
Extra features: We required each model to have some sort of lip, clasp, or slot to hold a laptop, tablet, or book in place, even when the lap desk isn’t perfectly level-say, if you cross your legs underneath it. So we disqualified any models with a built-in mousepad on the right side only, or those with an obstruction (like a laptop rest or clamp) that make it uncomfortable to write or draw with either hand. Regardless of which hand you normally use, having a little extra space on both sides of your laptop lets you keep your phone, pens, and other small supplies handy. Lefty friendliness: To qualify as the best lap desk for most people, each model had to be usable by both left- and right-handed people. (Because laptops are typically measured by diagonal screen size, the true width of a 13-inch MacBook Pro is 12.8 inches, and a 17-inch HP Envy is 16.4 inches wide.) Surface area: We eliminated any lap desks smaller than 15 inches wide because we wanted them to be able to comfortably accommodate a 13-inch laptop with a little room to spare.
Heat distribution: We ruled out models lacking some kind of heat protection-such as a fan, ventilation, or padding to absorb and distribute heat-since keeping your legs cool and shielded against laptop burn is a main benefit of using a lap desk.