[malemutekid]

I have been considering buying a stand for my iBook, but I want to know if it is really needed. Does anybody have an opinion. I will probably not use extra keyboard with it. I mostly want it to raise the screen and to lower the temperature of the iBook. I am considering the CoolPad and the iCurve. Which is better?

[audvidsvs]

I bought the coolpad and really like it.
It is sturdy and the angle change seems to help my wrists and typing speed. Of course I want it to.

It really helps with the heat though on both the Ibook and the Powerbook,especially when using Virtual PC which seems to make the Powerbook run hot all the time.

I got a full width wrist pad and it brings the leading edge of the computer flush with the pad and that is a lot more comfy too.

Good Luck
Ed

[xtal]

I have the Traveler Coolpad, and I'm a big fan.

I bought it for the heat dissapation reasons alone, and I've barely heard my iBook fan since. The swivel feature is quite nice when I'm showing someone else something on my screen, like a presentation or a document.

The iCurve looks quite nice, but isn't portable, and is reportedly wobbly (you won't be able to use the keyboard). Plus, you don't need an extra keyboard with the Coolpad, but you do with the iCurve.

Oh yeah, the Coolpad is less expensive too.

[AssassyN]

Whichever one you get, the Coolpad or the iCurve, just get one! You'll be really glad you did!

Now, on my opinion of "which one", I think they are two different products meant for two different main means of usage. With the Coolpad, it's designed to allow more air to flow around your notebook (improved cooling) and yet it still keeps it low enough to type on while it's sitting on your desk. However, it doesn't do *as* much to lift/proportion the screen to a totally ergonomically comfortable level.

As for the iCurve, it's meant to be used by people who will not use the built-in keyboard whenever using their notebook as a "desktop replacement" unit. In other words, if you're using the iCurve, make sure you're using an external keyboard as well. Too, the iCurve matches the "Apple-style" perfectly, I have one, and the clear acrylic it's built from is gorgeous and extremely sturdy and rigid. It also allows for a more ergonomic view of the screen, but it sacrifices the use of the built-in keyboard. The iCurve has an open bottom as well and really allows for a free flowing of air around your notebook.

So there's an open perspective on each of them, each serving a slightly different purpose in my views, and since I'll always be using an external keyboard when it's on my desk, I opted for the iCurve. Take your pick, just be sure you get one for the usage you'll perfer.

[dreilly1]

I agree with the previous post: don't get the iCurve unless you're willing to use an external keyboard and mouse. It's made so that it will put the laptop screen at the "proper" height, roughly where a desktop monitor would be. As a result, it puts the keyboard way too high for real work.

My wife uses an iCurve with her PB and a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse. It's perfect for her!

[-Q-]

I agree with the above two. I've used both at work and while the coolpad is great for keeping your laptop cool, it doesn't do much for raising the screen to a more ergonomic level. I replaced the coolpad with an iCurve and it's much better on my back for looking at the screen all day.

However, you will need an external keyboard and mouse with the iCurve. Enable the monitor-spanning hack with an iBook and use and external monitor and iCurve and you have a pretty nice workstation set-up.

[fisherKing]

i moved to osx three weeks ago, and while i love it, my powerbook is definitely running hotter.

so i got the coolpad, and it's great.
recommended!

[Mr. Blur]

i am another coolpad user...it does help disperse the heat and it did put the keybaord at a slight angle that i found more comfortable. and i will agree with the above posts as well - the icurve is good if your using your book with an external kybd/mouse and you want the screen up at a more traditional "ergonomic" level.

[shrink]

I actually use both. I have an iCurve at home that I use with a Apple keyboard + Logitech optical mouse. This setup really looks great, feels very comfortable, and visitors seemed quite impressed. I also bought a traveler koolpad that I just put in my laptop bag and use on the road. The traveler is about $10 cheaper, smaller, & portable, but does not raise your laptop as high as the regular koolpad. I personally enjoy this setup and I don't think you can go wrong whichever you end up choosing.

[malemutekid]

Thank you for all this info; it has all really helped. I like the design of the iCurve, but I do not want to buy a keyboard. I went to Best Buy last night to look at the Traveler CoolPad, and it was a little smaller than I thought it would be(understandably b/c it is the "Traveler"). So, does anyone own the Podium CoolPad, and what do you think of it.

[CheesePuff]

Originally posted by malemutekid:
Thank you for all this info; it has all really helped. I like the design of the iCurve, but I do not want to buy a keyboard. I went to Best Buy last night to look at the Traveler CoolPad, and it was a little smaller than I thought it would be(understandably b/c it is the "Traveler"). So, does anyone own the Podium CoolPad, and what do you think of it.

I own the Podium CoolPad but it did not raise the display high enough for my neck pain to go away, so I got the iCurve. The iCurve took some getting use to but now I love it.

Also when using the Podium CoolPad, it caused my PowerBook G4 display to generate horizontal lines and then freeze the system. When I operated the unit off of the CoolPad, it was fine. I sent it in for repairs and they replaced one part. Once I got it back I never placed it on my Podium CoolPad again.

[malemutekid]

Originally posted by CheesePuff:
I own the Podium CoolPad but it did not raise the display high enough for my neck pain to go away, so I got the iCurve. The iCurve took some getting use to but now I love it.

Do you use an external keyboard with the iCurve?

[CheesePuff]

Originally posted by malemutekid:
Do you use an external keyboard with the iCurve?

Yes, you have to.