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Whether you’re a professional working remotely or a student enrolled in online courses, it’s helpful to have a dedicated spot to complete these tasks. A home office with a sprawling desk may be the most desirable choice, but the reality is, most of us don’t have the spare room required to create this go-to workspace. If you want to stay more productive at home, squeezing a traditional desk setup into your quarters isn’t the only option.
Why is a lap desk a must-have accessory?
As an owner of a lap desk who uses it almost every day, I can say once you try one for yourself, you’ll never want to go without. If you’re not sitting in front of a desk or table when logging into the computer, chances are that you have the laptop resting on your lap. It isn’t the most comfortable setup, putting unnecessary strain on your neck and shoulders. If you own a laptop with a metal casing, like a MacBook or Samsung, the cold surface can be jolting on bare skin, but it’s even worse when it begins overheating, burning your legs in the process.
A lap desk gives you an instant tabletop wherever you’re sitting, like the couch, recliner, porch swing, or bed. Since it raises the screen more to eye level, a lap desk is also better ergonomically, as your head and shoulders won’t be so far slumped down.
There are a plethora of lap desks available, but Walmart’s limited-time Flash deal on the Phancir Foldable Lap Desk is one worth considering. Normally retailing for $40, Walmart has slashed the price of this portable workspace by 65%, bringing the total cost down to just $14. It has a surface with a built-in tablet holder, cupholder, and plenty of space for your laptop. There’s even a storage drawer underneath where you could tuck away pens and highlighters you’ll need for studying. Since it’s constructed with folding legs, it won’t take up space when it’s not in use, and can be easily slipped under the bed or the dorm room futon.
Phancir Foldable Lap Desk
Key advantages of a lap desk
Compared to a regular desk or using your bare lap, there are four clear advantages to choosing a lap desk.
- Workspace portability. The classic desk sits in one room, never moving, so there’s no flexibility in where you work. A lap desk is lightweight and easily portable, so you can use it anywhere. If you’re not feeling well and don’t want to get out of bed to start typing up that essay assignment, you don’t have to. If you want to chill out on the living room couch or enjoy a fresh breeze at the local park, you can take it there, too.
- Enhanced ergonomics. The design of a laptop isn’t compatible with the human body, requiring us to lean forward and look down to view the screen. This can lead to the dreaded “tech neck.” A traditional desk is the most ergonomic choice, but compared to using nothing, a lap desk can provide better alignment of your eyes, shoulders, and elbows.
- Multipurpose use. Don’t limit yourself to using a lap desk for only your laptop. The flat surface is ideal for reading books, eating a meal, crafting projects, or really any activity where a tabletop would be helpful.
- Prevents overheating. If you’re running numerous programs or have an older computer, it’s not uncommon for a laptop to start heating up. A lap desk better dissipates this heat, which can positively impact the laptop’s performance and battery life.
Finding the perfect lap desk
There’s a vast market of lap desks available online, which can feel overwhelming. You can narrow down your search and find the best selection for yourself by considering a few factors. First, lap desks generally fit into two categories: those that rest on your lap and those with legs. Those with a pillowy cushion along the bottom, like the Coliware Portable Lap Desk, cater to those who want to lounge on the couch or bed while typing up reports. If ergonomics and improved posture are what you’re after, a lap desk with legs, like the Saiji Adjustable Laptop Stand, will be a better fit.
After determining what style of lap desk you prefer, it’s time to think about the features that would help maximize your day-to-day productivity. If you want a spot to store your important documents, notepads, and charging cords, an option that offers roomy storage, like the LapGear Schoolhouse Wood Lap Desk, is a smart choice. If your laptop or tablet battery requires a constant power source, there are designs, like the Fayquaze Laptop Bed Desk, that plug into the wall and offer USB ports along the top to make charging more convenient. For those who want to try out an ultra-affordable lap desk before splurging on a more expensive option, the Everything Mary Lap Desk is just $6 at Walmart.
Coliware Portable Lap Desk
Saiji Adjustable Laptop Stand
LapGear Schoolhouse Wood Lap Desk
Everything Mary Lap Desk
Zimtown Bamboo Folding Laptop Desk
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