I bought this laptop tray at the beginning of last year as at the time I was using my laptop a lot on my bed. My dissertation was in its final stages as were a number of other assignments so therefore my laptop was often on for the majority of the day and as one laptop had just died on me I thought that as the laptop was beginning to feel rather hot during use a tray would be a good idea so it was sat on a flat surface rather than sinking into the soft surface on the bed, covering up many of the vents.


What does the tray offer?
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The tray has a soft cushioned base which is filled with those little polystyrene balls. They allow you to sit with it on your lap comfortably. There is a hard plastic top to the tray which is around 40 - 45cm across and 30cm tall. I have a 15" screen Compaq laptop and it fits nicely on the tray with a couple of inches to spare either side. If you are not using the tray for a laptop cushion there is a drinks holder to the top right hand corner and there is a small pen tray at the bottom. You can only fit around 2 pens in the holder, but this can be used with the laptop on the tray too which I found useful when I was doing a lot of coursework as it meant I didnt keep losing my pen! There is also an LED light on a bendy thick silver wire. The light is powered by AA batteries which were not provided with my tray.

What can I use it for?
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As I have already said this is perfect for use with a laptop as it allows the laptop to sit on a firm surface. This allows air to circulate and it also means you dont end up with burning legs if you sit with it on your knees! Currently I am always using my laptop on the sofa in the evenings so I find the tray useful as it makes it much more comfortable for me. Also, if it is late evening and I am typing I find the light really useful as I can just use it to light up the keyboard.
The tray can also be used for writing or completing puzzles. It could also be used for eating if you eat off of your knee.

Is it any good?
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Yes! I have had my tray well over a year now but it did get left at my parents for about six months when I moved! I do find the tray invaluable and the only reason I didnt find it out earlier was because I was not using my laptop at all. As soon as I began using the laptop again I had the cushion back with it.
I use the tray every time I use my laptop now and I find it comfortable on my knees and it gives me peace of mind knowing the laptop can cool itself down properly.
I did break the light on mine, I was bending the wire round absent mindedly and bent it too far back and some of the plastic broke off however the lamp still works fine which I was surprised about!


Where can I get one?
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I got mine from ebay but I can see that a grey version is available on Amazon for £7.85 with free delivery. They are also available in black and I have a pink one.

Should you get one?
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If you often use your laptop on your knee or if you spend time writing leant on your knee then this is definitely worth having a look at. For £7.85 its an absolute bargain and mine still looks good as new (minus the bit of plastic off of the light!). It makes using my laptop much more comfortable and the light is a really handy addition.