There's a reason the product shots are taken from the top. This device has exposed wiring underneath. It's a piece of 1/8 inch stamped sheet metal with the electronics bolted on underneath. The plastic knobs that the laptop sits on are simply pushed into place and hang there loosely. If you actually use a laptop on your lap, this item is not recommended. With no bottom surface to speak of and exposed components, this pad only makes sense in a desk-mounted setting. I chose to send mine back.