I am not generally a fan of laptop stands. This is especially true of portable stands. Some major problems I’ve noted are:

1. They raise the total height of the laptop too much
2. The angle of rise is so great it generally forces wrist extension
3. Some require assembly each time you reach a destination – equipment designed with multiple pieces often end up with some of them missing
4. Weight or size are often issues

I accepted the GoRiser somewhat skeptically with these considerations in mind.
The Fellowes GoRiser is built for laptops - In particular, laptops on the go. Folded, it’s a 10 x 15 x ½ inch plastic cube. Weight is under a pound. I found it very easy to carry and set up.

Unfolded, the GoRiser provides a nearly flush front angling up to a 2 ½ inch rise in the back. For me, this makes the difference. Standard height tables are 29 to 30 inches from the floor. Ideally, my keyboard height should be approximately 26 inches – assuming the chair fits me well.

When traveling, a footrest is a great tool for me. It lets me use a standard height chair without causing excessive pressure on the back of my knees. Sitting in a standard height chair, my keyboard height should be approximately 27 inches – so the table is still too high.

The rigid bottom of the GoRiser allows me to move it to the very front of the table, even overlapping the edge so that the front of the laptop hangs off the table supported by the riser. It remains stable and secure.The mild rise of this piece of equipment allows me to sit back in the chair with my elbows extended beyond 90° (as recommended by literature), keep my back supported and still keep my shoulders in a relatively good position.

Remaining problems:

1. My shoulders are extended somewhat more than optimal
2. Since my forearms are raised to approximate the angle of the GoRiser, I end up resting my wrists and palms on the laptop. After an hour, I began to feel some contact stress from this.
3. It does require a table. If you are in a situation where you do not have table access, you will require a different style of travel laptop stand.

I find this to be a good equipment choice for travel. Keep in mind that the work position I was able to attain was still only marginally acceptable. It works for short periods. Total work time in a day using these positions should not exceed 3 hours.

If you can sit in a standard height chair and you can plant your feet firmly on the floor, this should be an excellent fit for you.

The GoRiser is highly portable and easy to use. It is moderately priced and is a good buy for the money.

I first saw the Fellowes GoRiser at the annual ErgoExpo in Las Vegas earlier this month. ErgoExpo is the largest Ergonomics Trade Show in the US. Many vendors have products available to professionals who visit their booths. I received a Fellowes GoRiser free of charge from the vendor.