Protective film query

Gers

I use my mouse on the left hand side of the laptop, next to and over the track pad (which I've disabled). This is because I'm not using the laptop on a table or desk. i.e. the smaller of the two sides.

On my previous laptop the top of the material eventually wore away and so I would like to avoid that with my new shiny laptop.  Is there any material I could put over which would protect it without causing subesquent damage?  Sticky back plastic?  A piece of thin silicone somehow attached?  Any advice would be gratefully received.

coffeehound

You might find that flat smooth silicone stays in place without requiring any extra glue.  Maybe something like this cut to fit?  Probably cheaper options out there for a similar thing too:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Dining-Table-Silicone-Mat-Home-DIY-Non-Slip-Stick-Protector-Placemat-Pad/402522928757

Neil_Jones

Sorry, what are you trying to protect?  You make mention of using a mouse?

Due to the nature of laptop and the way one has to position their hands on them, it is only a matter of time before the "material" (?) wears, as it is a very slow chemical reaction between natural lubrication on your skin and the keys/surround that causes the laptop to start looking a bit grubby.  Since its impractical to chop your arms off, the next best thing is to just wipe it over regularly. 

Gers

Neil_Jones said:

Sorry, what are you trying to protect?  You make mention of using a mouse?

Due to the nature of laptop and the way one has to position their hands on them, it is only a matter of time before the "material" (?) wears, as it is a very slow chemical reaction between natural lubrication on your skin and the keys/surround that causes the laptop to start looking a bit grubby.  Since its impractical to chop your arms off, the next best thing is to just wipe it over regularly. 

The bit on the bottom left hand side, next to the trackpad.

I know it gets very grubby and worn away, that's what I want to try to avoid as much as possible.  Thanks coffeehound, I'll source some silicone.

dan958

You are going to need to talk us through your set-up, because using your laptop as a mousepad is very strange.

You mention not using a desk, so I assume the laptop is atop your lap?  Could you not get a Lap Desk? Would give you more real estate to actually use your mouse in a more comfortable way.

Gers

dan958 said:

You are going to need to talk us through your set-up, because using your laptop as a mousepad is very strange.

You mention not using a desk, so I assume the laptop is atop your lap?  Could you not get a Lap Desk? Would give you more real estate to actually use your mouse in a more comfortable way.

Yes, my laptop is on my lap!  Currently I am not in my own home, getting a desk is not practical, hence the need to have some protective film of some sort. 

It may well seem strange, however it's how I use it.  I can use the mouse very comfortably with my hand as usual, it's just on the laptop.  I'm left-handed so can't use the mouse on the larger right-hand side which is why I've disabled the trackpad.

coffeehound

Don't know if you saw, Gers, but I changed the link above to a cheaper one - £2.93 delivered 

[Deleted User]

Hi,

you could have laptop on chopping board on your knee with space at lhs for mouse.

getmore4less

you really need a lap tray of some sort.
fluff of any clothing will just mess up the internals faster than you wear out the surface.

examples( just googled left hand lap tray
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08RB57B9G
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074473Z6T
...