I have purchased 3 different laptop desks/tables/carts, and at least as many "bed trays" to eat on, before I coughed up the hundred bucks and bought this. I didn't like how I had to lay on the very edge of the bed for my hands to rest naturally on the keyboard, they were a pain in the neck to adjust and usually required you to stand up to make minor adjustments (or grow more arms), the bars to keep the laptop on the angled part without falling off always got in my way, and there was never enough desktop real estate to handle a small laptop and do paperwork at the same time. And I found most bed trays weren't long enough and/or high enough for me to eat off of them with my legs crossed. I've had the product a few months, and my only complaint is that it wasn't 100% level new, and it's become a bit less level with more abuse. By that I mean I WAS NOT careful NOT to do harm. I am sure if you were mindful enough to keep the weight evenly distributed and not mostly on the free edge, not lean all of your upper body weight on it (especially on the free edge), apply a lot of pressure to it, or not put more than about 10 pounds on it, it wouldn't have gotten any worse. And new, the problem was barely noticeable unless you're using it to sort your marbles. At night, it served as an extension of my night table, so I have left a few pounds on the free edge virtually 24/7 since I got it. I suspect the manufacturer is aware of this issue, as under the cup holder is a section with perpendicular raised separators which look like they were created ONLY to hold writing implements. They're not wide enough to hold utensils, and, well, utensils don't roll. The manufacturer would have better served the product if they actually adjusted the angle of free edge to be a few degrees higher, knowing it would level with weight and use. The cup holder isn't very useful because it's only about 1/4 inch deep. Although if you're sloppy, I suppose it is useful to contain spills. And if I knew all of this up front, it's STILL worth the 100.00. Normal carts or bed trays would have collapsed under the weight I've applied. And it's not like anything has rolled off of it. It's just annoying to look over the top of the laptop (until you get used to it, and then you barely notice). The top edge of the laptop creates such a clean, angled line that it exaggerates any angle greater than zero degrees. You can mount the top on either side of the extremely sturdy base. You wouldn't think that would matter, but considering it's U-shaped base, if you mounted the top on the opposite side of what's shown in this picture, you can't push it as far away from you to get up from bed*. If you are using it with a chair, you want the open edge towards you, or the tray will be a little further away from you. You can sit in the middle of a twin bed and reach everything. The tray top is HUGE compared to a laptop cart or folding bed tray. And since it's got a well-designed hydraulic lift that you operate just by grasping the edge of the tray and the large lever beneath it and squeezing them together (in a most ergonomic fashion), it truly is a breeze to raise and lower. Raising requires no effort other than squeezing, as it naturally rises to it's highest point if you don't apply any pressure to stop it. (It comes with a set screw you insert to keep it from flying off the base.) It takes such minimal pressure to lower it, which makes it very handicap friendly. It is far superior to anything I've ever seen, and I've searched high and wide. Hospital bed trays are more stable, but they're also narrower and way more expensive - impractical for a laptop, paperwork, cup and snack. I'd give it 4.75 stars, if allowed, as it IS nearly perfect. * Important note: I have a Tempur-Pedic adjustable bed and pillows (and yes, it IS worth every penny no matter how little $ you have). Unless you are young, and 100% injury free, it isn't very practical (and would probably could cause more pain and damage) using this for prolonged periods with just a pile of soft pillows behind you and/or a hard mattress. If the mattress doesn't hurt your back when you sit up, invest in one of those pillows that look like the top of an armchair. And if you need more angle (to use a touch-enabled device) buy an adjustable plastic laptop stand - many are under 20.00.