Thoughts
I've used a bunch of different mousing surfaces over the years, from your basic branded freebie mat that comes with any OEM PC, to surfaces like the Icemat, Icemat v2 and the Everglide and Everglide Giganta. I've yet to find a perfect one and the Corepad doesn't make me change my mind, but it's pretty close. My niggles are specific to me, so the height and size issues may be moot in your opinion.Past those problems, I have very little bad to say about the Corepad. At its only U.K. retailer, it's cheaper at £21.95 than an Icemat v2, Steelpad 4S and fUnc 1030, all very good surfaces.
It's a simple design, gets all the mousing surface basics right, is easy to clean and does very little wrong. That it's not sold in the U.K. bundled with Corepad Skatez is a little mean, but that may change in the future, and you can always buy some Mouse Skatez or Padsurfers for a few quid more.
I like the aesthetic and I'm happy enough with it to replace my original Icemat with a Corepad for the long term. Good stuff indeed and recommended to the gamer or posh user that wants to tart up his or her desk.
Score
Pros
Durable, unbendable, easily cleaned and doesn't get coldStylish
Cheaper than good rivals
Cons
Maybe a touch too thick with the neopreneNot sold with Corepad Skatez in the U.K. (yet)
A touch too small maybe (wait for the Meltdown if you think so)
