I, like so many others, revel in the fact that I am fortunate enough to have the ability to work from home. However, as my career continues to evolve into that of one where I can work remotely almost exclusively, so too has the need for me to get a change of scenery from my home office every now and then. Unfortunately, my preference for working at a desk limits my options of available workspaces, especially since I don’t enjoy working with my laptop sitting directly on top of my lap. The Couchmaster CYBOT allows for the best of both worlds, enabling users to work and game from the comfort of their couch or bed.
Pieces To The Puzzle
The Couchmaster CYBOT comes with three main pieces: two foam risers placed on each side of you, and a bamboo desktop that sits flat on top of those. One of the foam cushions has attached side pockets for storing accessories such as power chargers and remote controls, while another detachable accessories bag can be attached anywhere.
As far as the desktop itself, don’t let the fact that it’s made from bamboo fool you. The hardwood desk feels very sturdy, compatible with laptops up to 17 inches, which is perfect for my Alienware m17. Slits on one side of the desk allow for airflow to keep your laptop cool, while the other side allows space for the extra-large mousepad that comes included with the desk. Finally, a slit in the upper-righthand side of the desk provides a space to hold a tablet or phone.
Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover
Upon unboxing the system, I was initially a little unimpressed. I was expecting the cushions to feel a little more heavy-duty than they do, as the material is a little less thick and durable than I was anticipating. That, however, is no doubt intentional as one of the selling points of the CYBOT is its lightweight design.
I was also a bit disappointed to see that the desktop can’t be secured to the cushions when in use. I understand the value of being able to quickly get out from under the CYBOT, but velcro or even a magnetic solution seems like it would be a good option to have.
Fortunately, my initial concerns were quickly alleviated once I actually started using the CYBOT.
Work Hard, Play Hard
First and foremost, the CYBOT’s ergonomic design isn’t just something tossed out as a buzzword. I conducted my review of the product on my couch, and it was amazing just how comfortable it was to work and game for hours at a time. Unlike lapboard-style desks, I was truly able to relax while laying back on the couch without needing to position my legs a certain way to hold onto a lapboard.
While I would still like the option to affix the main pieces with one another, the CYBOT is surprisingly secure thanks to the weight of the bamboo desktop. I never felt like the overall system was in danger of shifting so much that the laptop would fall. A few times, my dogs would jump up onto the couch with me causing the CYBOT to shake, but it was surprising how much of the shock the cushions were able to absorb.
The height of the CYBOT is also perfect, at least for me as a 6’2” individual. Leaning back on my couch, my elbows are able to rest comfortably on the cushions while my forearms rest on the wrist pads. The position feels natural and it’s easy to forget that I’m working on a couch instead of at a desk. The cushion positions also have a lot of flexibility to fit to your body specifically. I keep the desktop flush with the outer ends of the cushions, but they can be spread out width-wise for more room. I am also able to scoot the cushions forward from the back of the couch without feeling like the CYBOT (and ultimately my laptop) are at risk of falling forward and off of the couch.
Cozy Gaming (Or Working)
Getting out of my home office for a change of scenery is almost a daily necessity during my working hours. The Couchmaster CYBOT allows me to do just that if I’m in the mood for some more casual couch time while I work. I’ll probably end up installing some sort of way to temporarily secure the pieces in place while in use, but this is more of a personal preference than a missing necessary feature. The Couchmaster CYBOT won’t replace your full-time desk, but it will allow you flexibility for when you want to game, but just don’t want to get off of the couch.
