Craving the convenience of working from your bed or couch? It’s easy with a lap desk, which combines comfort and function to support your workstation, keep your laptop cool and help you get stuff done.
Lap desks are available in various styles and with built-in features such as LED lights and storage drawers. For a high-quality lap desk with an array of desirable features, the Sofia + Sam Multi Tasking Memory Foam Lap Desk is the top choice.
The essential function of a lap desk is to make you feel more comfortable and more productive while you work. There are a few other things you should consider when choosing a lap desk. For more information, take a look at the full lap desk buying guide from BestReviews.
Lap desks are typically designed to accommodate laptops up to 15 or 20 inches in size. If you have a large laptop, choose a lap desk that can accommodate it as well as a mousepad or other accessories.
On the other hand, if you tend to use a tablet and a small, portable keyboard to get your work done, then you can select a smaller lap desk with less surface area without compromising on functionality.
There are two major styles of lap desks: on-the-lap and over-the-lap.
Comfort is a top priority for many lap desk customers. If you’re planning to spend your workday in bed, it’s important to select a lap desk that will keep you comfortable for long stretches of time.
Lap desks with memory foam cushion bases are a good option for maximizing comfort. Foam wedges are less expensive than memory foam cushions, but they often aren’t as comfortable for all-day use.
For maximum wrist comfort and to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, select a lap desk with wrist support cushions.
While having enough surface workspace is a top concern for many customers, many also need to balance portability and light weight with size requirements. Some lap desks can be folded down to be slim and easily storable. Others feature large cushions that can’t be easily compressed and will require more space for storage.
If you often carry your lap desk around your living space, look for one with handles.
If your laptop or tablet tends to generate excess heat, a lap desk with a built-in cooling fan is a smart investment. Overheating damages a laptop’s hardware and leads to lagging performance.
USB-powered LED reading lights are a convenient feature for illuminating your workspace. They’re especially desirable in situations where an overhead light or lamp might disturb others.
Storage drawers will keep pens and pencils, chargers, headphones and sticky notes organized and conveniently on-hand. Some lap desks feature small sliding drawers on the side of the desk. Other lap desks feature surfaces that lift up to allow access to a large storage compartment.
Plastic lap desks start at around $20. In the $30-$70 range, expect higher-quality materials and features such as storage space and phone and tablet props.
A. Some lap desks are better at eliminating heat than others. Wooden lap desks are often superior at absorbing and dissipating heat. Some models include an electric fan to cool down even the most heat-prone laptops.
A. While some models will come fully assembled, larger foldable models may require basic assembly. However, lap desks typically involve few parts and shouldn’t be too difficult to assemble.
A. Some lap desks feature drink holders. Still, be careful anytime you place a drink near your laptop, especially on an unstable surface.
Sofia + Sam Multi Tasking Memory Foam Lap Desk
What you need to know: A high-end lap desk with optimal function and comfort features.
What you’ll love: This lap desk’s comfortable memory foam base feels like a pillow on your legs. Its many functional accessories include a sliding mouse deck, a USB light, built-in storage pockets and an iPad-compatible tablet ridge.
What you should consider: Some customers find this product a little bulky. There are also reports of the mouse pad being too slick.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Songmics Laptop Desk for Bed Sofa with Adjustable Tilting Top
What you need to know: This bamboo laptop desk is versatile, aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
What you’ll love: A convenient user experience featuring five possible angles, adjustable and locking height and a sturdy surface. Eco-friendly. Great for users who want to use their lap desk as a laptop desk, a breakfast tray and a reading table.
What you should consider: Some users found this desk undesirably heavy.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
LapGear Home Office Lap Desk with Mouse Pad and Phone Holder - Silver Carbon
What you need to know: A lightweight and portable laptop desk for the professional who loves getting work done from bed or the couch.
What you’ll love: Soft dual-bolster cushion creates a comfortable work experience. The work surface is large enough to accommodate laptops of various sizes. Also features a cellphone holder and a mouse pad.
What you should consider: The mouse pad doesn’t have a border, which some users report caused the inconvenient problem of allowing their phone to slip off.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Evelyn Waugh writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
