Anyone who uses a PowerBook or MacBook for any extended period of time know the amount of heat that they generate. If you plan on using a MacBook on your lap (which is forbayed by Apple) you need to use some sort of a stand to protect your, ahem, nether region from all the heat and EMFs that it generates.

A cool new stand that I've been using is the Futura Laptop Desk from LapWorks. Similar to its Laptop Desk 2.0 and UltraLite siblings, the Futura has a dual-purpose design: a) to provides an ergonomically-sound workspace across the lap, and b) to fold into a wedge-shaped stand for use at a desk. Pictured above is the Futura in the opened configuration which leaves enough room on the side for a mouse pad and a mouse.

Although it looks more like a futuristic mountain biking helmet, make no mistake, this is an excellent notebook stand. I don't really use mine much in the opened configuration but instead prefer to use it in the folded "stand" position.

Futura features several open ventilation slots which allow air to enter from underneath and rubber pads create an extra 1/8-inch air space to let air circulate under the notebook. Visible in this third picture is the adjustable "kick stand" leg which allows you to adjust the amount of angle in the stand to suit your needs.

My favorite feature in the Futura stand, hands down, is the weight and slim profile. It weighs just 16.25 ounces and folds in half to 11 x 10.75 inches and half of an inch thick so you can easily stow it in your bag with your MacBook and you'll barely notice that it's there.