Belkin F8N044-SLV CushTop Notebook Stand (Silver)

Sometimes one comes across a product that just makes another product so much better. Here in the Texas Gulf Coast heat, the last thing I want is to have a laptop resting against me.The Belkin CushTop Notebook stand is so lightweight and so useful that I can't imagine how I did without it for so long. I was a bit concerned that it would be too big and cumbersome for my 13.3" Toshiba Portege. It is not and I have attached a picture of the two together. I was also concerned from reading some other reviews that it might not be secure enough to hold it an an angle. The last thing I wanted was to worry about my laptop crashing to the floor.Instead, the laptop is so secure on the stand that I have no qualms about setting it down anywhere, no matter how close to the edge. The laptop adheres as though it had a velcro attachment though it is just the way the material grips the fairly smooth laptop bottom. The material is not scratchy against one's skin either so I am constantly amazed at the holding power.I love having the power cord at hand, yet out of sight, and the opening on the sides also make for easy hand holds.

Several reviewers complained that this product doesn't support their 15" MacBook Pros, but I have nothing but love for my CushTop. The silver complements the steel design of my Mac perfectly. It is a few shades darker, which allows for much needed contrast (in fact it is the exact same shade as the dark gray trim on the MBPs).The best part about this product is that it serves two purposes for me perfectly.1. My office desk has one of those slide out keyboard trays. This allows me to keep my hands at comfortable positions, but I noticed that I was craning my neck to look down at the monitor. I wanted a cheaper solution than purchasing an external monitor. The CushTop raises the monitor 3-4" higher which makes a HUGE difference to my ergonomics.2. MacBooks get HOT. I used to put a pillow under my computer, but that is dangerous because you are blocking the fan with such a rig. The CushTop gets the computer at the perfect height without obstructing the cooling system.Two birds with one stone, my friends!The quality seems to be top notch, however I haven't really had to test it much because in the year I've had it, it rarely moves more than 6' from my desk...

Everyone will have different results with this. I didn't find it particularly special and am glad I was able to avoid paying full price for it.Its kind of awkwardly shaped. I personally don't enjoy it as much as some of the people I've bought it for, but the construction is sturdy enough to have lasted more than 11+ years of abuse and not show a huge amount of dirt, wear, and tear.

I got this for my 17" Gateway Laptop. My laptop fans are located on the bottom. Since the base is not very sturdy... it kept blocking the below fans. So I returned this product.I have to admit that the stand is really comfortable.

I am somewhat disappointed in this item, I bought it in hopes of being able to use my computer on my couch without overheating. Although it does take longer for the computer to overheat than it normally does, but it still overheats. I ended up buying another product Rolodex Laptop Stand which works great! Too bad I wasted my money with this Belkin product, I am surprised on the good reviews it had. Now it makes me think the reviews may have been fake.

It's an obviously high-quality product, and it positions the computer well when set on the lap. That said, I have a number of issues.While the computer is in a nice position, it's still hard to use, because there's no place to rest your hands. This might depend on the model of laptop you have, but with a MacBook I wind up resting my hands on the edge of the computer, which is fairly sharp and uncomfortable.Another possibly MacBook-specific complaint -- it's fairly slippery. The MacBook has little rubber feet to hold it in place, but the stand is soft enough that the feet can just sink into it, and the material isn't all that grippy in contact with rubber.My main problem, though, is with the cooling aspect of it. While it does keep the computer off of my lap, its method seems to be more about insulating than dissipating. The result is (1) I'm not sure the computer is really any cooler, since the stand doesn't really draw heat away from it, and (2) I'm still hot, because the stand is insulating my lap and preventing my own body heat from dissipating.

It seems your laptop is very susceptible to heat damage. Without a device to elevate above the clothing, PJs, Pillows & Bedcovers where we all use our laptops we are putting our Laptop computers at risk. Clothing, Carpets, Sofas, & other materials block the vents which don't allow the internal fans to cool the laptop correctly. After 2 hardrive replacements, I asked what in the h*ll could cause this repeated problem? To my surprise it simply is overheating. Placing a Laptop on a soft surface does not maintain enough space between the feet of the Laptop and underside of the laptop. Anything less creates a diminished volume of air flow.I have used a Belkin CushTop for one year with no problems. You don't need fancy extra fans or cooling plates which take away power from the computer through a port. Your power cord stuffs in the center. Pull it out when you need it. Where ever your laptop goes carry both together. For travel buy a bag large enough for both. Never operate your laptop without the CushTop unless you are placing it on a hard surface. I hope this helps.