Your laptop computer is designed to be used in your lap, but direct contact is not advised. Some protection from the heat and other 'stuff' it throws off is a very good idea. I've made and used these little lap-pads for several years now. The 1/4" closed cell foam on the bottom, the same stuff I use for rigging kayaks, protects the user from the heat generated from laptops, is comfortable on your lap and keeps the PC from sliding around. Made from 1/4" plywood each pad has a rail on the lower edge to hold the PC in place and a padded bottom. Sized to fit a 15"mac book pro these also make great old school lap desks. 16" x 11". The wood used varies.
