4. Lappymats: Keep Your Laptop Screen Clean

by Sean Kerner

Likely, everyone you know that has a laptop computer with a dirty screen. Sure, some of your pals on your Xmas list are unhygienic; that’ll happen eating Cheetos while drinking Red Bull. Still, it’s often not the act of a human directly touching the screen that makes it dirty, but rather the keyboard touching it. Yes, keyboards are dirty things, and dirt from your keyboard can get onto your screen whenever you close the cover. Fortunately, you can help keep your friends’ screens stay clear without starving them (though if they need to shed a few pounds that might still be an option).

The solution for your holiday gift giving list is a LappyMat. Yes, it’s a wimpy name, but the product is anything but. Basically, the LappyMat is a patented ultra-microfiber cloth that is the same size as your screen. You can use it to wipe your screen, and also as a screen protector between the screen and the keyboard when the laptop cover is closed. It will also protect against dirt from your trackpad or mouse.

While the idea of stuffing a piece of microfiber between your keyboard and your screen may seem odd, think back to when you first got your laptop. Most manufacturers actually ship their hardware with some kind of protector between the screen and the keyboard.

The LappyMat is a tougher, longer lasting, machine washable version of what the original laptop manufacturer likely had when the laptop first shipped. And it is not so thick as to prevent the cover hinges from closing.

Prices for the LappyMat range from $10.95 (plus shipping) for the 11.1” screen protector to $21.95 (plus shipping) for the 20” protector. They are available in black or silver.