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Previous: Electronic billboard | Main | Next: Concrete truck sign
September 27, 2006 12:03 AM
Broken: Laptop wedge pillow
Michael Dwyer points out:
Costco sells a Laptop wedge pillow. I can see all kinds of uses for a wedge pillow, but a laptop stand is not one of them.
First of all, the ergonimics are totally wrong. The photos shows a recipe for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Secondly, no laptop should be operated while sitting on a padded surface. You will cover the cooling vents and your laptop will overheat and eventually shut down, if not become damaged.
I had that happen to me once, the laptop shutting down because of closed air vents. We couldn't figure out what was going on, until it wouldn't turn on at all. Luckily, it was on the very last day of warranty, so we were able to get the system board replaced for free.
Costco is silly to consider selling this wedge.
"...no laptop should be operated while sitting on a padded surface. You will cover the cooling vents..."
How true. But you know what's worse? Operating a laptop in your lap with no surface. You will hear this funny, faint buzzing sound. Eventually, you will try to locate the source of the funny buzzing sound, but the moment you move, the sound will stop. It will remain a mystery until you get up - and discover a patch on your right leg that is completely shaven of leg hair.
"It will remain a mystery until you get up - and discover a patch on your right leg that is completely shaven of leg hair."
You're not supposed to use a laptop without pants.
Alright, I have a few laptops with air inlets from the bottom, which is a stupid idea. It sucks in dust and dirt from the table, clogging the heatsink fins.
This wedge pillow should never be used as a laptop stand.
Why? #1: It will block the air vents, causing overheating and shutdown at the most inconvenient times.
#2: Carpal Tunnel. Even in this ad, the model is clearly set up to get carpal tunnel. The ergonomics could be improved, however, without the round portion, but would still not be very good.
The pillow = NOT broken
Whoever though of displaying it as a laptop stand = BROKEN
Hurry everyone buy them, use it for a few days, then retire for life off class action lawsuit! =)
Kidding aside, someone should inform that web site about the CTS risks and have them remove all references to the laptop.
Comments on this entry are closed
Previous: Electronic billboard | Main | Next: Concrete truck sign
All true, and if you bought the laptop at Costco, you can return it for your money back anyway, no extended warraties here!
Posted by: klew at September 27, 2006 02:38 AM