SlateGo Mobile AirDesk Review: Your Laptop's Best Friend

The term "laptop computer" is a bit misleading. Sure, your Macbook might fit on your lap, but it's definitely not designed just for that. A flat, metal bottom that gets noticeably warm when you use it for prolonged periods only leaves you shifting in your seat, or shoving a pillow underneath. The last thing you want is to leave the comforts of your favorite chair and head to a desk. The SlateGo wants to help end your warm-legged shuffle, but does it really work? Let's find out!

If there's one thing that should be said for the SlateGo, it's that it has style to spare. The bamboo board has drilled holes for breathability, both for you and the computer. A small side tray holds your phone or other smaller items, like a pen and notepad. You could even drop your keys and wallet there if you wanted to.

The felt lining on the tray keeps your items from being scratched up, and keeps them from falling to the floor while you shift in your seat. The tray concept is simple and effective when you've got nowhere to stash your stuff.

I tested the SlateGo 15-inch model, which of course housed my Macbook 13-inch with ease. There are also 13 and 17-inch models available, all scaled appropriately to the 15. I would say the 15-inch model can house a variety of devices, and might even be fine for 17-inch computers with a smaller footprint, though it wold still be a squeeze.

As light as can be, the SlateGo is one you could easily take on a weekend away. A happy benefit of the drilled holes is that you have finger-grips to tote it around.

The SlateGo could be slipped into a checked airline bag, but I resist recommending it for carry-on. Given the nature of undersized, overhead storage and over-sized bags people tend to bring on, there's a chance your bag wouldn't allow the overhead bin to close (depending on the plane, of course).

One happy coincidence in testing was that I dropped the SlateGo. Well, it fell, really. Off the top of my car. That bamboo construction paid off, as the SlateGo bounced, but showed no sign of damage at all. Not even a scuff.

SlateGo is simple enough, but is it really something that makes the laptop a lap-topper?

The desk-on-your-lap thing was a bit foreign for me at first, but after giving it a shot for a few days (I'm writing this while using it), I find SlateGo something I turn to. The drilled hole concept may seem like a gimmick, but please do browse SlashGear, hold down a Hangouts conversation, and process video at the same time. I promise you'll find the airspace handy at that point.

The drilled holes do their job surprisingly well. The heat was able to dissipate cleanly, leaving me comfortable and the Macbook running cool. The trey held my iPhone 5S easily, and was even able to house larger devices like a Moto X (2014) or LG G3.

That's the real question, isn't it? I like the SlateGo quite a bit, and find it handy for prolonged period of computer use while on the couch or sitting up in bed (if that's your thing).

The drilled holes allow for warm air to drift away, and can even serve as a cord-minder — great for the sometimes-fussy MagSafe connection. The felt tray kept items handy, but still out-of-the-way. I really liked it for receiving calls while working from the couch, because I didn't need to go routing through my pockets. When OS X Yosemite hits, this will become a lot more useful for iCentric folks.

SlateGo is a touch larger than the footprint your computer has, but when you need some serious desktop utility on the go, you can't beat it. If you want to forgo the tray on the side, the SlateGo mini is also available. I'd recommend that for travelers who don't like flip-down trays on airplane seats (and it's easily one you could carry-on!).

Our test model runs around $88, and lacks some features that can cause the SlateGo to creep upwards of $129.99. That's a bit steep for a laptop desk, but SlateGo is a touch better than anything it competes with. The lightweight, strong bamboo keeps SlateGo from being a burden on your legs (not heavy, good airflow), and the "small desk" functionality is handier than I thought.

I can recommend the SlateGo easily, and would say the price is well worth it for those who will use if often. There are cheaper lap-desks out there, but none are as stylish and downright comfortable as SlateGo. You'll also be hard-pressed to find one that is as seamlessly functional.

The SlateGo is available via the Slate Mobile website.