by Charles P. Jefferies

There is a reason computer companies no longer call notebook computers "laptops" – today's notebooks produce a good deal of heat and thus are uncomfortable to use in a lap. Logitech aims to solve this problem with its Portable Lapdesk N315, which provides a flat non-slip surface for your notebook and a retractable mouse pad.

Product Overview
Notebook computers require a flat surface in order to cool properly; using them in a lap requires users to sit in awkward positions so the fans are not blocked. The Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315 ($30) is designed to eliminate this awkwardness by providing a flat surface for the notebook to rest on. The N315 is compatible with PCs and Macs with up to a 15.6-inch display and fits in notebook bags 15.6 inches and larger.

Build Quality and Design
The N315 is made out of plastic and rubber. The entire top of the device is non-slip rubber to ensure a notebook computer will not slide off.

The bottom of the device is hard plastic and has two rubber strips to prevent slipping. The plastic is thick and durable.

The retractable mouse pad comes out the side of the N315 about eight inches. The edges have a small lip to prevent mice from sliding off. The mouse pad is not fragile; it is not safe to lift the device up by the mouse pad, though it did not feel weak even using measurable down force.

In Use
The N315 makes using a notebook in a lap a much more convenient experience. My 15.4-inch HP Pavilion dv5t notebook has its cooling fan located in the back corner which makes it difficult to use in a lap. Having the notebook on a stable, flat surface makes it easier to work. The retractable mouse pad is useful as well; it does not bend much using a mouse. The mouse pad is small by desktop mouse pad standards, but upping the mouse's sensitivity fixes that problem. The raised edges worked well and prevented the mouse from sliding off.

The N315 is good for more than just lap use – using it on a couch, bed, or other soft surface makes the notebook computing experience more convenient.

Conclusion
The Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315 does exactly as advertised – make it easier to use a notebook computer in a lap. It helps keep the notebook cool by providing a flat surface for the notebook to rest on. The retractable mouse pad is a convenient feature as well. We recommend the N315 to any notebook user that is looking for a more convenient notebook computer experience away from the desk.

Pros:

• Keeps hot laptops off your lap
• Provides a stable work surface
• Non-slip surface keeps laptop in place

Cons:

• Small mousepad surface