In my time at DragonSteelMods, I have had an opportunity to review several laptop lap desk solutions, some have been outstanding and others less so. Today I will be looking at the latest two products from LapLogic . The G800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk & W800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk are the newest members of the LapLogic family and these pads have some impressive technology behind them. These LapDesks incorporate Aspen Aerogels, which is a company that uses nano-technology for their insulation. This technology allows their insulation to provide protection from even the most extreme temperature ranges, just check out their demo involving a blow torch and dry ice. Don’t believe me, check out their video! http://www.aerogel.com
Now, I know we will never be using a blow torch or placing our laptops on a block of dry ice, but having that type of protection available is definitely nice! Aerogel insulation holds the Guinness Book of World Records record for best thermal insulation known to man, besides the Aerogel used, LapLogic has some other tricks up their sleeve to make these some of the best lapdesks in the market. Other key features include integrated ½” standoffs with a special no slip material and C²R Thermal Technology to block most forms of heat transfer.
The G800 is the smaller, more portable model while the W800 provides extra space to use as a mouse pad, storage surface or even as a drink holder. The extra space on the W800 is composed of a 10×8” Scotch Guard coated nylon mouse pad.
So let’s find out if space age technology truly makes the best lapdesk in the world. Let’s get started…..
LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk & W800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk
Reviewed by: Tomas Ratas
Sponsor: Laplogic
Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:
The ONLY LapDesk With Aerogel Insulation!
While it may look identical to the G700 Taku on the outside, the G800 Aerogel Extreme offers the best thermal insulation available. Period.
The first LapDesk to incorporate Aerogel insulation, the G800 sets the standard for heat protection. Fabricated by by Aspen Aerogels™ using nano-technology, Aerogel insulations holds 15 records in the Guiness Book of World Records – including the best thermal insulation known to man. Up to 8x more effective than other insulators, Aerogel bring the insulation used on the Mars Rover and StarDust interplanetary probe to high end gamers, graphics artists and other extreme laptop users. If you need the best, this is where your search ends.
The Aerogel integrated with our C²R Thermal Technology™ provides up to 99.9% reduction in heat transfer. Integral standoffs increase the air gap under you laptop to 1/2" – up to 16x more than many laptops – allowing additional air to circulate under your laptop. This helps your laptop run cooler and keeps you cooler!
Three integral standoffs are 9" long, so your laptop sits securely and won't wobble or slide off and, unlike stick-on standoffs, they won't peel off. Thin in width, they won't block any bottom mounted fans or heat vents. The special no-slip material means you can hold your laptop at nearly any angle, so you stay comfortable and can work or play longer.
For wide-screen laptops or those who like to use a mouse with their laptop, the Aerogel Extreme also comes in a wide version.
Features
New The first LapDesk with Aerogel Insulation for ultimate heat protection! Featuring Aspen Aerogel™.
-C²R Thermal Technology™ which blocks all forms of heat transfer – convection, conduction and radiation.
-New Integrated laptop thermal channels keep your CPU running cooler.
-No-Slip surface both sides allows you to use your laptop in almost any postion and any angle.
-New Transparent pocket holds CDs, DVDs, business cards.
-Rigid structure supports your laptop comfortably.
-Metallic accents on front and back.
-Available in Blue/Metallic Blue or Grey/Metallic Gold
Specifications:
-Heat Protection: up to 99.9% reduction
-Size: 11"h x 16"w x 1"t
-Weight: 16 oz.
-Guarantee: 30 day money back
-Warranty: 1 year materials and workmanship
The ONLY LapDesk With Aerogel Insulation!
While it may look identical to the W700 Wide Taku on the outside, the W800 Wide Aerogel Extreme is in a completely different class.
The first LapDesk to incorporate Aerogel insulation, the G800 sets the standard for heat protection. Fabricated by Aspen Aerogels™ using nano-technology, Aerogel insulations hold 15 records in the Guiness Book of World Records – including the best thermal insulation known to man. Up to 8x more effective than other insulators, Aerogel bring the insulation used on the Mars Rover and StarDust interplanetary probe to high end gamers, graphics artists and other extreme laptop users. If you need the best, this is where your search ends.
The Aerogel integrated with our C²R Thermal Technology™ provides up to 99.9% reduction in heat transfer. Integral standoffs increase the air gap under you laptop to 1/2" – up to 16x more than many laptops – allowing additional air to circulate under your laptop. This helps your laptop run cooler and keeps you cooler!
25% wider than our G700, it is perfect for wide-screen laptop owners, mouse users or those who just like a bigger LapDesk. The back of the W700 is covered with no-slip mesh over a Metallic Colored Radiant Barrier. On one side is a 10" x 8" ScotchGuard coated ballistic nylon mouse pad. Backed with the same heat protection materials as the rest of the LapDesk, you can use this extra space for a wide laptop, a mouse pad, or a holder for your favorite mouse pad. Can be reversed for left- or right-handed users.
Four integral standoffs are 9" long, so your laptop sits securely and won't wobble or slide off and, unlike stick-on standoffs, they won't peel off. Thin in width, they won't block any bottom mounted fans or heat vents. The special no-slip material means you can hold your laptop at nearly any angle, so you stay comfortable and can work or play longer.
For wide-screen laptops or those who like to use a mouse with their laptop, the Aerogel Extreme also comes in a wide version.
Features
-New The first LapDesk with Aerogel Insulation for ultimate heat protection! Featuring Aspen Aerogel™.
-C²R Thermal Technology™ which blocks all forms of heat transfer – convection, conduction and radiation.
-New 20" wide form is perfect for wide-screens, mouse users, or those who just want more space.
-New8"x10" integrated mouse pad reverses for right or left-handed users.
-New Integrated laptop thermal channels keep your CPU running cooler.
-No-Slip surface both sides allows you to use your laptop in almost any postion and any angle.
-New Transparent pocket holds CDs, DVDs, business cards.
-New Stronger rigid structure supports your laptop comfortably.
-Metallic accents on front and back.
-Available in Blue/Metallic Blue or Grey/Metallic Gold
Specifications
-Heat Protection: up to 99.9% reduction
-Size: 11"h x 20"w x 1"t
-Weight: 26 oz.
-Guarantee: 30 day money back
-Warranty: 1 year materials and workmanship
{mospagebreak title=A Better Look at things}
A Better Look at Things
:
Like most lapdesks, the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk & W800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk come in a clear plastic bag. Kudos to LapLogic for being environmentally friendly.
The G800 Aereogel Extreme comes in either Blue/Metallic Blue or Grey Metallic Gold. Our sample is the latter color scheme. The W800 Aerogel Extreme comes in the same color scheme choices and our sample is the Blue/Metallic Blue version. The Metallic colors are seen as flecks through the material and don’t really capture well when photographed.
The key difference between the G800 and the W800 is real estate. If you have a wide laptop or need the extra space for whatever reason, then the W800 is the way to go.
Focusing on the G800 – this lapdesk measures 11” x 16” x 1” and weighs in at 16 oz. The back surface has two no-slip mesh padded areas which come in contact with your lap. The rest of the surface is a nylon like material and features a central picket designed to hold either CDs, DVDs or business cards. The top surface is composed of no-slip mesh with three 9” standoffs that are ½” in height. The no-slip mesh provides adherence without having a tacky texture that attracts dust and dirt.
The W800 is the G800’s big brother and measures in at 11” x 20” x 1” and weighs 20 oz. The bottom is similar in appearance with a slightly wider padded area and a wider pocket and nylon area. While the top surface appears similar to the G800s, there is an additional 10’ x 8” nylon area which doubles as a mouse pad.
Both lapdesks feel very light with a rigid board within the main structure of the product.
Installation, Testing and Comparison
Testing a lapdesk can be very strenuous. First, one needs to find a comfortable couch or bed place ones lap, then the lapdesk must carefully be aligned onto the lap and finally, the laptop must come to its final resting position. OK, so starting to use the LapLogic Aerogel Extremes is fairly simple. The big question is do they work.
Well, after using both LapLogic models for the past week, I have to say that the space age Aerogel works as advertised. I have a Macbook Pro, which is a notoriously hot laptop and can cause serious discomfort when resting on ones lap.
With both models of the AerogelExtremes, the MacBook Pro’s propensity for getting hot was not noticed unless the actual laptop was touched. Between the Aerogel and the standoffs, all heat from the laptop was directed either into the lapdesk where it was absorbed by the Aerogel or into the air via the space formed between the MacBook Pro and the standoffs.
The no slip mesh, allows the laptop to sit at up to an approximate 35 degree angle before the laptop starts to slip downward. This lets you lay comfortably with your knees up when in bed or on the couch.
The additional space on the W800 for the mouse pad is excellent, but if you are holding the laptop at an angle, the mouse pad becomes useless unless you constantly hold onto the mouse. Otherwise, it tends to slide right off.
Summary:
I have reviewed many LapDesks during my days at DragonSteelMods and I found the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk & W800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk to be the best lapdesks yet.
Well designed, thermodynamically superior and nice aesthetic appearance makes this the lapdesk to own. I know the W800 will be a staple for years to come with my MacBook Pro.
Although the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk & W800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk are more expensive than contemporary lapdesks, I think these models are well worth the price.
DragonSteelMods gives the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk a 5 out of 5 score and our Editor’s Choice Award as well.
DragonSteelMods gives the LapLogic W800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk 5 out of 5 score and our Editor’s Choice Award as well.
Pros:
– Space Age Insulation with the inclusion of Aerogel
– Rigid Structure
– Non Slip Mesh Surface
– Mouse Pad (W800 Model only)
Cons:
– Price
I would like to thank LapLogic for the chance to review the LapLogic G800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk & W800 Aerogel Extreme LapDesk and for their support of DSM.
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