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Review: Road Tools LLC's PodiumPad and CoolPad Traveler--Must Have PowerBook Accessories?
by Doug Landry
| Road Tools LLC | ||
| Price: | PodiumPad: $29.95; Traveler CoolPad: $19.95 | |
| Requirements: | Any laptop. | |
| What's Hot: | Inexpensive, simple, well-constructed. | |
| What's Not: | Not a Must-Have Accessory for Some Users | |
Some of the best products in the world are tools that are polished versions of home-made hacks. This is especially true in the realm of PowerBook accessories. The factory-produced 'laptop screen protectors' are just one example of a professional product that began as a simple sheet of paper placed by users between keyboard and screen.
The Road Tools PodiumPad and Traveler CoolPad are variations on this theme. When the Wallstreet class PowerBooks first came out, it was noticed that they were so hot that a user's unprotected thighs could be toasted by the new machine. People constructed homemade lap-tables to use the machines and noticed that if the rear of the machine was elevated, better air circulation cooled the laptop better. The PodiumPad and Traveler CoolPad are inexpensive products that save the user the time and trouble of building their own "platform" for their PowerBook or other laptop. Before we continue with the review, it should be noted for full disclosure that Road Tools is a current advertiser on the homepage of the PowerBook Zone. It is our policy to accurately and fairly review any product that any manufacturer sends our way, regardless of their status as an advertiser.
The PodiumPad is the original desktop version of the tool. It does two simple things. First, it elevates the rear of your PowerBook at one of four heights for better air flow and potentially better ergonomics. Second, the entire top of the platform swivels 360 degrees on the bottom base, allowing you to easily give a "mini presentation" to a small group with the laptop's built-in LCD. It's constructed of ABS plastic, a teflon rotator joint, and rubber "grippers" that grab both the work surface and laptop securely without damaging either surface. The PodiumPad comes with 8 "stack" pieces and 4 "gripper" pieces to raise the back of the PowerBook. If you want a relatively mild incline, you simply snap on the four gripper pieces. If you want an extreme incline, you can use two stacks of 3 snap pieces capped by two gripper pieces. It's completely adjustable for any combination between these two extremes.
The Traveler CoolPad is the "little brother" to the PodiumPad. It's smaller, about the size and weight of a small notebook, and has only one built-in height setting. The Traveler CoolPad is designed to travel in your PowerBook bag without taking up much space. Like the bigger unit, it's made of ABS plastic, a single swivel joint, and rubber bumpers on top and bottom.
Some of the neatest aspects of Road Tools' offerings have nothing to do with the products themselves. The company offers many reasons to feel confident in a purchase. If you order direct from Road Tools, there's a 30 day money back guarantee and a "try before you buy" period of 10 days, meaning they don't charge your credit card for 10 days and you can have the company pick the product up--at its expense--at no cost to you. The 30 day and 10 day period are the same thing, for all intents and purposes, but it's reassuring nonetheless. These are the sort of products that may only prove their utility to a customer after using them for a few days, or even weeks, so a solid return policy is essential.
Both products are made from American raw components, assembled, packaged, and shipped by disabled workers in New Hampshire, according to the comapany's website. They come with a lifetime guarantee, but it'd be quite difficult to break a product this simple.
The "PodiumPad" is the name for the Apple Store version of Road Tools' original product, named simply "Podium CoolPad." They're the same product, but the PodiumPad is available in the black color at all 24 Apple Retail Stores nationwide and the online Apple Store , as well as at all the European online Apple Stores. If you'd like to buy direct from Road Tools, the "Podium CoolPad" is available in black and white.
The Traveler CoolPad is available in white from many Staples store locations and in black and white from Road Tools directly.
There are several ordering options on the Road Tools site, including a bundle of each for $39.95 and a two-pack of the Podium CoolPad for $49.95 and a three-pack of the Traveler CoolPad also for $49.95.
With a product this simple, there's no question it admirably performs the task it sets out to accomplish. Both Pads are well-constructed and were mechanically flawless. However, there is a downside: they may be so simple that you can do without them. We would recommend this product to users who prefer a raised keyboard or have a model of PowerBook that is prone to heating up or engages the noisy built-in fan often. If neither of these are a priority for you, then you likely don't need what Road Tools has to offer. If you have inflamed wrists and a flamin' PowerBook, you might want to give the PodiumPad and the Traveler CoolPad a try.
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Published by Doug B. Landry and contributing staff. Trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., and others reserved. ©2002 Delta Design. Publishing headquarters is located in Santa Cruz, California. Index version 1.1.2
