Some Like It Hot (But Your Laptop Doesn’t)
By Chad A. Johnson · October 5, 2008
Few things are as dangerous to the well-being of your computer as heat. An overheated computer can cause annoying performance issues, such as lockups. It can also cause permanent damage, like when my CPU fan failed which fried my CPU and motherboard. That was a costly problem.
Heat has always been an even bigger issue with laptop computers. Heat producing components are crammed into the smallest cases possible. This leaves very little room for cooling systems, which are usually limited to tiny exhaust fans. Not quite adequate.
Use your laptop for an extended period of time and feel the bottom. It is hot! People have burned their legs from this heat. Furniture has even been marred from it.
Thankfully, there is an easy, inexpensive solution to the laptop heat issue.
Manufacturers, such as Targus, Belkin and Antec, are producing laptop cooling pads. These thin plates contain 1 or more cooling fans and are powered via a USB cable. When you set your laptop on one of these devices, fresh air is continuously blown on the bottom of the laptop keeping it cool.
I was very skeptical of these cooling devices. I doubted their effectiveness. They seemed too bulky to carry with my laptop. I was also concerned with laptop battery life due to the power draw of the extra fans.
After using my Targus Laptop Chill Mat for a month, I wouldn’t use my laptop without it. Here are a few benefits that I have experienced:
- My laptop no longer slows or locks up after running for awhile.
- It is now comfortable to use my laptop on my lap for long periods and my furniture is safe.
- I can use my laptop in bed without fear of the blankets blocking air flow to the exhaust fans.
- Turns out that a cooler running computer is a more efficient computer, so I haven’t noticed any battery life changes using the extra fans.
- The cooling mat is very light and slides into my laptop bag easily, making transporting the device a breeze.
In short, every laptop toting real estate agent needs this technology. It will improve your computing experience and will extend the life of your expensive laptop.
Cooling mats start at around $30. Models that integrate a USB hub (a handy addition if you are short on USB ports) start at around $50. With a bit of patience, you can get a deal on one. Each week, Best Buy, Circuit City or Staples will usually have a cooling mat on sale. I decided the model that I wanted and waited a couple of weeks until I found it on sale for $20. One of the cheapest technology investments you can make.
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Tags: laptop battery life, real estate agent, laptop cooling pads, laptop computers, efficient computer
I wasn’t even aware this type of device existed. I was a little hesitant to look into it until you said it slides into your carrying case no problem.
Thanks for sharing,
I was just told about this - and I need to get to the store to get one !!!! (Oh, wait, bet I could find it online, lol)….. my laptop overheats and locksup - frying the motherboard does not sound like fun. Thanks for the reminder!!
Thanks for doing this article as I was rather skeptical of cooling pads. Since is my laptop, I will get one the next time they go one sale because a lot of my work gets done on the bed in hotels.
I am actually having significant problems with my laptop (which is < 1 year old). This may be the answer! Thanks.
FYI, I just checked out newegg.com and they have a wide variety at pretty decent prices. I use them a lot over the last few years and have had no complaints so far.
Checking the Sunday ads, Circuit City has the NexxTech Cooling Pad for 50% off. Check it out at http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=171344&om_keycode=85.
I love when an article hits my Reader just at the perfect time. One of my laptops was headed for the laptop graveyard. It keeps locking up or turning off and I really think it’s due to overheating. I don’t think it’s internal fan is working well or at all. This just may save me some big bucks. Thanks for the tip!
Robert,
You are so right about Newegg.com. I have been a loyal customer of theirs for nearly 10 years. Great prices, huge selection and extremely fast delivery times.
Linsey,
This can really help in your situation.
If the internal fan is out, contact the manufacturer about a replacement fan. It could be a few bucks to replace yourself.
I’ve been using the Targus Chill Mat for about 8 months now, and have had great results, but I primarily keep my laptop in one place - on my desk. When I was searching around for a cooling mat solution back then, I came across something that looked like it would fit perfectly for a frequent traveler or a bed-time laptop user.
It’s TOTALLY counter intuitive… It’s a fanless mat that almost looks like an oven mitt. When placed under a laptop it disperses the heat via the gel inside the mat. Interesting idea, I thought, but does it actually work in real life? So I checked into the reviews from Slash Gear, etc and everyone seemed to really like it for light-weight, mobile use. Not necessarily as your everyday, sit on the desk cooling solution.
It’s called the ThermalTake iXoft Fanless notebook cooler. I haven’t personally used it, as I rarely take my laptop for business travel, and while I love the idea of bed-time laptop work - it just never happens. But here’s the link if anybody’s interested in taking a look: http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1135&ID=1600
I just thought it might be another interesting angle for people to consider when trying to keep the laptop bag light.
Todd,
I have seen a Targus product that is exactly like the Thermaltake product that you are referring to. It does look like an oven mitt.
Maybe one of our MyTechOpinion readers has used one of these passive cooling devices and can share their experience?
I have one and used to use it. Thanks for the reminder to go find it and start using it again!