Review: Mac Feet/Laptop Legs

Perhaps you remember the “old days” of Apple’s portables—the PowerBook 100 series, the 500 series, or even the Duos. They all had something in common- flip-down feet to allow a different angle for typing and to increase airflow underneath the computer. These days, Apple’s ‘Books run much hotter, but lack such feet, requiring users to use bulky stands.

Recently, Lapworks introduced the $24.95 ($19.95 until 30 April) Mac Feet/Laptop Legs to solve this problem. Both products are the same, with the only exception being that the Mac Feet are white.

Mac Foot

Mac Feet

Sold in packs of 4, the Mac Feet are a cinch to install. Peel off the backing, and stick them to the bottom of the computer. Each Mac Foot has two fold-down feet. One raises the computer an inch, while the other raises it 1 & 3/8 inches. Also, when the feet are folded up, a large rubber pad grips the desktop.

Some might balk at the cost of the Mac Feet. Although the Mac Feet are priced similarly to many laptop stands (the CoolPad products from RoadTools come to mind), they do have an advantage—they’re much more portable. They also replace the all-too-easily-lost feet on iBooks and PowerBooks.

The main function of the feet are to provide better airflow under the ‘Book, allowing it to run cooler. Ergonomically, the Mac Feet provide better typing angles, either attached towards the back or the front (to allow a negative incline). Other suggested uses for the Mac Feet include desktop keyboards, office phones, calculators, or anything that could use height adjustment.

If, for some reason, you want to remove the feet, it is a fairly easy process involving heating the foot with a hair dryer, and slowly prying the foot off with a screwdriver. If careful, it’s possible not to scratch your ‘Book. We would’ve liked to see a few replacement adhesive pads included.

Overall, we liked the Mac Feet, except that we’d like to argue that the price is a bit steep. They’re cleverly-designed and work well.