The desk pad was packed well for shipping. Once unrolled, it flattened out nicely. I tested writing on the pad with one piece of paper on top using two types of pen, a fine point, and a gel ball pen. Both wrote on the paper fine, even though there is a very fine texture on the surface. I found I could keep my wrists and arms on the surface for an extended time without feeling that the surface was tacky to my skin. I had no problems with condensation from a cold water glass I left on the surface. It wiped off easily and left no marks on the surface. I have only had one day's experience with this pad so far, but am very pleased to have purchased this pad.I dont like how your survey worksI bought this for my coffee table top so we don’t have to worry about our toddler damaging the table top. It was the best size for the table and am happy with the purchase. I wish it did have a suede backing so it wouldn’t slide on the table but the sliding is minimal.Desk blotter. Looks great topping an old, scratched desk top.Flatness: It comes rolled up in a long 3" x 3" box so doesn't lie flat at all initially. After two weeks lying on my desk it's pretty flat, but not perfectly flat. It still has very slight ripples, but not enough to effect utility. I expect it will flatten out more over time.Material: It's made from two layers bonded back to back total about 1.7mm 0.067" thick. See pic of strap. The material is pretty soft and flexible. A strap is provided to secure it when rolled up so I presume part of the product concept is portability.Surface: There are two sides, one with a pebble grain and the other with a finer grain, the latter being better for writing. (see pic with penny) The material is fairly soft, so you will dent paper writing directly on the mat. The pebble grain side is less reflective. I prefer its appearance in general.Odor: I had a pretty strong odor when new, very similar to paste shoe polish. After two weeks it's much subsided, but I can still smell it if I put my nose the surface. I generally don't smell it working at the desk and expect it will dissipate even more with time.One minor cosmetic issue is there are broad longitudinal stripes in the material. See pic. It's not very noticeable but its there.I expect if this was placed on a nice flat surface out in the sun for a day, it would flatten and the odor would dissipate pretty quickly.It works well for my purpose so I'm giving it 4 stars. It might be more or fewer for you.The Product itself is just what I wanted for my computer desk. In fact I would have given it five stars. There is more than enough room for the keyboard, mouse and a writing area. My complaint is that the ends of the mat tend to curl upward off the desk. I am rolling the mat in the opposite direction for a day to see if they will reform and stay flat. If not the product is going back. This is an update. I did roll the mat in the opposite direction. I secured it with the strap that is supplied by the manufacturer. I placed the mat on a hard surface (floor) with the seam side facing down. I left it in that position for two days. The location selected should be a warm area. The ends no longer curl up. I would now give it 5 stars instead of the original two.I have had my desk for 20+ years and I really like it. The only problem was the top was showing its age, the rest of the disk is fine still sturdy etc. I have been trying to figure out a was to fix it with oust having to sand, repaint, etc. and then I stumble across this product! I love it, I have the black that's what color the desk is and came in the larger size. Which even though I measured my desk top its a little bit bigger but it can be cut to fit so no problem these. These are worth the money and saved me from a DIY job or having to buy a new deskI purchased this item for $22 to place on an acrylic glass top desk. I read other product reviews for cheaper products and was worried that the back of the mat would stain my new desk. Fortunately, this product has double layered synthetic leather on both sides and there's no chance that it will stain my desk. It arrived rolled up, and laid 90% flat when I first rolled it out. the edges are still slightly lifted, but I know it will go down with time. I'll update this review if I encounter any problems, as I just received it today.I ordered the 80x40 black mat, it is big enough for my computer/keypad and mouse mat, or to be used as a writing pad to protect a desk. I ordered this brand because the brand I ordered last time had run out of black. Unfortunately this mat has a furry side which goes face to face with the desk top, and that slips! It's OK with a heavy computer on top, but it does not stay in place otherwise. I plan to return and order one with non slip on both sides.Ordered 36*47, end up getting opened package and 23*17 size. Not worth of money. They don’t even bothered to pack properly.The color is good, but the smell is bad.Excelente calidad , muy bonito y se ve genialme hubiera gustado que fuera de piel originalJe suis très contente de ce tapis qui est sur mon bureau depuis le premier jour. Il attrape un peu la poussière car il est noir, mais il est très pratique et cela permet de protéger le bureau + de ne pas avoir de tapis de souris qui gâche la décoration.