Just saw this thread and wanted to jump in because I went through the exact same thing last year. Honestly, if your neck is already hurting, you gotta prioritize screen height over a lap desk. I've been super satisfied with a stand and keyboard setup even while sitting on my sofa. It feels way more stable and safer for your spine long-term than any pillow-based desk I've tried. I use the Amazon Basics Adjustable Aluminum Laptop Stand and it works well because it's super sturdy for the price. For the keyboard, since you're on a couch, the Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Touch Keyboard is a lifesaver. It has a built-in trackpad so you don't have to worry about a separate mouse sliding off your cushions or getting lost in the cracks. Here is why this combo works for me:

• Everything folds totally flat to slide under the bed in two seconds.
• It keeps the laptop fan clear so it doesn't overheat on the sofa fabric.
• It actually gets the screen to eye level so you aren't hunching over all day. You can get both for way under your $100 budget, probably around $60 total depending on sales, which is great. I've had no complaints with this setup for over a year now and it's been very reliable for my back. Let me know if you need help figuring out where to tuck it away when you're done... you'd be surprised how much space you can find behind a couch!

Unfortunately, I have to say that lap desks are rarely as good as expected for long-term work. I tried using the Sofia + Sam Multi Tasking Laptop Bed Tray thinking it would solve my posture issues, but it actually made my neck pain worse since I was still looking down. It's just not a professional ergonomic setup for a full workday. If your neck is already hurting, the stand and keyboard combo is the only real way to go. Since the Roost is expensive, I recommend the Nexstand K2 Lightweight Portable Laptop Stand. It folds down into a small sleeve that fits anywhere. Pair it with a Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard and you'll stay under your $100 budget. I had issues with cheaper knockoffs being flimsy, but this combo is sturdy and folds away easily. It’s a bit annoying to set up on a couch, but its definitely better than a chiropractor bill.

Honestly, skip the lap desk and get your screen at eye level immediately! Since you're on a budget, you should grab the Twelve South Curve for MacBook and Laptops because the airflow is amazing and it keeps your hardware cool. If that pushes the budget, the Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand is basically the industry gold standard for build quality. It is solid aluminum and won't wobble while you type! Pair that with the Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard and you'll have a legit workstation that fits behind the couch in seconds. Your neck will thank you by Tuesday, trust me.

I absolutely love this energy! Quick question tho: are you using an external mouse or just the trackpad? That really changes my advice for couch setups. Few tips:

• Height is king for neck pain.
• The Moft Invisible Slim Laptop Stand Adhesive is fantastic for tiny spaces.
• Try the Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Portable Wireless Keyboard for a super slim profile. Lap desks usually just kill your back honestly!

To add to the point above: ignore the lap desks! I spent months hunching over like a shrimp before I realized my cervical spine was basically screaming for mercy. Seriously, elevation is the only thing that stopped the headaches for me. Once I got my screen at eye level, it was like night and day. I started using a Nulaxy C3 Aluminum Laptop Stand and honestly, it is built like a tank and folds flat enough to slide under my rug when friends come over!

• Position your screen so the top third is at eye level.
• Always use a separate mouse because trackpads are just carpal tunnel traps. I swapped to the Keychron K3 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard and the tactile feel is just amazing compared to those mushy membrane boards. It fits in my bag perfectly and the Bluetooth connection is rock solid. Dont waste your cash on flimsy stuff, just get the height right and you will feel so much better!