In the world of computing, seemingly simple mistakes can have devastating consequences.

Laptop Lifts raise the laptop, netbook or Macbook - and protect from spills and overheating.

Laptop Lifts raise the laptop, netbook or Macbook - and protect from spills and overheating.

When we were on Home Office Highway, our technology was subject to all sorts of hazards.

Falls, spills, the heat of an RV all were potential problems. In fact, several times the MSI Wind netbook almost took a fall from the dinette table because RV vibrations set it into motion.

I discovered a simple solution: A few small strips of adhesive-backed silicon stuck to the bottom of the computer. Tacky with the rubbery feel of silicon, they hold the device snug in place.

Such is the premise of Laptop Lifts (www.laptoplifts.com). The product and its creator offer a plethora of PC protections — and lessons in entrepreneurship.

Slippage is just one problem laptops face. Low and close to the table, one spilled drink can soak and fry the device in a flood of fluid. The Laptop Lifts, though, raise the device a mere quarter inch, allowing safe passage for an otherwise disastrous deluge.

For less than $10, the new product from Orlando entrepreneur Chris Adams provides a why-didn’t-I-think-of-that silly-simple solution to protecting a PC permanently from some of the perils of laptop computing.

The package includes six strips: four two-inch strips, and two five-inch strips. Easy to install, they require no tools – except some isopropyl alcohol to clean the spot where the strips will be applied. Installation (a big word for a simple process) is as easy as arrange, clean and stick. It says so on the back packaging.

Once installed, the strips provide permanent protect – and additional benefits:

–         Ventilation for additional airflow beneath the laptop to protect from overheating

–         A soft surface to prevent scratching of the laptop or surface on which it sits

–         Firm purchase to grip and carry the PC

–         Cushion against shock and bumps, and rubbery silicon that prevents slipping on slick surfaces.

Want to remove the lifts? Just pull them off. Any adhesive residue can be cleaned with a rub of some alcohol.

Laptop Lifts ($9.99) are available at CompUSA, a growing number of college campus retailers – including Adams’ local University of Central Florida. They’re also available online at TigerDirect, Amazon.com and Circuit City. Adams has shipped them to people throughout the U.S., and as far away as Australia, Belgium and the U.K. Guess spills are a danger globally.

Adams’ story is as fabled as any new entrepreneur. He saw the need, and set out to devise a solution – and business model. Before the new product debuted in January 2009, Adams enrolled in courses with the Orlando-area offices of SCORE (the Service Corps of Retired Executives) to learn about business plans and starting a business. He continues to turn to SCORE for free advice, mentoring and counseling. He also met with the Small Business Administration, and attended seminars at Orlando’s Disney Entrepreneur Center.

He’s also tapped the power of the Web, social media and public relations. His site is rife with videos and testimonials (http://laptoplifts.com/testimonials.php). He’s quick to reach out to area reporters for a chance at some coverage.

In short, Adams is a young entrepreneur who’s jazzed with that out-of-the-gate enthusiasm and passion for his product.

These are traits any once-and-future entrepreneur can appreciate – even more so knowing your laptop is protected against everyday maladies.