I personally use an mStand[0] by Rain Design. I was using a small cardbox box before that and my employer at the time gifted an mStand to me.
The difference is night and day and it made me appreciate my MacBook's display much more even when it was connected to an external monitor. I also found myself using multiple (virtual) desktops so much more as well.
If you're able to afford it, I really recommend shelling out the extra cash for a proper stand. If not, and you have an employer that might buy it for you, go out on a limb and ask for one. It might really improve how you interact with your laptop.
I'm actually really surprised by this gushing review - I use the same stand at work, but I don't think too much of it. Could I ask you to elaborate? Just curious.
A lot of other stands don't have the laptop sitting so high above the desk, making them much closer to the table or even flush but angled upwards from the back.
As it sits now, it is high enough so that it matches the exact same level of eyesight as my external monitor. This makes the external monitor compliment it rather than replace it.
The shape also allows you to move your hands around under it, whereas if it was lower or if the design was different it would interrupt movement and usage of an external keyboard.
Other things I like about it is that it's super solid, it's all just a single piece, made of aluminium (for heat purposes) and the rubber things on it keep the laptop held securely in place.
The difference is night and day and it made me appreciate my MacBook's display much more even when it was connected to an external monitor. I also found myself using multiple (virtual) desktops so much more as well.
If you're able to afford it, I really recommend shelling out the extra cash for a proper stand. If not, and you have an employer that might buy it for you, go out on a limb and ask for one. It might really improve how you interact with your laptop.
[0] http://www.raindesigninc.com/mstand.html