Although large flatscreen TVs are great for movies and sports, the way they dominate whatever room they're in can be a little disheartening. And if your aim is actually watching television they're becoming more and more besides the point. That's because current TV shows are increasingly available online--authorized versions at iTunes and Google Video and unauthorized at BitTorrent.
While we all wait for the television and the computer monitor to merge into one inconspicuous device that integrates seamlessly into our homes, the $40 iCurve, a lightweight laptop pedestal designed by Griffin, can help eliminate additional (or even any) televisions in your home, by turning a laptop computer into an impromptu portable flatscreen television. The iCurve was designed to make a laptop more viable for desktop use by raising monitors to eye level, but it also broadens sight lines so that more than one person can view the screen at a time.
The iCurve almost seems to disappear in a room due to its lucite construction, making your laptop appear to float. And it's relatively small size means it can literally disappear under a desk or bed when not in use.
pic via David M. Gallagher.
Available here.
Tis one of those "why didn't I think of it". :)
This is really a terrific product. I've had mine for almost four years and it's still in perfect shape. It also helps keep your laptop cool by improving air circulation around the base.
I've had problems with my 12" powerbook staying on the iCurve. It fell a number of times. Now my powerbook has "character."
For whatever it's worth, I was seduced by the idea and looks of this product, but found it uncomfortable to use. Your mileage may vary.
ebrown - every now and then you should just wipe off the rubber(?) pads with a moist cloth. Even a little bit of dust really kills the stickyness
lisa - you were using an "external" keyboard and mouse, right?
Bobby Jones
I use mine all the time, its a great product, when I had a desk I used to hook a USB hub into my ibook, and use a wireless keyboard combo I have, and it was very natural to use.
yet another product that my husband will buy, it will end up getting lost when you need it, and eventually end up collecting dust... We have successfully used a bar stools to watch our laptop in bed (The only room we refuse to have a TV in), plus, what can this do that a quick nice stack of sturdy books and a chair or table can't?
Seriously. I am all about "not buying anything else that we are not going to seriously use for a serious function."