We created a survey online requiring access to a computer for the survey to be taken. This showed us (based on our sample survey) that nearly 80% of computer users own a laptop and over 60% of laptop users, use them on the go, but prefer a mouse. Our product is targeted at anyone who uses a laptop computer anywhere besides a desk. This is especially geared toward people who use their computers primarily for extensive work or fast-paced gaming.
We looked into possible solutions for this problem. The best solutions we found are the three patents and three products below. None of them adequately solved the problem to our standards. We're just going to have to make a better solution.
We looked into possible solutions for this problem. The best solutions we found are the three patents and three products below. None of them adequately solved the problem to our standards. We're just going to have to make a better solution.
Patent Summary #1:
Source (APA format):
Adams, P. (2013, June 11). Patent US8459191 - Laptop computer desk - Google Patents. Google Books. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.google.com/patents/us8459191
Patent Number:
US8459191
Patent Summary:
It’s a portable desk that rests on the ground. It features a secure floor base, a horizontal surface with enough space for a laptop computer, and a c-shaped support connecting the base to the top surface.
Patent Critique:
This device provides enough space to place a Laptop, but not enough space for an added keyboard and mouse. It is bulky and not very portable. It’s most likely for home use. It also isn’t adjustable for different heights.
Patent Summary #2:
Source (APA format):
Cordes, Michael James, and Steven Allen Cordes. "Patent US6496360 - Laptop portable computer desk - Google Patents." Google Books. Google Patents, 17 Dec. 2002. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.google.com/patents/US6496360>.
Patent Number:
US6496360B1
Patent Summary:
A foldable, lightweight desk that is supported over your lap with foldable stands and a comfortable mesh that rests on your legs. High friction patches and a small block holds a computer in place on the surface.
Patent Critique:
It is lightweight, portable, and comfortable. Its small surface space only provides room for a laptop, but it isn’t very secure
Patent Summary #3:
Source (APA format):
Saettler, Erwin. "Patent DE10217772A1 - Support pad for portable computer providing space to use mouse or memory ... - Google Patents." Google Books. Google Patents, 11 Mar. 2004. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <https://www.google.com/patents/DE10217772A1?cl=en&dq=mouse+space+patents&hl=en&sa=X&ei=cKFqUqPrDMyIkQfWo4FI&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAQ>.
Patent Number:
DE10217772A1
Patent Summary:
A support pad for a portable computer providing space to use a mouse or memory unit. The base clamps to the computer and the spaces fold out of the underlay base for the computer.
Patent Critique:
It provides enough space for a computer and an accessory like a mouse. It isn’t very secure for the computer and doesn’t have vents for the solid base.
Source (APA format):
Adams, P. (2013, June 11). Patent US8459191 - Laptop computer desk - Google Patents. Google Books. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://www.google.com/patents/us8459191
Patent Number:
US8459191
Patent Summary:
It’s a portable desk that rests on the ground. It features a secure floor base, a horizontal surface with enough space for a laptop computer, and a c-shaped support connecting the base to the top surface.
Patent Critique:
This device provides enough space to place a Laptop, but not enough space for an added keyboard and mouse. It is bulky and not very portable. It’s most likely for home use. It also isn’t adjustable for different heights.
Patent Summary #2:
Source (APA format):
Cordes, Michael James, and Steven Allen Cordes. "Patent US6496360 - Laptop portable computer desk - Google Patents." Google Books. Google Patents, 17 Dec. 2002. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.google.com/patents/US6496360>.
Patent Number:
US6496360B1
Patent Summary:
A foldable, lightweight desk that is supported over your lap with foldable stands and a comfortable mesh that rests on your legs. High friction patches and a small block holds a computer in place on the surface.
Patent Critique:
It is lightweight, portable, and comfortable. Its small surface space only provides room for a laptop, but it isn’t very secure
Patent Summary #3:
Source (APA format):
Saettler, Erwin. "Patent DE10217772A1 - Support pad for portable computer providing space to use mouse or memory ... - Google Patents." Google Books. Google Patents, 11 Mar. 2004. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <https://www.google.com/patents/DE10217772A1?cl=en&dq=mouse+space+patents&hl=en&sa=X&ei=cKFqUqPrDMyIkQfWo4FI&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAQ>.
Patent Number:
DE10217772A1
Patent Summary:
A support pad for a portable computer providing space to use a mouse or memory unit. The base clamps to the computer and the spaces fold out of the underlay base for the computer.
Patent Critique:
It provides enough space for a computer and an accessory like a mouse. It isn’t very secure for the computer and doesn’t have vents for the solid base.
Competing Product #1:
Source (APA format):
"Euro-Style Lap Desk." Staples.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.staples.com/Euro-Style-Lap-Desk/product_789290?externalize=certona>.
Artifact Summary:
A curved and cushioned pad to rest on your lap that will hold a computer and store extra accessories.
$32.99 on Staples' website.
Artifact Critique:
A slightly bulky, but comfortable design. Gives enough room for a computer and a mouse as well as storage for them. Cooling beads in bottom cushions to keep your legs cool, but can overheat a computer. Appropriate price point for the features.
Competing Product #2:
Source (APA format):
"Contour Lap Desk, Mahogany." Staples.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.staples.com/Contour-Lap-Desk-Mahogany/product_639309?externalize=certona>.
Artifact Summary:
A large hardwood surface area with cushions for your lap. $34.99 on Staples' website.
Artifact Critique:
A smooth hardwood surface (slightly reflective, not good for optical mice) with a carrying handle and cushions for comfortable use. Its large size makes it slightly heavy and less portable than desired but gives plenty of rooms. Not vented but a smooth enough surface that overheating is rare. The price comes from the "hardwood" finish.
Competing Product #3:
Source (APA format):
"A little theater. In your lap.." A little theater. In your lap.. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.logitech.com/en-us/notebook-products/articles/6449>.
Artifact Summary:
A portable surface for your computer that uses a USB to power speakers with external volume controls.
$79.99 on Logitech's website.
Artifact Critique:
Features enough space for your computer, not enough for a mouse. Also includes speakers and a vent fan powered by one USB. External buttons control the speed of the fan and the volume of the speakers. Well priced for the features included. Possibly a little expensive if the speaker quality is low.
Source (APA format):
"Euro-Style Lap Desk." Staples.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.staples.com/Euro-Style-Lap-Desk/product_789290?externalize=certona>.
Artifact Summary:
A curved and cushioned pad to rest on your lap that will hold a computer and store extra accessories.
$32.99 on Staples' website.
Artifact Critique:
A slightly bulky, but comfortable design. Gives enough room for a computer and a mouse as well as storage for them. Cooling beads in bottom cushions to keep your legs cool, but can overheat a computer. Appropriate price point for the features.
Competing Product #2:
Source (APA format):
"Contour Lap Desk, Mahogany." Staples.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.staples.com/Contour-Lap-Desk-Mahogany/product_639309?externalize=certona>.
Artifact Summary:
A large hardwood surface area with cushions for your lap. $34.99 on Staples' website.
Artifact Critique:
A smooth hardwood surface (slightly reflective, not good for optical mice) with a carrying handle and cushions for comfortable use. Its large size makes it slightly heavy and less portable than desired but gives plenty of rooms. Not vented but a smooth enough surface that overheating is rare. The price comes from the "hardwood" finish.
Competing Product #3:
Source (APA format):
"A little theater. In your lap.." A little theater. In your lap.. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. <http://www.logitech.com/en-us/notebook-products/articles/6449>.
Artifact Summary:
A portable surface for your computer that uses a USB to power speakers with external volume controls.
$79.99 on Logitech's website.
Artifact Critique:
Features enough space for your computer, not enough for a mouse. Also includes speakers and a vent fan powered by one USB. External buttons control the speed of the fan and the volume of the speakers. Well priced for the features included. Possibly a little expensive if the speaker quality is low.