Review on 📚 LapDesk Schoolhouse Wood LapDesk: Enhanced with Storage for Optimal Organization (45075) by Jimmy Garcia

LAP GEAR SCHOOLHOUSE LAP DESK: The reviews for this product varied widely before I bought mine (about 80% for, 20% against) and I was a bit wary when ordering. Some of the reviews sounded fantastic, others were very disappointing. I prefer to order when most of the reviews are 4 or 5 stars and since the clear majority of this product WAS 4 or 5 stars I placed the order. But those 20% bad reviews bothered me a bit. My desktop arrived about 2 weeks ago and I've been using it a lot since then. Here is my experience so far. PACKAGE: First of all, the packaging that the table came in was completely correct and there was no damage to either the wood or the finish. WOOD/FINISH: Both the wood used and the finish on this item were similar to another wood topped table that we own. suitable for the task but not very durable. This article must not be misused. If you take care of this item it should last a very long time and look and work great. If you play it roughly, it will show wear and tear. I'm perfectly comfortable with my rubber-footed laptop or a leather or paper magazine on this surface. I would NOT use a wire spiral notepad on this surface without putting something underneath. If I need/want to make notes on a wire pad, I first lay down a linen cloth to protect the finish. The FEEL of the item is very comfortable but NOT heavy. HINGES: The flip top opened very well the first time, closed with no problems and has done so ever since. The lid does not play at all, everything is quite reliable. BUT the hinges that attach the lid allow for a little natural wobbling as there is play in the mechanism of the hinges themselves. If you lift the lid and try to move it a little, it wobbles, but this is normal for the hinges used. The lever loop on the right serves to keep the lid open if desired (which is possible without any problems), and the mechanism that enables this "lock-in-open" function is not a hard "CLICK" " clasp, but a more gentle, rounded notch that wobbles a little but is not that undesirable for intended use. I've seen hinges like this before and this one behaves just like any other I've seen. The two simple end hinges used between the lid and base also have some degree of natural wobble, again nothing objectionable and quite normal for this type of hinge, and these hinges will not move the lid in any way that is uncomfortable or undesirable. However, if you expect a rock-solid, wobble-free locking action, look for a table that costs around $200 or more. CAN a manufacturer choose higher precision hinges? sure . but you no longer pay around $40 for a table. So my assessment is that, given the price range, I think the hinges are okay and I'm not in the least bit disappointed. To counter this, 20 years ago I bought a wooden writing case with incredible hinges, smooth as glass and not moving. Today a box like that would cost over $200, but back then it cost me about $150. MOUNTING HARDWARE: These are the hinges themselves. There were also some comments about the weak hinge attachment. Now, if you're mounting the hinges in relatively thin (5/16 to 3/8 inch) pieces of wood with relatively small screws (long screws aren't great for thin wood), this isn't a setup I would suggest for a kid. to play. It's a relatively delicate task to be used by cautious adults, not some sort of parental control that will let them drop and see what they can do. The way I use articles like this I think they should last for many years as some reviewers suggest (I think one person quoted something like 10 years). Do I pull on the lid of this device with all my strength or do I lift it fully loaded by the open lid? no Will I open and close it in normal use without fear of damaging it, definitely yes. I understand that some of us require "field quality" parts for outdoor, jobsite, or manufacturing use. I would not recommend this item for such heavy use. But for home use for writing on paper and PC I'm absolutely sure it works fine. . At about 18" x 14", the lap table surface is about 2" longer and 4" deeper than the laptop I use (note that 2" deep is the pen tray area on the back behind the hinges). This offers an overall surface area that I find perfectly adequate for using my Dell Latitude E6530 or any paper journal or laptop I use. Some very large sketchbooks can be a problem.INTERIOR: The inside of this unit was a real pleasure to explore.There are two Compartments, one on the left (for pens and small items) and a larger compartment for notepads, tablets etc. It is lined with felt (not sure which fabric) and really lovely The interior of this item really gives it a character special feeling that I love. BODY INTERFACE: Kneeling table. Sits on your lap. :) So what is the surface of this item below where it touches the knees? It's like felt that wraps around the different parts slightly Any knee configuration you can imagine (straight leg, cross legged, etc.) and I've had no comfort issues at all. Very easy, very convenient. PLAYER WARNING: If you've ever played Dungeons and Dragons or any other face-to-face tabletop role-playing game where the person running the game has to do some of their work behind the screen, this item is a complete "Sent." the Gods". . :) After playing and controlling RPGs for about 20 years, I received this item in about a week. "Oh my god! I can use this as a GM (Game Master) screen! It's perfect". The game master often has to do tasks that other players don't need to see, such as rolling the dice. The inner compartment of this felt-lined table is PERFECT for dice (sturdy, hidden, fully self-contained, and best of all, quiet!)! And the "Stay Open" locking hinge means you don't have to use a hand or makeshift device to hold the lid open while you're rolling the dice, taking notes, or whatever. Do you have miniatures that you don't want your players to see until they appear in Act 2 Scene 3? Keep them in the handy side pocket! Whether you're running your game from a laptop, paper, or both, this desktop has you covered. I really think the manufacturer should connect with play stores. You would definitely move a few of these! For the money I paid I have absolutely no complaints about this portable desk. It is a pleasure to use and proper care should give me many years of use and great looks and aesthetics. If everything falls apart in a short time, I'll definitely come back here and tell you the whole story. If you want a portable table with this design that's bigger, stronger, ready to go, and completely wobble-free, expect it to be a lot heavier and a lot more expensive. APRIL 5, 2020: Six years later, I still love this desktop. No problems with any part of the table; All fittings and fasteners work properly, no repairs are required. Still highly recommended 👍👍👍👍👍