Developer: Intrigo

Web: http://www.intrigo.com/

Price: B1: $89, B2: $139, B3: $189

Requirements: none

Trial: none

Portable computers have become increasingly popular over the years, and this popularity has brought with it the need to not only take your computer on the road with you, but to also bring your entire “workspace” with you. That’s the idea behind the line of Lapstation “mobile computing workspaces” by a young company called Intrigo.

Intrigo’s concept is indeed intriguing. Those who use portable computers probably realize on a regular basis that sitting with your laptop placed on your lap is not necessarily very convenient or productive. Intrigo has tried to counter this view through the Lapstation, a raised flat surface with wrist pads and two pouches on the sides for storing various objects that you may need. When I first learned about the Lapstation, I was very excited. Then I saw pictures and was awestruck. It just looked so cool. There are three models and a variety of styles from translucent “vapor” to a smooth titanium finish; they just scream “high-tech.”

Then I started using it—or rather tried to use it. Maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t find the Lapstation to be practical. Obviously, when you already have a desk for your laptop to sit on, you have no need to use it. If you are lying or sitting in bed, it turns out that the surface is too high to work comfortably—I was always almost sinking below the platform and had to hold my hands high up to reach the keyboard and trackpad.

Sitting on the sofa, I can’t use the Lapstation either. When it’s opened, the two sides are supposed to hold it up, but for me the spread between them is so large that the Lapstation keeps slipping off the sofa on either side. The solution is to fold it back together so it forms a simple flat surface. This, however, presents two additional problems: I cannot use the two pouches and after a while it gets quite heavy. The Lapstation is way too large for use as a simple surface, anyway. The only position where I am able to use it (and here it is actually really comfortable) is sitting on the floor with my back leaning on the soft side of my couch. But I don’t think this limited use justifies either its price or lugging the Lapstation around everywhere you go.

I have a few more gripes besides the limited usability. For one, the Lapstation is bigger than it needs to be. The designers could save in both thickness and overall size without losing much functionality. When unfolded, the Lapstation is not as stable as I would have preferred. It doesn’t exactly collapse, but it can sway to the left and right in an annoying way.

Lastly, once it is unfolded, there is no way to “lock” it in that state. It comes together loosely at the top, and the only object that holds it there is the weight of your computer pressing the halves together. This problem really should be addressed; if you move the Lapstation even slightly, the halves part and then come back together. A body part could become caught in the space between the two halves, with pretty painful results. Otherwise, however, the Lapstation is very well built, with a snappy lock that holds it together when folded up.

There are three basic versions of the Lapstation, which differ in price, materials used, and looks.

I think the Lapstation is a great idea. I wanted to love it and tried hard to do so, but I just couldn’t find more than one comfortable way to use it. It’s quite a bit to carry around (though you can get a special carrying bag as an accessory), and the price tag seems to be too high to justify the limited functionality.

Maybe I just don’t appreciate it properly; maybe others will find it a tremendously useful tool for the road warrior. However I didn’t, so I only give it an Okay rating. I believe that if Intrigo puts a bit more work into the idea, it could have a wonderful product on its…lap.

Copyright © 2000 Daniel Chvatik, dchvatik@atpm.com. Reviewing in ATPM is open to anyone. If you’re interested, write to us at reviews@atpm.com.