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Review: Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N550

Nafisa Akabor
By Nafisa Akabor, ITWeb junior journalist
Johannesburg, 08 Feb 2011

The Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N550 is a portable little device that lets you work comfortably from your bed or couch. It is positioned on your lap, and acts a shield between your laptop and the heat given off from the laptop's battery.

The N550 model has been designed for laptops that are 14-inches or smaller and is the younger sister to the N700. Unlike its big sister, the N550 does not have a USB-powered cooling fan.

The lapdesk lets you use your laptop on your couch or in bed for lengthy periods without feeling any discomfort. You will no longer need to shift around until you find a comfortable position, there's no bulk on your thighs, and your battery won't burn you. The bottom of the lapdesk is covered with a soft air-mesh fabric that has been designed to shield heat from your body.

It offers integrated stereo speakers on both sides, and sound quality is average; with amplified bass. The 13.3-inch laptop that was tested on it covered half the speakers on both sides, so anything bigger might be a problem.

In summary:

Good: Light, comfortable, easy to travel with.
Bad: May not work comfortably with a laptop larger than 13.3-inches.
Rating: 8/10
Price: RRP R699

Contact: Incredible Connection - 086 001 1700

Setting up is as easy as plugging in the USB and making sure the correct sound output has been selected. No additional software or drivers are required. Each time you use the lapdesk, you have to make sure the correct sound output has been specified, as your laptop does not remember the setting. The lapdesk does not need any external power supply or batteries.

The design is minimal with three buttons on the right, allowing volume control. There are two foldable bumpers on the surface to keep your laptop in place. The lapdesk is raised ten degrees from the horizontal, putting less strain on your neck, letting you type comfortably.

If you have a habit of using a mouse with your laptop all the time, you will find it a little tricky using it with the lapdesk because there is no room for it. If you want long-term comfort from working anywhere, you will have to use your trackpad.

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