Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsBurning calories while I work
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2013
I had looked at several shelves and desks before deciding on this product. I am a pretty capable carpenter so I considered building my own solution, but I use my treadmill for running when the weather prevents me from running outside. Every design I looked at or came up with took too much space to make for comfortable running and just didn't allow for easy removal.
What I love about this is I can take it off in one step now that it is setup correctly.
To give some details about my usage:
-I am using a Macbook Air 13" on it, so a very light laptop.
-I am walking at 2mph which is very comfortable for my gait. others may want to walk slower
-I am working completely wirelessly. My battery lasts for several hours so no need for cords at all
Now to talk about a few specifics on the shelf with those usages in mind
*Ease of Setup*
I found this was very easy to setup. My treadmill has a center support bar and a magazine rack that is actually the perfect height to mount the shelf with a bit of added support while having the top of the shelf at the top of the console as directed. It took me just a few minutes to review the directions and set it up the first time. Now it takes a few seconds to take it down and set it back up when I transition to running or back to walking.
*Space*
The shelf is plenty large enough for my laptop. I was concerned that the strap that secures the laptop would cover the top row because it is actually wider than the top space available, but with the angle I have the screen opened to it fits perfectly for my function keys to be open. The only problem is the MBA is so thin that the strap only has a couple inches of velcro connected. I wish it had more touching, but it feels pretty secure.
Additionally, I found that I can leave the shelf on for running. I had been taking it down but yesterday I decided to watch a video on my laptop while I ran. The only time I had a problem is when I almost fell over laughing during the video, but I can't say that is a problem in the product, just my own coordination.
*Comfort*
On my treadmill , with my laptop, and my height (6'1") I find that the keyboard is the right height for comfortably typing and the laptop screen can be angled perfectly for best viewing.
Someone a good bit taller with a similar setup may have problems with the heights and viewing angle, though there is still room for adjustment in my setup which should resolve both issues for someone up to maybe 6'6". There isn't a way to raise it up much more than a few of inches though. I'm basing this on setting the incline on my treadmill, which effectively raises you above the console. At the highest setting I couldn't get the shelf to work comfortably for me and the viewing angle made it less than ideal so I can see this being an issue for the very tall.
*Sturdiness*
OK, this is probably the closest to a negative. I wouldn't take a star off though because it feels strong on it's own merits. This is a plastic shelf, plain and simple. I can lightly rest my hands on the palm rest of my laptop and I do not feel like I am going to break anything. I would be concerned if I lost my balance and put my weight onto the shelf, but it would take something very sturdy to make me feel differently. I am walking at a comfortable speed so I never really feel like I am going to fall forward and break anything. The one time I tried it while running I wasn't trying to type anything. When I did laugh and start to stumble I reached for the support bars on the treadmill, which is what they are there for. I've been running on this treadmill long enough that it wouldn't occur to me to reach for this shelf.
*Wrap Up*
So to close this all down, I'd say this is well worth the price. I am burning over 1000 calories by walking while working instead of sitting while working and that is great for my weight loss goals. I had hit a bit of a plateau and this has already helped make a big difference. For my setup this works great and there is a good deal of flexibility so it should work in many other configurations. For the price I am very happy and hope to get many months out of this product.
