How are you setup?

almostbadass · almostbadass #1 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 12:47 AM

Just got my first laptop, and I am still trying to figure out the accessories to buy for it. I am living in a dorm room, so I do not have much space, and no comfy chairs. I try not to keep my laptop on my bed due to cooling. I know I want a mouse, and am thinking wireless or BT, but dont know the difference. How comfortable it is in my hand is also a concern. Further, I have heard the scroll beads stop working after a month or two.
I am also trying to decide on whether to buy a keyboard. I dont know where I would use this, but typing on the laptop is a bit uncomfortable. Any suggestions?
Lastly, if I want to lounge and use my laptop, are there any options to keeping it on my lap/bed without it overheating?

Most importantly of all:
How do you set yourself up?

Jhorra · Jhorra #2 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 12:48 AM

I bought the Logitech mouse/keyboard combo, and have really liked it. I also use a second screen though, so that may make a difference.

I have a MacBook Pro by the way.

iSebastianGrey · iSebastianGrey #3 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 12:56 AM

I'm just using my Macbook on a small desk. I went out and bought a comfy chair, because I find myself spending inordinate amounts of time on my Mac. As for the keyboard mouse issue, I'm definitely going to have to get a mouse, because I just can't stand trackpads anyway. But the keyboard is fine, to me.

nukemm · nukemm #4 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 01:06 AM

I thought that I was going to want to use a keyboard, too, but I don't want one now. I am quite happy with the keyboard on my MacBook Pro, and the trackpad is great when I'm running OS X, because OS X has an "ignore accidental input" feature, but under Windows I have a tendency to bump the trackpad. The only real reason I want a mouse is for games.

As far as limited space, I understand your situation completely. I bought my MacBook Pro for use on a ship, so I rarely have more space available to me than that which I am occupying in my chair. I recommend getting a lap desk of sorts. There are several that have a swing-out that allows the use of a mouse.

walmartconnect · walmartconnect #5 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 01:08 AM

I just can't get a comfortable feel from those MightyMice, I guess that I really prefer to feel the contours and edges of the buttons that I press.

todd51 · todd51 #6 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 01:30 AM

Throughout most of the day my MBP sits on my desk with the screen saver on when I'm not using it. I bought a cheap optical Logitech mouse to use for when it's on a desk.

For times like these (I'm in bed) I am perfectly comfortable with the trackpad. It's overheating so I wouldn't worry about that. The way I am sitting anyways there is space underneath of it so it'll get air. I wouldn't worry about it overheating when having it in your lap. The fans are meant to kick on if it gets too hot. I usually only surf the internet and listen to music when I'm not on a desk so it's not like I'm doing excessive work anyways.

I do recommend a small comfortable mouse for when it's sitting on the desk in your dorm room though. I used the trackpad for about 2 months before I finally switched to a USB mouse.

mikeyman · mikeyman #7 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 02:25 AM

I just use the trackpack and keyboard in my macbook and do not use any external devices. Mainly because i dont play any games, if i did i would get an apple mighty mouse, but then i would have the desktop if i was going to do that.

almostbadass · almostbadass #8 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 03:26 AM

Where could I get a lapdesk that has a mousepad thingy?

ste6168 · ste6168 #9 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by almostbadass

Where could I get a lapdesk that has a mousepad thingy?

probably on google.com somehwere

walmartconnect · walmartconnect #10 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 10:28 AM

To elaborate, here are two lists from froogle and ebay.

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...oogle&ct=title

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...atitle=lapdesk

After looking a little more, I like this one, it's minimalist and wide enough for your average MB and a mouse.

eric · eric #11 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 01:46 PM

macbook, lap desk, no mouse, occasional ext hard drive mounted.

RiDE · RiDE #12 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 04:52 PM

That is beautiful Eric. Where did you get that Lap Desk?? Link???

ste6168 · ste6168 #13 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIDE

That is beautiful Eric. Where did you get that Lap Desk?? Link???

yeah seriously... did you build that? if not it had to be pretty expensive.

mikeyman · mikeyman #14 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 06:18 PM

Quote:

That is beautiful Eric. Where did you get that Lap Desk?? Link???

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/sho...538#post324538

He wrote a review on a plastic desk and stated that he took and back and bourght this one as a result of this

wicker_man · wicker_man #15 (**permalink**)

02-13-2007, 06:24 PM

I have my PowerBook and Cube on my desk (Cube in corner, PB on the straight desk).

I sometimes take my PowerBook around the house, in the lounge, kitchen or bed and wirelessly access my iTunes library from my Cube.

Here's a pic of my latest setup:
http://flickr.com/photos/20262161@N00/388581056/

nukemm #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 15, 2006 Location: Oak Harbor, WA Posts: 925 Mac Specs: 2.33Ghz Core2Duo MacBook Pro /// 2.2Ghz Core2Duo MacBook	02-13-2007, 01:06 AM I thought that I was going to want to use a keyboard, too, but I don't want one now. I am quite happy with the keyboard on my MacBook Pro, and the trackpad is great when I'm running OS X, because OS X has an "ignore accidental input" feature, but under Windows I have a tendency to bump the trackpad. The only real reason I want a mouse is for games. As far as limited space, I understand your situation completely. I bought my MacBook Pro for use on a ship, so I rarely have more space available to me than that which I am occupying in my chair. I recommend getting a lap desk of sorts. There are several that have a swing-out that allows the use of a mouse. Don't forget to use the reputation system! My Setup
	QUOTE Thanks

eric #11 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 04, 2006 Location: twin cities, mn, usa Posts: 8,800	02-13-2007, 01:46 PM macbook, lap desk, no mouse, occasional ext hard drive mounted. Please participate in our Member of the Month polls. Every vote counts! And remember to use the user reputation system! ["Dear Homer, I. O. U. one emergency donut. Signed, Homer." - Note by Homer Simpson]
	QUOTE Thanks

wicker_man #15 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 15, 2006 Location: Caught somewhere in time... Posts: 356 Mac Specs: MacBook Pro 15" 2.2GHz/4GB/250GB, G4 Cube 450MHz + 17" Studio LCD	02-13-2007, 06:24 PM I have my PowerBook and Cube on my desk (Cube in corner, PB on the straight desk). I sometimes take my PowerBook around the house, in the lounge, kitchen or bed and wirelessly access my iTunes library from my Cube. Here's a pic of my latest setup: http://flickr.com/photos/20262161@N00/388581056/ MacBook Pro 15" 2.2GHz, PowerMac G4 Cube + 17" LCD Studio Display, 2x1TB WD My Book Studio (FW800) iPod Classic 160GB (Black), 3rd gen 40GB, iPhone 2G 16GB + Denon AH-C551K NAD C370 + B&W 686 + Grado SR80
	QUOTE Thanks

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almostbadass #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 07, 2007 Posts: 37	02-13-2007, 12:47 AM Just got my first laptop, and I am still trying to figure out the accessories to buy for it. I am living in a dorm room, so I do not have much space, and no comfy chairs. I try not to keep my laptop on my bed due to cooling. I know I want a mouse, and am thinking wireless or BT, but dont know the difference. How comfortable it is in my hand is also a concern. Further, I have heard the scroll beads stop working after a month or two. I am also trying to decide on whether to buy a keyboard. I dont know where I would use this, but typing on the laptop is a bit uncomfortable. Any suggestions? Lastly, if I want to lounge and use my laptop, are there any options to keeping it on my lap/bed without it overheating? Most importantly of all: How do you set yourself up?
	QUOTE Thanks

Jhorra #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2007 Posts: 169	02-13-2007, 12:48 AM I bought the Logitech mouse/keyboard combo, and have really liked it. I also use a second screen though, so that may make a difference. I have a MacBook Pro by the way.
	QUOTE Thanks

walmartconnect #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 13, 2006 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 724 Mac Specs: 13'' Macbook w/ 2Ghz Core Duo, 2GB DDR2, 250GB HD, 10.5.4. iPod Touch.	02-13-2007, 01:08 AM I just can't get a comfortable feel from those MightyMice, I guess that I really prefer to feel the contours and edges of the buttons that I press.
	QUOTE Thanks

todd51 #6 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	02-13-2007, 01:30 AM Throughout most of the day my MBP sits on my desk with the screen saver on when I'm not using it. I bought a cheap optical Logitech mouse to use for when it's on a desk. For times like these (I'm in bed) I am perfectly comfortable with the trackpad. It's overheating so I wouldn't worry about that. The way I am sitting anyways there is space underneath of it so it'll get air. I wouldn't worry about it overheating when having it in your lap. The fans are meant to kick on if it gets too hot. I usually only surf the internet and listen to music when I'm not on a desk so it's not like I'm doing excessive work anyways. I do recommend a small comfortable mouse for when it's sitting on the desk in your dorm room though. I used the trackpad for about 2 months before I finally switched to a USB mouse.
	QUOTE Thanks

mikeyman #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 01, 2007 Posts: 751 Mac Specs: 13" macbook C2D; 24" Imac, 8GB Iphone	02-13-2007, 02:25 AM I just use the trackpack and keyboard in my macbook and do not use any external devices. Mainly because i dont play any games, if i did i would get an apple mighty mouse, but then i would have the desktop if i was going to do that.
	QUOTE Thanks

almostbadass #8 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 07, 2007 Posts: 37	02-13-2007, 03:26 AM Where could I get a lapdesk that has a mousepad thingy?
	QUOTE Thanks

walmartconnect #10 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 13, 2006 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 724 Mac Specs: 13'' Macbook w/ 2Ghz Core Duo, 2GB DDR2, 250GB HD, 10.5.4. iPod Touch.	02-13-2007, 10:28 AM To elaborate, here are two lists from froogle and ebay. http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=...oogle&ct=title http://search.ebay.com/search/search...atitle=lapdesk After looking a little more, I like this one, it's minimalist and wide enough for your average MB and a mouse.
	QUOTE Thanks

RiDE #12 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 13, 2006 Location: Deep in the heart of Texas! Posts: 3,558 Mac Specs: Mac's	02-13-2007, 04:52 PM That is beautiful Eric. Where did you get that Lap Desk?? Link???
	QUOTE Thanks

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