The trouble with computer desks is that they can feel very restricting - you can only use the computer in that one place, and that place alone. If you have a laptop, this feels very unnecessary, as you bought it because you want to be able to move it around, right? With that in mind, here are some alternatives to computer desks for laptop users.

Although you can, of course, just perch the computer on your lap, it's not really recommended. If you've ever tried it, you'll know that laptops give off huge amounts of heat (enough to burn you, if you're not wearing clothes), and that balancing all that weight isn't exactly comfortable - not to mention the risk of dropping!

A better alternative is to get a sliding desk, allowing to you to work in bed or in a chair. These wheeled tables are generally quite pricey, but give you a solid surface to put the laptop on and take some of the strain off you. However, you need to make sure that the one you get is the right height, so that you don't end up straining upwards.

You could also consider a freestanding lap desk, with suckers or rubber feet to keep it in place on uneven surfaces. These have the advantage of being less cumbersome to use than sliding desks, as well as thinner and less expensive. The best ones provide complete protection from the heat your laptop generates, allowing you to keep your lap warm while you get your work done. They are clinically proven to decrease the risk of strains.

Some of the most innovative desks to use for laptops, though, are the folding plastic desks that have recently come onto the market. These desks fold up and fit into a laptop bag, yet when unfolded become big enough and sturdy enough to use just like a real desk - great for travelling.