I'd suggest looking at the Nexstand K2 Portable Laptop Stand because I’ve been in your shoes and it’s a bit nerve-wracking picking something to hold your expensive tech. I remember buying this super cheap $10 metal thing for a trip to London and honestly it was a disaster. It had these sharp edges and I was constantly worried it would just snap or scratch the bottom of my laptop when I was moving it around. Not a good feeling when you're thousands of miles from home... Eventually I found the Nexstand and it’s much better for peace of mind. It’s made of a reinforced nylon material so it’s light but feels way more stable than those thin wire ones you see online. It folds down into a small tube shape which is perfect for stuffing into a backpack side pocket. Be careful tho, you really gotta make sure you actually lock the legs into place properly every single time. If you’re at a crowded cafe or a small airport table, people might bump you and you want that extra stability. I would suggest testing it at home first just to get the hang of the height settings. It usually runs about $30 so it's well under your budget. Just make sure to double check the rubber grips periodically to ensure they aren't wearing down, safety first and all that.

Regarding #1 recommending the Nexstand K2, I found it quite bulky.

• Moft Invisible Slim Adhesive Laptop Stand
• iVoler Adjustable Aluminum Portable Laptop Stand Unfortunately, plastic stands just feel flimsy.