Since I purchased my first laptop about 10 years ago, I have had two major health issues. First, I developed a skin condition that warranted a visit to my dermatologist. I had Erythema ab igne (EAI), which is a skin reaction caused by chronic exposure to infrared radiation in the form of heat.
I needed to get my laptop off of my lap! I purchased a product that sits under my laptop computer to protect me, and thought I was on my way to healthier legs. No so. My latest condition is much more alarming! My legs started going numb, I had that tingling sensation you get when your limbs fall asleep. Aside from that, I had pain, and hot and cold sensations, and bruising behind my knees and thigh. Two visits to my Dr. and two MRI’s later, I learned there is nothing wrong with my legs or circulation, but I need to stop spending time with my laptop on my lap! It was too heavy, and causing too much pressure on my nerves.
Once we knew what was causing my discomfort, we could start to address the problem, and I searched for a laptop table that could hold my computer, and keep it off of my legs. I ended up buying the MyPlace Personal Laptop Multi-Function Workstation at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Description
This unit reminds me of the old fashioned TV trays that one used to have breakfast in bed, but it has some features built in that make it perfect for holding a laptop computer.
The table is made of a heavy duty black plastic, and measures 12 1/2″ by 21 1/2″. Two thirds of the left section are meant for placing the laptop, and there are ridges and a small ledge that keeps the computer from sliding off.
The box says the following about the MyPlace Workstation:
* Fold completely flat
* Has an integrated LED light for personal light use
* Multiple pre-set angle positions for total comfort
* Double position adjustable fold out legs
* Built in mouse pad
* It’s stable and lightweight
My Experience
While there are a few drawbacks, which I will discuss, this is a pretty good, inexpensive solution to my problem. The table has built in handles on either end that make carrying it around very convenient. When the first set of legs are used, the height of the unit is just over 9 1/2″. It extends to twice that height if need be, but I never use it at the fully extended position.
The right 1/3 portion has a two fold purpose. When it’s flat, and flush with the laptop holding area, there is a nice flocked surface that is perfect for using a wireless mouse. This section also opens up so you can store pencils, rulers, or any other small items you might need when working at your laptop.
There are eight positions to lift the laptop table at an angle, so you have the most comfortable and ergonomic position to work from. At the highest it sits almost vertical, and I can’t imagine ever using this at that height.
Uses for the My Place Workstation are on a sofa, in bed, on a desk, in a chair, or on the floor. The depth of the legs are 10 1/2″, so keep this in mind if you have a certain couch or chair where you plan on using this.
The downsides are few, but need to be mentioned. First, there is a light that pulls up from the left side, with an easy on/off button (it requires two AA batteries), but the light isn’t very bright and I find I don’t use it at all. It does store neatly out of sight.
Second, the width of the legs means that this unit just barely fits on my couch. I have to have it very close to me in order to keep the legs from falling off my couch, and that makes it just a little too close for comfort. It really doesn’t work well in any of our chairs. Sitting on the floor is the best way to use this, so the My Space Workstation would be great for those with cramped quarters or college students.
Third, the storage unit opens from the wrong side! The hinge is on the side closest to me, thus it opens from the opposide side, making removing anything very difficult, and my laptop power cord gets in the way of lifting it up. Not a very efficient use of this feature in my personal opinion.
Fourth, the laptop sits off center, and I find it a little bit uncomfortable to spend much time at my computer when it’s not straight in front of me. The laptop can be moved to the right, but then it’s not sitting completely on the ledge meant to keep it in place. This can be a balancing act.
All in all, this has served a purpose in that it gets my computer off of my lap, which has caused me an unbelievable amount of discomfort (not to mention the cost of all my Dr.’s visits and MRI’s!!) Until I find a better solution, this MyPlace Multi-Function Workstation will work for me, but I am still looking for a product that better meets my needs. I will say that the price is attractive, this was only $34.99, and I used a $10 coupon, so that makes this very affordable.
