SurfShelf Treadmill Desk: Laptop and iPad Holder

It's a $100 hunk of plastic. The straps do not hold it securely in place, it is impossible to keep it tightly bound to the machine. I have a very normal treadmill with handle bars, it's nothing to do with that. It's the design of the desk causing a major imbalance in forces and leaving things very unstable. It's also forced to sit far higher than comfortable for me (I'm short which isn't their fault, but some flexibility would have been nice.) I can engineer it to stay in one place by moving straps around in weird places and adding my own materials but (a) that's a pain to take on and off, I don't want the desk all the time (b) I spent the extremely high price on this item specifically to avoid having to MacGyver something. Oh well. I gave it the extra star because at least it's a big flat piece of plastic that fits a laptop or something?

I am very satisfied with this product, the picture attached is self explanatory.

I had looked at several shelves and desks before deciding on this product. I am a pretty capable carpenter so I considered building my own solution, but I use my treadmill for running when the weather prevents me from running outside. Every design I looked at or came up with took too much space to make for comfortable running and just didn't allow for easy removal.What I love about this is I can take it off in one step now that it is setup correctly.To give some details about my usage:-I am using a Macbook Air 13" on it, so a very light laptop.-I am walking at 2mph which is very comfortable for my gait. others may want to walk slower-I am working completely wirelessly. My battery lasts for several hours so no need for cords at allNow to talk about a few specifics on the shelf with those usages in mind*Ease of Setup*I found this was very easy to setup. My treadmill has a center support bar and a magazine rack that is actually the perfect height to mount the shelf with a bit of added support while having the top of the shelf at the top of the console as directed. It took me just a few minutes to review the directions and set it up the first time. Now it takes a few seconds to take it down and set it back up when I transition to running or back to walking.*Space*The shelf is plenty large enough for my laptop. I was concerned that the strap that secures the laptop would cover the top row because it is actually wider than the top space available, but with the angle I have the screen opened to it fits perfectly for my function keys to be open. The only problem is the MBA is so thin that the strap only has a couple inches of velcro connected. I wish it had more touching, but it feels pretty secure.Additionally, I found that I can leave the shelf on for running. I had been taking it down but yesterday I decided to watch a video on my laptop while I ran. The only time I had a problem is when I almost fell over laughing during the video, but I can't say that is a problem in the product, just my own coordination.*Comfort*On my treadmill , with my laptop, and my height (6'1") I find that the keyboard is the right height for comfortably typing and the laptop screen can be angled perfectly for best viewing.Someone a good bit taller with a similar setup may have problems with the heights and viewing angle, though there is still room for adjustment in my setup which should resolve both issues for someone up to maybe 6'6". There isn't a way to raise it up much more than a few of inches though. I'm basing this on setting the incline on my treadmill, which effectively raises you above the console. At the highest setting I couldn't get the shelf to work comfortably for me and the viewing angle made it less than ideal so I can see this being an issue for the very tall.*Sturdiness*OK, this is probably the closest to a negative. I wouldn't take a star off though because it feels strong on it's own merits. This is a plastic shelf, plain and simple. I can lightly rest my hands on the palm rest of my laptop and I do not feel like I am going to break anything. I would be concerned if I lost my balance and put my weight onto the shelf, but it would take something very sturdy to make me feel differently. I am walking at a comfortable speed so I never really feel like I am going to fall forward and break anything. The one time I tried it while running I wasn't trying to type anything. When I did laugh and start to stumble I reached for the support bars on the treadmill, which is what they are there for. I've been running on this treadmill long enough that it wouldn't occur to me to reach for this shelf.*Wrap Up*So to close this all down, I'd say this is well worth the price. I am burning over 1000 calories by walking while working instead of sitting while working and that is great for my weight loss goals. I had hit a bit of a plateau and this has already helped make a big difference. For my setup this works great and there is a good deal of flexibility so it should work in many other configurations. For the price I am very happy and hope to get many months out of this product.

Unit tested upon: Schwinn 460 EllipticalElectronics tested: IPad 128 GB and MacBook Pro 13"AssemblyI read through all of the directions, and tried both the swivel and fixed methods. The fixed method is more stable but I cannot use the touch screen. The way I have the straps looped on the base, I have the flexibility of both methods.Setup time once you have decided upon which way you'll go will take about 3 minutes for the swivel and about a minute longer going fixed. I don't know about going to the gym to use is since you really need to know how it will mount. The first time will be a learning curve. Once you have the way to secure it, depending upon which machine you're using, a repeat user will have less trouble.ConstructionThis is a two piece polycarbonate construction with clear plastic. There are vents to help the laptop stay cool. I do wish this had rubber bumpers for more stability though. It tends to slide when typing on an elliptical, when you first try it. Once you get the idea how to position it, and type, it gets easier.There are three angles by which this can mount. Depending upon the machine, only one angle really works. Your table or notebook is secured by a Velcro strap. I would prefer if there were rubber backing on this strap to make it slip proof, also.UseWhen watching a video there is good stability. Typing can be more of a chore but it is definitely workable. Aside from the logistics of attaching this to your exercise machine, you need to accommodate for a power supply unless your device is fully charged for your workout. Trust me, you want to stay charged versus having to use a plug since my set up time did not involve a power supply.The backing does allow me to see my progress on the elliptical while still using a talet. Obviously it will be blocked if using a laptop.For hard core typing or working, it will suffice. For watching a video, it is definitely where this shines. I am currently typing the review on an iPad 4 and it seems to be fine for this purpose. Use of a mouse and keyboard on a notebook is a little tricky but it is still workable. Safety Gould be your first priority when trying this. It may not work for every person based upon height, his/her relationship to the ergonomics of the exercise device and the ability for someone to type and stay balanced, all at once.Now, instead of lounging around and lying down or sitting with the iPad or notebook, you can become less of a couch potato and get something done.OverallI'm happy with my purchase. I wish an update to the design could help inspire more confidence for me with the desk.Two thumbs up.Highly recommend.

In one word - FANTASTIC! As my title says, this item COMPLETELY changed my workout life! First - about the product itself: It is lightweight and VERY sturdy. I have been using it for a couple weeks now and have had no problems what so ever. It came nicely packed with good instructions. I did a lot of research before I finally settled on this item. Many thanks to the people before me who wrote reviews that lead me to make a great decision. The company also has a very nice website [...] The pictures and FAQ really helped me make sure this product would work on my treadmill. I have a short display on my treadmill so it does cover my controls BUT that is NO problem at all. My DH set this up on the treadmill using the pivot hook-up. It works great. The SurfShelf comes in 2 pieces. I leave the one piece attached to the treadmill all the time - it is small and easy to move out of the way. I usually leave the tray attached but it removes easily. The straps hold the SurfShelf and my computer on tightly. I have a 17" monitor and have no issues. I could easily get a larger laptop and it would still work. I also use my mouse without much problem. I generally do a walk speed of 2.5 - 2.7 MPH and have been able to surf the net, type Word documents, use Excel, send email and even type THIS review while walking on the treadmill! Depending on your walking/running speed you may be able to do more or less but whatever you want to do with your computer on your workout equipment, THIS is the item to buy. I started out looking for a rack to hold my Kindle while I worked out. What I really want to do was to get some work done on my computer while I walked and stumbled upon the SurfShelf on Amazon. I'm so glad I did. I've already recommended it to friends. It has only been a couple weeks and I would be lost without it. My recommendation is to check out the seller's website to make sure this will work for your equipment. It looks to me like it should work with ALMOST everything but they do have a list and some work arounds you should check out. I also recommend that the safest way to use your computer on the SurfShelf is to set up all your controls (if you have any) first - like putting in your weight, speed, the program you want to use, etc BEFORE you put your computer on. Then PAUSE your machine (if necessary - like a treadmill) THEN attach your computer to the SurfShelf and un-pause / restart and "enjoy". If you use the pivot set-up and use your mouse with your computer, you have to be careful with your mouse. You need to remember to move your mouse to someplace where it won't fall off when you pivot; then get your mouse after your computer is flat again. I have little cup holders on my treadmill. I guess you can tell by my statement that I have had my mouse fall to the floor a couple times because I pivoted FIRST. If you are on a treadmill, I also recommend placing your feet to the sideboards (off the moving belt) before pivoting or changing the controls - just a safety thing. I am using this at home. If you belong to a gym and wanted to take your computer there and use the SurfShelf, you could. It does not take that long to set it up and take it down. That's just not something I have to do. Not sure I want to take my expensive laptop to the gym but some people do. There are times when I want to write something (using the SurfShelf as a table) or I'm walking fast and my mouse is bouncing around little when trying to click something small - I just step on the sideboards - do what I have to do then get back to my workout. On occasion, I have zoomed the page on my computer and that solves the mouse click problem.So - how has this changed my workout life and really my life in general? As others have stated, working out is an easy thing to avoid. It can get boring, the time just craws by and if you have a lot of other things to do - especially things on the computer or things you need to do on a flat area, working out just seems to take time that you don't have to spare. Your body gets a workout but your computer work just sits. I work at home and pretty much stopped working out because I was just too busy (sitting most of the day) working on the computer or other things at my desk and no matter what I did, my workout time just dragged by - I hated it. I knew I needed to get back into workout out. Reading helped a little and so did listening to music but not enough to really get me moving plus I still had work to do on the computer after my workout was done. I thought if I could do my workout AND my computer stuff at the same time, that would be FANTASTIC! I found the SurfShelf and couldn't wait for it to arrive. I had all kinds of plans and a list of things that I was going to accomplish on my computer while I walked. I thought I would be able to handle doing an hour a day using my computer on the treadmill then go back to my desk for the rest of the day. BOY WAS I WRONG! I got my computer all set up on the treadmill using the SurfShelf, started walking and working - reading and sending emails, putting bill information into Quicken, updating some Excel spreadsheets....THEN the treadmill went BEEP, BEEP, BEEP and stopped! I couldn't figure out what was wrong at first. Remember, my treadmill controls are hidden by the computer. I had only been working for a little while and felt pretty good about what I was getting done and didn't even feel like I was exercising. I pivoted the computer so I could see the controls (my mouse fell on the floor), and to my surprise, I had been on the treadmill 90 MINUTES!! I had walked over 4 miles and burned over 500 calories. I WAS COMPLETELY SHOCKED!!! I didn't even know the treadmill would shut off after 90 minutes because I have never walked that long. I started keeping a log of the time I walked each day, the distance and the calories I burned. I've been averaging 3.5 hours a day (YES PER DAY), 10 miles a day and burning over 1,000 calories per day. Everyone's results are going to be different and everyone has their limits on how much time they can workout and how much time their body will let them. I work at home as I said and the time I spend on the treadmill with my computer is time I used to spend sitting at my desk. I look forward to walking on the treadmill EVERYDAY and using my computer. Eventually I hope to catch up on my work and have some time to watch online TV on my computer and do a few fun things but for now, I'm getting a lot of work done, exercising (happily) every day, trimming up, losing some weight and best of all I FEEL GREAT!!! I feel like a commercial but really, it is hard to believe that a piece of plastic has change my life so much. Doctor Oz - you need to have someone demo this on your program. I would be great if gyms, the YMCA, etc bought a few of these for their machines.So far, I have been able to do just about everything on my computer using the SurfShelf on my treadmill. I've also used it as a desk to sort papers, check bills, review paper reports against receipts and bills, etc. The seller website also has a link to a website where they provide online things to read, shows, etc. I briefly looked at it - [...]I do make sure that I keep the following things close by: a bottle of water, my cell phone, paper for notes, a pen and pencil. As I think of things I can accomplish on the treadmill using the SurfShelf, I write them down, do them and cross them off the list. This is all just my opinion but I now love working out because I am accomplishing my daily computer chores AND losing weight. I'm so glad I found this item! By the way, I'm 50+ so this is something that should work for ANY age!