Targus Podium CoolPad for Notebooks PA241U

Pros: A sensible accessory for all laptop computers
Cons: None

I have used laptops (or, in Apple parlance, PowerBooks) for several years and have always found the ergonomics to be less than perfect. Until the Podium pad was recommended to me at the Houston Apple Store. We now have two. They work well with the Apple aluminum Powerbooks (all sizes) for a number of reasons:

1. using the maximum height extension, the screen is raised about 3 inches off the desk or lap. This is good your neck!

2. again with maximum height extension, the keyboard is angled much the same as a standard keyboard. This is good for your wrists!

3. the swivel base means that the PowerBook can be used by more than one person sitting at a desk or table.

4. the gap between computer and the pad itself is an essential cooling device. PowerBooks get very hot!

The device is easily transportable, looks good and is well made. Mine travels extensively and gets a hard work out. Compared to similar products it is streets ahead in design, looks and functionality.

Pros: Prevents computer overheating or slipping. Needs no power source. Fits notebooks up to 17". Lightweight.
Cons: The package says there's a compartment for the extra "Lego" pieces -- where is it?

I opened this package thinking: I paid $16 for molded black plastic, some Lego pieces, and little rubber feet? Turns out it is the most useful accessory I have for my IBM Thinkpad, and I wish I'd bought it earlier! The CoolPad -- it's just plastic, but sturdy and well-designed -- holds the front of my notebook up half an inch above the tabletop, and props the back of it an an angle (adjusts with snap-on "Lego"-type pieces to four different angles), so air can keep circulating around and through the machine. So no more worries about overheating. There are other benefits. The Coolpad lifts the keyboard and screen so it's easier for me to see. It holds the notebook up out of any sticky or spilled stuff that might be on the tabletop. Its rubber feet hold the computer firmly, so it won't slip and crash to the floor. (This is really nice, considering I used to try to balance my laptop on a pair of books to keep it cool.) And the CoolPad has a swivel feature so the laptop can be swiveled through an arc of about 90 degrees. Nice! Real nice!