Yes, the Surface Pro can be used on your lap. Unfortunately, it might not be as stable or comfortable as a traditional laptop due to its design. However, there are a few things you can do to make the experience better.
While you may often use your laptop or tablet on a desk or table, there will come a time where you want to relax on your couch or bed and use it on your lap. But can you do this well with a Surface Pro? Read on to learn more.
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Key Takeaways
- The Surface Pro can be used on your lap, either on its own as a tablet (with or without the kickstand), or attached to the Type Cover for an experience similar to a laptop.
- Unfortunately, the Type Cover and kickstand aren’t the most stable and the experience will generally not be as comfortable as a traditional laptop, especially if you are on the shorter side.
- Thankfully, there are ways to improve stability and comfort when using a Surface Pro on your lap such as a laptop stand/table, a different keyboard, or by changing your sitting position.
Using a Surface Pro on Your Lap
Using a Surface Pro on your lap is possible, but may not offer the best experience. Resting the tablet itself or even using the kickstand is a decent experience, but once you add the Type Cover on, it becomes difficult at times, due to how thin it is.
The kickshand isn’t the most stable when resting on your lap or legs, and the Type Cover isn’t very sturdy. They rely on a stable base like a table or desk, and your legs or lap simply won’t offer the support that you need, and will be too uneven.
Even slight movements or shifting could lead the device to tip, fall, or shift. Even your hands on the device or keyboard could lead to unintended movement of the device if you’re not careful.
Your experience using the Surface Pro on your lap may also depend on your height. Those who are tall or have long legs may be able to support the device better than shorter individuals. With the kickstand out and the Type Cover on, the Surface Pro can have quite the footprint.
Because of this size, some people may not have enough space to comfortably fit the device on their lap or thighs.
Of course, everyone is different. Some people may be able to rest the Surface Pro in a comfortable and stable position, but many will struggle getting it to be as comfortable as a traditional laptop when resting on your lap.
Ways to Improve Lap Usability of the Surface Pro
Thankfully, there are some things you can do to improve the lap usability of your Surface Pro. One of the first is to consider getting some kind of support for the device. This could be a stand that works on your lap, a lapboard, a case, or even a small desk to rest the device on.
These can all provide that sturdy base that is required to keep the kickstand and Type Cover stable, while still letting you use it on your lap.
Another option is to try a different keyboard than the official Type Cover. Some keyboards have a stronger base and allow your Surface Pro to be securely attached to the keyboard and connect to it wirelessly.
An example of this is the Brydge, which has a hinge system to keep your device in place, and features a sturdier and more balanced keyboard, similar to a traditional laptop.
Something else to consider could be to shift your sitting position around to see if you can find a posture that allows the device to be stable. You may find that resting the device on a different part of your leg or shifting how you sit may change your ability to use the Surface Pro.
Final Thoughts
While the Surface Pro can be used on your lap, the Type Cover and kickstand do not provide the same stability that a traditional laptop will, so you could experience problems. However, having the right accessories or finding the right sitting position can help dramatically.
Is there anything else that you feel we should have mentioned in this guide? If so, let us know in a comment.
