Philips CushionSpeaker Helps Return Notebooks to Lap

Philips has released a new laptop stand that is well adapted for extended deskless operation. The soft foam pillow is crowned by hard plastic top which acts as heat shield for you legs. Keeping the laptop on a flat surface will also keep you from blocking the air vents, hence reducing the temperature down passively. Out of the back of the cushion, a retractable USB cord can be extended. This cable connects an internal USB sound system in the cushion to the front mounted speaker. Completely powered by USB, this integrated speaker can make up for the small built-in speakers usually found in portable computers. Netbook and MacBook owners in particular should find their minuscule systems amply amplified.

The speakers are a great addition, but it seems like it would have made sense to include a small fan like the one found on Choiix and Belkin for cooling at the same time. The final evolution of this device would be to turn this whole concept into a carrying case. For now, this will have to do, and it definitely increases the multimedia capabilities of your average netbook. Philips hasn't given any hints as to when this will hit shelves (or price tag), but given the simplicity you should be able to pick one up soon.