Notebook stands and locks

Buying guide

A stand and a cooler solve different problems. A stand lifts the screen to eye level – the big win for your neck – though you'll then need a separate keyboard and mouse. A cooling pad uses fans to blow air from below and brings temperatures down under heavy load, while a fanless aluminium stand simply lets air circulate and stays silent. Either way, check whether your laptop draws air in from the bottom or the side – if it's the side, blowing from below helps less. A lock secures the laptop to a desk wherever it's left unattended – first check the machine has a matching slot.