Testing:
With the portable laptop stand installed on the 15" MSI computer shown previously, I spent some time using it to see what I thought. Overall I was pleased with the typing angle created, and with the fact that the screen was elevated to a better viewing position. After a couple days of normal use the laptop had stayed put, firmly supported by the stand.
To put some numbers to the review, I decided to monitor temperatures with the laptop flat on my desktop, as well as while installed on the stand. I used HWMonitor 64-Bit to monitor the temperature of both CPU cores, the GPU, and the hard drive. In a room with a constant ambient temperature (20C), I surfed the Internet for about 15 minutes and followed that up with 30 minutes of DVD playback. Nothing too stressful, but roughly what a laptop might be used for day-to-day.
The differences in temperature were'nt significant, but the Latosta light laptop stand did make a difference. The two CPU cores and the hard drive temperatures all dropped by one degree. The GPU temperature remained the same. While it isn't enough to get too excited, any improvement can be considered a positive side effect of having a more ergonomic setup. Plus, less heat will generally lead to longer battery, something else worth pursuing on a laptop computer.
Conclusion:
The Latosta portable laptop stand from Starlight Creations is an interesting product. For those with a compatible computer, it is an extremely lightweight and compact stand that can make it much more comfortable to use your laptop for extended periods of time. The typing angle created is more comfortable than a flat surface, and the elevated screen takes some of the strain off of your neck.
The main consideration with this product is that it is not compatible with all laptop computers, and it is important to read all of the details on Lightlaptopstands.com to be sure that it will work with your laptop. Of three laptop computers I have on hand, it only worked with one, but all of the issues experienced were detailed on the website. Other than that, it should be noted that the light laptop stand is intended for use on a flat, level surface like a desk. Other laptop stands may allow you to use them on your lap, in bed, or on a variety of other surfaces, but with this one it is key that the two legs be on something like a desk top or a table.
The Latosta portable laptop stand is available from the Starlight Creations online store for $9.95 (US) plus shipping and handling. Within the US, Canada, and Mexico you can get as many light laptop stands for a $2.50 shipping and handling charge. Outside of those countries, the price is $14.95 (US) each, which includes the shipping and handling charge.
The idea is simple, but it can get the job done nicely. All things considered, the Latosta portable laptop stand earns the award of "Great Idea".
Pros:
» Extremely portable - compact and light weight
» Creates a more ergonomic setup by tilting keyboard and elevating monitor
» Can help to lower operating temperatures and increase battery life
» Idea is simple, but rather smart
» Cheap - Under $10 (US) before shipping and handling
Cons:
» Not universally compatible, check FAQ to see if it will work with your laptop
» Must be used on a flat, level surface
Special thanks to Starlight Creations for providing the Latosta Portable Laptop Stand to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
|
|
