[gelasio]

There are actually multiple lap modes that both work great.

1) Like a regular laptop.

2) Fold the keyboard back and open the stand so it makes a right angle. Place the right angle so that the keyboard is parallel with your stomach and the Surface is perpendicular. Now the Surface is floating above your lap near the bottom of your chest where it's easy to read and write on.

3) Completely remove the keyboard.

I feel sorry for people who are using products from Apple's sterile and completely un-innovative product lines that are all moving closer and closer to the locked-down anti-consumer, anti-developer iOS business model.

[ArnoldP]

Admittedly I haven't used one aside from once briefly in a store, but seeing people balance them on their laps using the keyboard just looks awkward. Like they are top heavy? Or just too small for that purpose, necessitating one to keep their knees close together.

[wlesieutre]

Works fine for me, but I can imagine issues for people with short legs. If the kickstand needs to be out past the end of your knees you're going to have a problem.

[fsloth]

Using a Surface in ones lap looks more awkward than actually is.