Just out of curiosity, why do you need to do work on your lap? The posture is really bad and unhealthy.

Doesn't anyone own a table for eating where you can use your laptop as well?

I've been owning laptops for 12 years now and never used it on my lap. The only times I saw people use laptops on their laps is on TV.

I use my laptop on my lap or in bed all the time. I own a couple of perfectly fine mice, but the reason laptops have touchpads built into them in the first place is that they're not always well suited to mice.

If I wanted a computer I could only use at a desk with a mouse, I'd have bought a desktop.

The main example I can think of is when I'm not home--sometimes it's nice to be able to use my laptop in a not-very-accommodating public space, like on the bus.

You're right, though. I try to avoid doing that whenever possible.