One of the first reviews that I wrote for DragonSteelMods was for a laptop desk from LapWorks. Today, I return to my roots to look at two new laptop desk/thermal mat solutions.

The first is from the folks at Thermaltake, who are known for their various PC cases, components and desktop accessories. They have a released the uniquely named iXoft, which is a thermal mat, that is light weight, portable and fits laptops from twelve to seventeen inches.

The other product I will be looking at today is the equally uniquely named – Lapinator Plus from a company aptly named - Lapinator. Now this sounds like a laptop desk worthy of a certain governor from California. The Lapinator Plus provides eighteen inches of work space and is designed to be comfortable as well as cooling. Weighing in at 15 ounces, it is certainly one of the lightest laptop desk solutions available.

Let’s see how these two products stack up and how well they keep a laptop cool and comfortable. Let’s get started….

Thermaltake iXoft / Lapinator Plus Comparison Review

Reviewed by: Tomas Ratas

Sponsor: Thermaltake / Lapinator

Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:

Thermaltake iXoft:

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Features:

- Revolutionary Fanless Design for absolute silence 0dBA.

- Exclusive HeatShift Technology for ultimate laptop cooling

- Ultra light weight for easy transportation and carrying(only 640g)

- iXoft can be used as thermal mat on laps for better comfort

- Application for all types of PC Notebook (12"~17")

- Does not require power so PC Notebook lasts longer!

- Versatile: Can be used on lap, or desk.

Specifications:

P/N:

Black: R15ON01

White: R15ON02

Weight: 640g

Dimension: 353x305x12mm

Material: Sodium Sulfate Decahydrate Na2SO4.10H2O

Noise Level: 0 dBA

Lapinator Plus:

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Features:

-Thinsulate blocks 95% of laptop Heat!

- 18 inches of workspace

- Only 15 ounces (18 x 12 x 1 inches)

- Keeps your Laptop cooler

- Comfortable and Stable

- Ergonomic - helps prevent CTS

- Great for those 17" notebooks

-18 x 12 x 1 inches

Specifications:

Weight: 11 ounces / 15 ounces

Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 1 inches / 18 x 12 x 1 inches

Color: All black

Style: Rigid platform, flexible edges, compressible legs

Thinsulate Ultra Insulation

The Lapinator Plus uses 3M's Type B Thinsulate insulation as the main barrier to the heat generated by laptop computers. The Lapinator Plus employs Type B Thinsulate, typically used in footwear, which is pre-compressed and will never lose its ability to block the heat. The cross-linked molded foam bottom also acts as an insulator.

Heat Dissipation

When a laptop runs on a desk, the wood or metal surface acts as a "heat sink." This is never more evident than when using your laptop in your lap. It doesn't take long to realize that your legs also act as a heat sink. This heat conductivity creates a "hot spot" right under your laptop that makes it much more difficult for your laptop's cooling system to work efficiently.

The Lapinator Plus's surface and core plastic layers are not heat conductors. This means that laptop heat dissipates. Your laptop is not sitting on a "hot spot" so it's cooling system works much more efficiently. Almost all of our competing products claim that resting your laptop on heat conductive materials is a good thing! It isn't.

Ventilation

The Lapinator Plus provides two levels of ventilation. First, in addition to the insulation, the Lapinator Plus delivers more airspace between it and your laptop than any other "in your lap" product. That space is created by two 3M self-adhesive bumpers that lift the back of your laptop 1/2 an inch off the Lapinator Plus's surface. The combination of the non-conducting plastics and added air space maximizes heat dissipation.

The second level of ventilation is provided by the Lapinator Plus's offset "legs" that lift the insulation up and off of your lap. This space created between your lap and the Lapinator Plus permits body heat to dissipate keeping your lap extra cool!

The Surface

The Lapinator Plus's durable polyethylene top provides a non-skid surface that still allows for easy laptop position changes during use. For those laptops without their own rubber feet (older Compaqs), or if an extra measure of stability is desired, please use the self-adhesive bumpers which prevent any movement. Though the Lapinator Plus's surface may distort a little bit during use as it dissipates the heat, its melting point is well over 200 degrees.

The Bottom

Another problem that frequently occurs during "in your lap" laptop use is the tendency for the unit to slide towards your body. This slippage results in a rather uncomfortable typing position. The bottom of the Lapinator Plus consists of a flame-laminated colorfast pique cloth that will neither slide on nor snag your clothing. Its also comfortable when wearing shorts.

The laptop/Lapinator Plus combination easily slides across a desk or table when the need for space arises. Our customers pointed out that during a phone call or meeting they no longer had to stand, lift, and move their laptops.

For quick and portable storage the Lapinator Plus's legs compress, allowing the Lapinator Plus to easily slip into the outside pocket of your laptop bag. However, when weight is distributed across the Lapinator Plus during use, the legs will not compress.

Velcro

Each Lapinator Plus employs a 4 inch strip of One Wrap  Velcro in the center of the back of the unit. This strip will neatly and securely contain the power, modem and network cords often attached to your laptop at home or in the office. Through the stress of normal use, laptop power connectors and cables can contribute to failure of the receptacle or be damaged themselves. The Velcro strip secures your cables and prevents this stress.