesk. LapLogic's G800 Aerogel Extreme doesn't exactly cool your laptop, but it does insulate the heat, keeping it away from your body. However, there is just a single concern -- the surface of the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme is a bit too sticky for my liking, and patches of it might end up rubbing off on fingers at inconvenient times (handshakes, for example). Hopefully this is just an isolated issue, albeit a minor one. UPDATE: Yep, turns out it was - have a look at page 2 for more information. It looks a bit wonky, and it's not exactly my taste -- but taste is extremely subjective, so I'm sure there'll be tons of people that find it fine, wonderful, and absolutely beautiful. I believe that $69.95 is a good deal for a LapDesk that you're getting a great experience out of. Sure, there are coolers that can be had for cheaper prices, but without the rigid body, the Aerogel, or the portable size. Buyer beware. Ooh, that ended on a bit of a negative note there, my apologies.
But to be honest, price isn't the most important factor when it comes to buying.
APH Review Focus Summary:
8/10 means Definitely a very good product with drawbacks that aren't likely going to matter to the end user.
7/10 means Great product with many advantages and certain insignificant drawbacks; but should be considered before purchasing.
-- Final APH Numeric Rating is 7.6/10
Please note that the APH Numeric Rating system is based off our proprietary guidelines in the Review Focus, and should not be compared to other sites.
An evolution in laptop cooling, LapLogic's G800 Aerogel Extreme truly keeps the heat away from your body, and is an on-the-go must-have for all laptop-on-lap users out there -- especially for males.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look
3. Usage, Testing, Conclusion
