Product Requirements:
Device:
A Laptop computer
So let’s say that you are sitting on your couch, holding your laptop, surfing
wirelessly. Or perhaps you are at a seminar – sitting in a row of chairs, and
you need to take notes on your laptop. Sure, you can perch your computer in your
lap, but you know you will begin to feel the familiar heat as your laptop’s fan
kicks on and the burn begins. There is no argument that if you use a laptop
computer on your lap, it will give you a condition known as "hot leg."
There is an easy and affordable solution for this condition: The Laptop Desk by
LapWorks.
Measuring 20" x 11" when fully extended, the laptop desk will easily hold a
laptop from the size of my Fujitsu Lifebook P2110 to my monster-sized Gateway DS
Solo9550 XL. The v.1 is made of black plastic, and features dark gray rubber
grips all over its surface.
Image courtesy of LapWorks website
When folded shut, the v.1 measures 10" x 11" x 5/8", which allows it to fit
in just about any gear bag, making it a perfect traveling companion. During this
holiday season, you might even want to consider one for your favorite road
warrior!
Price: $24.95
Pros:
Gets your laptop off your lap
Very portable
Will fit every laptop
Cons:
None
The v.2 is the laptop desk that I use every day. Although it is identical to
the v.1 in every way, there is one major difference: it also includes the added
feature of an adjustable fold-up bracket, allowing you to use the v.2 at your
desk as a laptop podium.
Image courtesy of LapWorks website
What I like most about this version is that not only can I throw it in my
gearbag when I am ready to hit the road, I can also use it while I am at home. I
find it much more comfortable to be able to work on my laptop while it is
positioned at an angle, and the v.2 allows me to do this.
This is the perfect gift for someone like me, that uses their laptop
as their main machine!
Price: $29.99 for Version 2.0
Pros:
Gets your laptop off your lap
Very portable
Will fit every laptop
Allows you to ergonomically position your laptop on a desk
Cons:
None
Product Information
| Price: | 29.99 |
| Manufacturer: | LapWorks |
| Pros: |
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| Cons: |
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Nice review, but dude, you have to lose that shirt…
Well, I needed some contrast … I suppose its a no-brainer, but next time I specify colours for a review sample I should avoid the black option.
:rolleyes:
Hmmmm…..Nice Shirt! 😡
Now where in the UK can I get one of those class shirts? I’ve got a scarecrow just waiting for one.:)
Love those shirts, but arent game enought to wear them myself..
bought a mambo shirt, but only wore it once..
Hi,
Nice review.
I have a Zoom for my Aluminium 15″. Good product. However, the headphones hole in the bag does not allow the remote control plug from the third generation iPods to pass through.
Hence if an iPod was inside the bag, it cannot be controlled from outside the bag. Previous generation iPods should work (the remote plug is dfferent), as should other walkmen or portable players. But not the third generation iPods.
Does the hole on the Volt allow the larger iPod remote plug to pass through?
Thanks.
Hiya,
Good point. My ipod is the 2nd gen version, with standard 3mm jack plug. The “holes” in the Volt are 5/16″ (8mm) diameter, so no, the rectangular plug on the latest ipods won’t go through.
Michael
Michael, Nice review. I have some questions for you though….
1. Is the Volt XL comparable in size and bulk with the Booq BP3 ?
2. Can the Volt XL hold along with the laptop and other mobile gear and cords and a few file folders of documents, a pair of running shoes, shorts and a change of a shirt and underwear for a one or two day business trip ?? And if so would it be so hevey that it would not be practical ?
2. I am presently using a Dell C400 12″ Laptop and can not decide if I should get the Volt XL or the Zoom (which is Spire’s smaller bag), on a daily basis the Zoom might be fine; but several times a month I travel and need extra space to limit the number of bags I need to travel with.
Your comments would be appreciated.
Sorry for the late reply; been on hols. in Prague. (Where I took the Volt XL as it happens – a great little day-bag.)
>>Is the Volt XL comparable in size and bulk with the Booq BP3 ?
I’m not sure, as I don’t have a Booq BP3. Didn’t Judie do a review of the Booq a while back? Have a look through the archives.
>>Can the Volt XL hold along with the laptop and other mobile gear and cords and a few file folders of documents, a pair of running shoes, shorts and a change of a shirt and underwear for a one or two day business trip ?? And if so would it be so hevey that it would not be practical ?
Yes, though a tight fit. I just had a go to test the idea, and it all went in there (my running shoes are Uk size 10).
>>I am presently using a Dell C400 12″ Laptop and can not decide if I should get the Volt XL or the Zoom (which is Spire’s smaller bag), on a daily basis the Zoom might be fine; but several times a month I travel and need extra space to limit the number of bags I need to travel with.
I’d go for the Volt XL. Its a bit more versatile I think. Besides, even if its half full, the compression straps will allow you to cinch things up nice and tight.
M
M:
Thanks for your prompt reply. Your point regarding using the cinch straps to compress the bag are well taken. I appreciate you testing the bag to make sure it can handle the load I described. I am really trying to find an “all in one bag” for everyday use and for travel. It sounds like this might be the one.
Thanks,
Brad
Currently I use a backpack for my books and gear and a pelican 1490 for my laptop and to be honest, its been just alot to shlep over campus at times. Add to that the fact that my trusty backpack that i’ve had since 92 finally is starting to show its age, I’ve decided its time to upgrade.
I was looking at various laptop backpacks and I just have one question that maybe you can answer for me. Here in Southern Califonia, we really don’t have incliment weather problems, but we do get rain now and then. How comfortable are you keeping the laptop in the backpack if its raining out or would you transfer it to a more appropriate case like a pelican?
Thanks.
Well, based on the Volt XL review and everyone’s comments, I purchased a Spire Fuse (Spire’s updated version of the Volt). I use this bag everyday. I love it because it is understated. You would never suspect it is a computer backpack. I carry in it either a Panasonic R3 or a Dell C400 and all of the necessary cables and adapters as well as a few other gadgets. When I travel for a one or two day business trip I can get my change of clothes, running shoes and shaving kit (as well as my computer and work papers) all neatly packed. The cinch straps hold everything in place and lower the profile of the bag. When I am not traveling the bag is light as a feather and functions well as a commuter bag. I am very happy with the build quality and functionality. You need to learn to pack vertically as opposed to hoizontally. If you want lots of pockets and hiding places, this is not the bag for you. If you want great quality and a smart design, search no further.
Michael, thanks for the outstanding review. I just purchased a 17″ G4 Powerbook and am in need of a good backpack.
The Volt XL is my top choice, but I am also considering the Meta as well. I think I agree with you that the extra space would be nice, but probably not necessary. My primary concern is to protect the laptop and be able to tote school materials (I work at a university too).
So I’m curious, how is the bag holding up? I’m probably going to pick one of these up for my wife, who carries her laptop and law school books/papers/homework/junk around and I’m tired of buying cheap jansport backpacks that rip every 2 months. 🙂
I am using the Spire Fuse. I understand the needs of your wife and the her use of the bag. I am in law and I find the Fuse more than large enough.
really teriffic review (ditto the comments re: The Shirt, though). If you bring the same level of fastidiousness and attention to detail (The Shirt notwithstanding 🙂 ) to your teaching, I’m sure your students will get much from your lectures.
The good people at Spire ought to consider remunerating you for your very balanced and factual review that very positively reflects their product. I just completed my purchase of a Volt XL for my Toshiba Satellite M35. After having looked at Tumi, Victorinox (and Swiss Army) and a plethora of the internet’s “bargains” of discontinued and last-generation cast-offs, the Volt XL emerged as the superior product due, in no small measure, to your excellent review.
cheers.
What are the dimensions of the Volt XL’s laptop pocket? I have an alienware area 51m-7700 that is 2.1″ x 15.6″ x 11.7″ that i am having a really tough time finding a backpack for that i like….
Great review! Thanks Michael.
I was checking out the Spire line of bags and looks like the Meta has the side handle that you mentioned.. it’s bigger but doesn’t look much bigger..
I’m really looking for something that I can take on 2-3 day business trips – laptop and accessories such as a small mouse, power adapter, stack of papers, sneakers, 1 or 2 changes of clothes, bunch of gadgets, toiletries bag, a book, etc.. I also like carrying my digital SLR along but I’m guessing it won’t fit in this and so I’ll have to take my camera bag along anyways.. anyone try out the Meta yet?
Thanks…
NG