As laptop sales slowly replace desktop computer sales, more laptop accessories become necessary, especially those that make the laptop experience more like the desktop experience, allowing for portability without giving up the advantages of a desktop computer. The Futura Laptop Stand seeks not only to enhance the desktop experience, but also to provide a portable tool for your lap.

The Futura consists of a folding plastic plate with a stand on one side and translucent rubber pads throughout. The stand can be used either as a desktop base to elevate the laptop on a desk or table to raise the screen to be closer to eye-level. To do so, the stand folds in half, and an adjustable stand allows for slight variation in the angle, and thus the elevation of the screen. The stand could benefit from more variation, though, and raise the screen a few inches higher.

Unlike most laptop stands, the Futura also functions as a lap desk, providing a flat surface, as well as protection from the increasingly hot processors inside laptop cases. The vent shape on the Futura looks like a bike helmet flattened out, so thick plastic borders large holes. We tested it on bare legs with a MacBook Pro, which can get almost hot enough on the bottom to iron your pants. The Futura provides a thick enough barrier to protect against that heat while providing enough ventilation to keep heat from building up and damaging the laptop. It's also wide enough to provide a base even for those with 15" and 17" screens.

The rubber pads work well to keep the laptop in place overall, preventing sliding on the lap. I did find, though, that, since it has no bottom "shelf" to keep the laptop from sliding down, you need to set the laptop so the bottom edge is on the desk, or it will slowly slide down over a period of a couple hours, so make sure it's also not too close to the edge of the desk. (It will stop sliding when it reaches the desk, so you might as well start there.) A 1" folding shelf near the hinge would solve this problem.

In a world where case design sometimes trumps system specifications, the Futura truly shows the future of computer accessories, offering a variety of color and finish options, including 8 different colors with a new color available every month, based on a customer poll, a choice of matte or semi-gloss finish, and black or translucent rubber pads.

If you're looking for style and multi-functional use in a laptop stand, the Futura offers a sturdy option, but if you're looking for a higher angle on your desk, you may need to look elsewhere. And if they don't have a design you like, wait until next month for something new.