Anyone using a MacBook Pro for extended periods of time is familiar with the decent amount of heat generated by Apple's Intel notebooks. While the Core 2 Duo models are cooler, the original Core Duo chips output enough heat to fry on egg on them.

Because the heat problem is a well-known issue, Apple and all other notebook OEMs with a legal department stopped calling the beasts "laptops" a long time ago, in favor of the less-litigious "notebook." Apple even went far as to release a knowledge base article (Article ID: 30612) stating:

For prolonged use, place your iBook, PowerBook, MacBook or MacBook Pro on a flat stable surface. Do not leave the bottom of the computer in contact with your lap or any surface of your body for extended periods. Prolonged contact with your body could cause discomfort and potentially a burn.

The problem is that MacBooks and MBPs are just so darned easy to use while kicking back on the couch watching 30 Rock while slurping glorious bandwidth from a zippy WiFi connection. So what's a hippy to do?

I always use protection when using my MBP on my lap and almost never use mine bare back. My favorite stand these days is Launchpad A15 (US$50) from a group called 604 Labs.

The Launchpad comes in three flavors for 12, 15 and 17-inch "notebooks" and in sliver and black. The angled surface created by the Launchpad is more comfortable and ergonomic for typing on a desk but it also keeps the notebook a comfortable distance away from your twigs and berries for those times when you just must use it on your lap. Cooling holes in the aluminum surface allow heat to dissipate quickly.

Sure, there are a million various wedges and stands out there that will help ensure that you're able to have a Father's Day (one day) but what makes the Launchpad unique is that it doubles as a protective shell for your precious iron. When traveling, you can place your MacBook or MBP inside the cavity created by the underside of the Launchpad and then stick the whole shebang inside your bag.

While I wouldn't advocate testing it, the setup feels bulletproof. Launchpad provides an extra layer of protection around your fragile computer while on the road.

Launchpad slightly increases the footprint of your notebook while tucked inside so it may not fit inside the tightest of sleeves, but it should fit inside most looser fitting bags. I'll be bringing mine out to Macworld Expo, so feel free to ask me about it if we cross paths. Just don't try to test the bulletproof claim, ok?