Americans have long had a dinner routine that sometimes involves sitting on the couch and catching up on television programs during the evening. Others enjoy using their laptop or tablet on the couch, often catching up on work or perusing social media sites without sitting in a stuffy office and staring at a desktop computer’s display far from the company of friends or loved ones. Both of these activities are notoriously awkward, and sometimes messy, due to the distinct lack of an appropriate table or solid surface on which to rest plates, devices, or other items. That’s where the Table-Mate comes in.
The Promise: An End to Awkward Productivity and Dinner Messes
The creators promise that the device will work to eliminate awkward bouts of couch productivity, with an adjustable surface that works well with keyboards and tablets. They further promise that it’s the perfect way to turn dinner in the living room into a mess-free, less awkward experience, thanks to the same features.
Their promises are not made lightly, and this table does offer some features that are welcome in today’s households. Used properly, the Table-Mate actually can make it much easier to use a laptop, swipe a tablet’s screen ,or eat dinner, all without making a mess or contorting into uncomfortable positions.
Two Versions: The Table-Mate II vs the Original
The company behind this innovative new folding table has produced two versions, each with similar features but a distinct appearance. The latest version #II offers an additional table angle and a faux wood finish, giving it the perfect exterior for blending in with existing living room furniture and accessories while creating a bit more of a high-end look. It is easy to assemble and works for all the same applications as its predecessor.
The original version, on the other hand, features a sleek, white appearance, three angles for the tabletop, and the same versatile commitment to six different heights.
Getting in Position: You’ll never view the sofa the same way again
The versatility promise comes from a wide array of positions and adjustable angles. Unlike typical “TV trays,” which are sold at a standard height and operate in just one position, the Table Mates can be adjusted between three and six different heights and its tabletop can be angled in three or four different positions to best accommodate each unique use.
Both devices can hold a maximum of 50 pounds, which is certainly enough for today’s relatively light tech devices. Fifty pounds is also plenty of capacity for dinner usage, which won’t come close to approaching the weight limit during even the biggest evening meals.
The Table-Mate is perfect for those who need a solid surface in front of the TV, but it’s also a really great option for students and those who live in very small apartments. All too often, smaller apartments eliminate a dining area in the name of cutting down square footage and keeping rents low. Sometimes, the couch is simply the only option. Because of the ability to be folded up after usage, but remain freestanding, storage is easy behind the couch or in a small nook somewhere in a cramped apartment.
Its ability to be stored with the tabletop at a slightly downward angle also makes it easy to lift and transport, even for those who are handicapped or suffering from a temporary disability. In this way, the lightweight construction and durable tabletop are a perfect option not only for students, but also for seniors and the disabled.
The Buyers Rave: A Great Mini Table for Use Around the Home
This tv tray, like so many products, has become successful thanks to its television infomercials and its “As Seen on TV” status. That’s enough to make some customers skeptical. Consider the large number of products sold on TV that just don’t stand up to the rigors of everyday use and the expectations of demanding buyers. The good news, though, is that this product is actually well liked by those who have taken the time to purchase one and go through the tool-free assembly that both the Table-Mate II and original offer to buyers.
On Amazon, both models have nearly a perfect five-star ratings, with buyers calling it a “great mini table” and noting that “everyone in the family loves this product.” Buyers love how the Table-Mate is light and easy to carry, large enough to be used with a laptop, for dinner, or for a portable game of cards. With a sterling reputation in online reviews, where people are more likely to point out the negatives than the positives, this product certainly seems to be the real deal.
Light, Portable, and Versatile: A Good Buy All Around
Few products are as versatile and portable as the this one. The device offers six adjustable heights to work with any buyer’s size, and comes with three or four highly usable angles that work with dinner, laptops, card games, and notepads. With an affordable price tag and two great versions to choose from, it’s clear that the well reviewed Table-Mate is here to stay.
