Page 3 - Testing
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
As expected, comparing CPU temperatures when the laptop was on the wooden desk and when the laptop was on the LapLogic W800 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 W800 Aerogel Extreme being a bit more fluctuating, but cooling down faster. Then -- an epiphany -- the LapLogic W800 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 W800 Aerogel Extreme did not disappoint. After stress-testing, even the LapLogic W800 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).
How did else I test it? Well, because we already know that it beats the heat, I decided to try a more "unconventional" method of testing -- putting more emphasis on the mousepad part on the W800 Aerogel Extreme. I loaded up CounterStrike: Source and played a bit+ -- and found to my delight that it was actually a pretty natural experience! The surface the mouse sits on was aligned perfectly and, although a bit small, was fine for the Logitech G5 at 800dpi.
The LapLogic W800 Aerogel Extreme boasts all the benefits of the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme -- and then some. Sure, it uses Aerogel effectively to prevent the heat from reaching the flesh, and serves as a great portable LapDesk. The W800 Aerogel Extreme also offers a whole new definition of on-the-go mouse usage, and I must really give them some kudos for thinking up the surface for mouse usage -- who knows how long it would've taken everyone else to consider it? However, because of the implementation, the LapLogic W800 Aerogel Extreme also takes up a considerable amount of space relative to the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme -- and probably won't fit in your typical laptop bag. The trade-off is fair, especially if you're sick of using your touchpad slowly instead of quick, mouse usage we're all used to.
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 7.7/10
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 W800 Aerogel Extreme not only keeps the heat away from your body, but also allows for easy usage of a mouse when you're on-the-go.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look
3. Usage, Testing, Conclusion
