Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315 Review

by Charles P. Jefferies

There is a reason computer companies no longer call notebook computers "laptops" – today's notebooks produce a good deal of heat and thus are uncomfortable to use in a lap. Logitech aims to solve this problem with its Portable Lapdesk N315, which provides a flat non-slip surface for your notebook and a retractable mouse pad.

Product Overview
Notebook computers require a flat surface in order to cool properly; using them in a lap requires users to sit in awkward positions so the fans are not blocked. The Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315 ($30) is designed to eliminate this awkwardness by providing a flat surface for the notebook to rest on. The N315 is compatible with PCs and Macs with up to a 15.6-inch display and fits in notebook bags 15.6 inches and larger.

Build Quality and Design
The N315 is made out of plastic and rubber. The entire top of the device is non-slip rubber to ensure a notebook computer will not slide off.

The bottom of the device is hard plastic and has two rubber strips to prevent slipping. The plastic is thick and durable.

The retractable mouse pad comes out the side of the N315 about eight inches. The edges have a small lip to prevent mice from sliding off. The mouse pad is not fragile; it is not safe to lift the device up by the mouse pad, though it did not feel weak even using measurable down force.

In Use
The N315 makes using a notebook in a lap a much more convenient experience. My 15.4-inch HP Pavilion dv5t notebook has its cooling fan located in the back corner which makes it difficult to use in a lap. Having the notebook on a stable, flat surface makes it easier to work. The retractable mouse pad is useful as well; it does not bend much using a mouse. The mouse pad is small by desktop mouse pad standards, but upping the mouse's sensitivity fixes that problem. The raised edges worked well and prevented the mouse from sliding off.

The N315 is good for more than just lap use – using it on a couch, bed, or other soft surface makes the notebook computing experience more convenient.

Conclusion
The Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315 does exactly as advertised – make it easier to use a notebook computer in a lap. It helps keep the notebook cool by providing a flat surface for the notebook to rest on. The retractable mouse pad is a convenient feature as well. We recommend the N315 to any notebook user that is looking for a more convenient notebook computer experience away from the desk.

Pros:

• Keeps hot laptops off your lap
• Provides a stable work surface
• Non-slip surface keeps laptop in place

Cons:

• Small mousepad surface

 

Finally the review on this came out!! I was intrigued on how would this work

Thanks a lot Chaz!

One thing, how much is this? And how durable did you find it?

 

> ...The Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315 ($30) is designed to eliminate this
> awkwardness by providing a flat surface for the notebook to rest on...

;-)

 

There ya go. Nice review, Chaz.

 

This has got to be some kind of joke....this is by FAR the stupidest product I have ever seen. There is no point to this product....you're placing your laptop on a flat board and then placing this flat board onto whatever.....guess what...YOUR LAPTOP IS ALREADY FLAT. This is an excellent example of logitech "fishing" for uneducated people by offering gimmicks and using false marketing.

Dont be fools people...

 

The purpose of this lapdesk is to be able to use a notebook on one's lap without burning their thighs or blocking the fan intakes. It allows the notebook to continue to be used properly on a flat surface instead of resting on pants fabric. However, the price is a bit on the high side. I can make my own lapdesk out of a slate of Torlon, which is stronger than whatever Logitech is using, for a lot less money.

 

does the mouse pad feel stable?

 

What are the dimensions on this thing? I'm getting an Asus G51Vx-RX05 which has a 15.6" screen, but the chassis is larger than most 15.6" notebooks. An answer would help out immensely.

 

An excellent example of how companies like logitech and Antec poisons the minds of people with false marketing. They create a false sense of an issue and provide a product that in the end does nothing.

 

If I am at home I have one of the breakfast in bed trays that that works fine.

 

Thorough review! Thanks Chaz. If it were cheaper I would've gone for it.

 

Well then let me help you out...

HomeDepot + Piece of $2.00 Board = Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315

Lets get real people. This is failed a product even before it was released. Logitech made a bad gamble on this gimmick.

 

I use the side of a Mid-Tower ATX case for using my laptop on my lap when I'm at home, since I didn't feel like spending around 60 dollars for a cooler just yet.

Maybe if they make one big enough for my computer I'll think about it.

 

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80115790

I bought that few months ago. With that bottom soft pillow, it's really nice to use for longer periods even with a heavier laptop.

During heavy use, does the Lapdesk's bottom become hot too? Before the Ikea one I used simple piece of wood and sometimes it became uncomfortably hot.

 

Yes it does - you can use normal pressure with it.

You are correct about its usage. The price point is debatable. Would I pay it? Not if I didn't get a chance to use it; however now that I used it, I'd pay the asking price. Like I said in the review, it is more useful than its description on paper.

The device performs as advertised, so it's not false marketing. Remember that people can make choices and choose not to buy a product. You can't push your personal preferences like "the way things should be" on everyone else, which is one of the reasons you were banned.

I didn't test the device while running my laptop under load, the reason being that I imagine most people are going to have their notebooks unplugged while using this device.
The bottom did become slightly warm while using my laptop. However, there was a big temperature difference between the top of the lapdesk and the bottom; the rubberized top blocks most of the heat.

 

That doesn't sound comfortable at all... but then again the side of my case is just a piece of metal lol.

 

I was hopping to see pictures of Chaz posing with the desk.

Maybe with the wind blowing through his hair.


Man, what a letdown.........

 

That's all mines is; plus a pillow.

 

my only question is how is the "small mousing surface" a con. when i consider that just about every other portable/sturdy/affordable lapdesk i have been able to find has no mousing surface, i consider it quite a pro. i have been quite happy with a folding targus lapdesk for some time, while using an aluminum mouse pad on the couch next to me, but im contemplating buying that lapdesk just for the small, built in mousing surface (i have a >8 dollar mouse so the small area isnt really an issue)

 

I stated the mousing surface was smaller so users don't get the wrong impression about this product. I also noted that the small(er) size did not necessarily hamper productivity.

Two problems with your requests:
1) I have short hair and it's hidden under my helmet
2) There's no air in space

 

How does this compare to the Targus Lapdesk? Size? Portability? etc...
How would a 14" N80vn fit?

Thanks!

 

I think if the OP's DV5 fit in, then your 14 incher wont have a problem

 

I don't have an N80vn but what I do have is a K40IN - it fits even better than my 15.4" dv5t. The pad is noticeably bigger than the base of the notebook.

 

Chaz (sorry, but Charles just sounds weird to me...lol), I know that the DV5 (as most HP Pavilions) tends to heat when being stressed, right?
How did the Lapdesk handle the heat coming from your DV5? Did it get thru when the laptop was getting warmer? Or was it kept under control?
Thanks!

 

My dv5t's GPU runs about 10*C warmer on the Lapdesk versus a flat surface (54*C -> 64*C) mainly because the rubber retains heat. Fortunately the Lapdesk blocks about 70% of the heat from reaching the bottom of the pad so it is still comfortable to use.

 

Nice. Thanks. Not bad at all...though slightly pricey