What I like: 1) Very durable 2) Multiple configurations for almost every need (from TV stand to lap holder) 3) 3 different colors (not really important to me but it was nice to Color options to have ) 4) Comes with a mouse pad. I don't think other brands have done this. 5) Matches #2 but I can comfortably lie on my back and use my laptop! What I don't like: 1) The price is what you pay for and so far it's been worth every penny. 2) Of course I haven't seen one that has these, but there's nothing to hold the laptop up when used at an angle. It's not critical, but I have a big laptop, so if I want to secure it I'll probably have to buy big, thick rubber bands or something. The choice of the design of the locking mechanism. Because they're outside and open, it's very easy to accidentally trip over them and push them up or down, causing the stall to fall and unlock. I can't consciously compare this to other brands I've seen online. because I haven't tried the plastic versions, but I'm a person who pays for quality and I know something will last. That's why I decided to pay three times more for it than for plastic. Not to mention it will support my $900 laptop. My laptop is next to my bed most of the time. I watch YouTube videos when I go to bed and use it as a bedside radio so I wanted something like a small table to turn it on. I've used a Tablemate TV tray for a long time, as shown on the Tablemate TV, white, and I still recommend it as a good alternative to a TV tray as it slides easily over carpeted floors and tilts. the countertop itself, and despite some negative reviews, it's great when used properly. Unfortunately, it didn't have any edge to prevent my laptop from slipping off the table when it was placed at an angle. I got tired of looking at the table to tap the keys, even with a backlit keyboard. So when I saw some cheaper plastic versions of this type of laptop table, I got interested. But I didn't want something made out of plastic with plastic hinges that might break under any load. If you search Posture Stand on youtube there is a video from the company channel that shows exactly what I was afraid of in terms of weak construction and they have a link to it in the product description. If I was going to buy it I definitely needed something permanent and it definitely looks like it. I've just received it so time will tell if it holds up, but I'll come back later and do an update with it, but first impressions are promising! [Update 08/28/17] Meets my expectations so far. Very durable and well built. I've used it both on a chair and on my bedside table and lying on my back in bed. That was great. My only complaint would be the choice of construction for the joints. The levers accidentally activated a couple of times, unlocking the leg. However, I would undoubtedly choose this over any other brand.