Do You Use a Laptop Tray When Using MacBook Pro on Your Couch or Bed?

[HappyDude20]

Apple replaced my 2017 keyboard and included a brand new battery on my rMBP at no charge and am loving it.

My battery cycle count was 837 and now its at just 3.

Not wanting to damage the battery in any way, and boy do these 2017 rMBP do get warm and even after the fans ramp up, I am wondering if I should baby this rMBP and begin to use a tray when I'm plopped down on the couch in front of the TV and am wanting to use my rMBP.

Personally, the goal would be to not let the rMBP get too hot. But that's about it.

I'm guessing there's gotta be a ton of people that perhaps use a large hardcover book underneath and that suffices...
Or I'm also guessing there's a bunch of people that don't even think about this and just don't care and use their MacBook on their lap whether in bed or on the couch and don't mind it getting hot.

Vote away, am wondering, thanks!

 

[pshufd]

My Apple Silicon MacBook Pro doesn't get hot.

 

[Abazigal]

I usually just make do with one of my pillows.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Depends on the angle but mostly the mac is on stomach/ chest. But you can preemptively use any number of fan control Apps to keep temps down when cooling or system must work harder.

I have iStatMenus so use automations for CPU/GPU temp ranges, or just set them manually on the spot.

 

[maflynn]

Yes, I have a so called lap desk. For my M1 14" MBP there's less of a need, the laptop doesn't really get warm, their is no cooling vents on the bottom and overall its fine on my lap.

For PCs, like the Razer Blade Advanced with fans on the bottom, a lap desk is all but required as you need a hard surface with some room for the fans to vent.

 

[HappyDude20]

My Apple Silicon MacBook Pro doesn't get hot.

I did own the M1 Mac Mini for a bit and it’s insane how the fans never once turned on.

I usually just make do with one of my pillows.

Hmmm seems like that would make the bottom of the laptop hotter.

Depends on the angle but mostly the mac is on stomach/ chest. But you can preemptively use any number of fan control Apps to keep temps down when cooling or system must work harder.

I have iStatMenus so use automations for CPU/GPU temp ranges, or just set them manually on the spot.

Oh that’s so interesting. I’ve had iStat for ages but hardly use it anymore. This of a great reason to use it again.

Yes, I have a so called lap desk. For my M1 14" MBP there's less of a need, the laptop doesn't really get warm, their is no cooling vents on the bottom and overall its fine on my lap.

For PCs, like the Razer Blade Advanced with fans on the bottom, a lap desk is all but required as you need a hard surface with some room for the fans to vent.

I’ve been using a hardcover book for the last few days and it just feels like I’m suddenly catering a 7 pound laptop on me when couch surfing.

 

[Raebo]

Don’t need to with my pro 14. One of the great features IMO.

 

[Pakaku]

I use one, not specifically for cooling, but to prop it up at an angle for better typing

 

[thestugots]

Apple replaced my 2017 keyboard and included a brand new battery on my rMBP at no charge and am loving it.

how did you manage that..?

 

[resolutiontime]

yes, but not on testicles/lap because radiation reduces sperm cells.

 

[0128672]

I use a firm pillow so I'm not looking down at either my MBA or iPad.

 

[HappyDude20]

how did you manage that..?

They had on their history a record of me complaining for a while about a few keys not working; both over the phone and also a few times at two different Apple stores. I sent it in and replaced the keyboard at no fee. The new battery was a surprise. I’m guessing cause the bottom portion of the MBP 2017 is all one piece.

yes, but not on testicles/lap because radiation reduces sperm cells.

Some guys would see that as a benefit.

 

[maflynn]

yes, but not on testicles/lap because radiation reduces sperm cells.

Do you have any proof the MBP emits radiation that is harmful to us?

 

[pshufd]

Do you have any proof the MBP emits radiation that is harmful to us?

Not an issue to us seniors.

Those worried about it should use a lead tray.

 

[maflynn]

Those worried about it should use a lead tray.

And stop using iPhones.

Its one thing for having a computer on your lap, its quite another having a computer pressed up against your head - seems that if you're worried about your progeny, you would also be worried about cooking your brain

 

[svenmany]

My laptop is a 2018. There is definitely air blowing out at the back on the bottom. I'm guessing that your 2017 is the same. I have a laptop tray with wrist rests when I work in bed; I wouldn't put it on something that blocks the vent.

 

[resolutiontime]

Do you have any proof the MBP emits radiation that is harmful to us?

Abstract:
"When it is placed on the lap, not only the heat from a laptop computer can warm men’s scrotums, the electromagnetic fields generated by laptop’s internal electronic circuits as well as the Wi-Fi Radiofrequency radiation hazards (in a Wi-Fi connected laptop) may decrease sperm quality. Furthermore, due to poor working posture, laptops should not be used on the lap for long hours."

The Fundamental Reasons Why Laptop Computers should not be Used on Your Lap

As a tendency to use new technologies, gadgets such as laptop computers are becoming more popular among students, teachers, businessmen and office workers. Today laptops are a great tool for education and learning, work and personal multimedia. Millions ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[resolutiontime]

They had on their history a record of me complaining for a while about a few keys not working; both over the phone and also a few times at two different Apple stores. I sent it in and replaced the keyboard at no fee. The new battery was a surprise. I’m guessing cause the bottom portion of the MBP 2017 is all one piece.

Some guys would see that as a benefit.

I don't see any reason why it would be a benefit, tbh...think of the future babies than could be made..

 

[Six0Four]

I just bought this yesterday, Should be here tomorrow from Amazon.

 

[HappyDude20]

My laptop is a 2018. There is definitely air blowing out at the back on the bottom. I'm guessing that your 2017 is the same. I have a laptop tray with wrist rests when I work in bed; I wouldn't put it on something that blocks the vent.

Laptop tray with WRIST RESTS?

Can you please show or link how this looks like?

 

[Alpha Centauri]

View attachment 2080905

I just bought this yesterday, Should be here tomorrow from Amazon.

Right..this looks a wee bit classier than the bamboo chopping board my MBP rests on whilst on the couch. Def pls a link.

 

[svenmany]

Laptop tray with WRIST RESTS?

Can you please show or link how this looks like?

I got it years ago at Costco.

From above showing the wrist rests

From below showing the cushion

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Laptop tray with WRIST RESTS?

Can you please show or link how this looks like?

Appears to be from this site: https://abovetek.com/collections/la...-portable-laptop-table-pad-mouse-tray-ld-165g

 

[Six0Four]

Right..this looks a wee bit classier than the bamboo chopping board my MBP rests on whilst on the couch. Def pls a link.

AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/ Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/ Sturdy Stable Cooler Work Surface For Bed Sofa Couch or Travel

AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/ Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/ Sturdy Stable Cooler Work Surface For Bed Sofa Couch or Travel

www.amazon.ca

 

[Apple_Robert]

I rest the M2 MBA on my lap using a Woolnut leather sleeve.