Prevent laptop overheating
Laptop Cooling Pads – Why Do You Need One?
Why Use A Laptop Cooling Pad?
If you’ve ever balanced your laptop on your knee for any length of time, you may well have noticed just how much these handy devices can heat up. Some models and brands tend to heat up more than others – but many laptops can become uncomfortably hot after only a short period of use.
Laptops seem to be getting larger all the time. They are also being fitted with more and more powerful processors. The end result is that a lot of heat can be generated – and because they need to be portable, many laptops will have smaller cooling fans than the equivalent desktop computer. That’s why they heat up so much.
Some laptops can be very uncomfortable to touch when they’re in use – and it’s not just a matter of discomfort for the user either. Most electrical and electronic devices stop working as a result of thermal ageing. The hotter they get, the shorter their working life will be.
So keeping your laptop’s working temperature down will not only make it more comfortable for you to use, it will extend the life of your laptop and save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
And it gets better – not only will your laptop last longer, but all of your important data; the family photos, the important documents, the spreadsheets etc., will also be protected and available for you. Of course, you should always back up your files – but preventing their loss in the first place makes just as much sense.
Protect Your Laptop And Data With A Laptop Cooling Pad
Fortunately there is a very easy, efficient and inexpensive, yet very cost effective, solution to the problem of laptop overheating: A laptop cooling pad – sometimes also known as a chilling, or cooling, mat.
There are any number of different designs, but the basic concept is to improve the cooling of your laptop and thereby keep the temperature down. The best laptop cooling pads will have their own fans – and these will be powered by plugging the cooling pad into a spare usb port on your laptop.
The better models will have fans which are very quiet – usually quite a bit quieter than your laptop cooling fan itself. You shouldn’t be able to hear the cooling pad fans above the normal low level noise made by your laptop. Nevertheless, the extra airflow, directed into your laptop’s cooling intake vents (usually situated in the bottom of the laptop), will keep your laptop very much cooler – regardless of how long you use it for.
The Benefits of Laptop Cooling Pads
Laptop cooling pads start at just a few dollars – and the most expensive ones tend to be in the mid twenty dollar range. Even if you don’t take the fact that you will considerably extend you laptop’s life by keeping the temperature down, spending a few dollars to protect your expensive laptop – and to keep your data safe and secure – makes a lot of sense.
Here are just a few of the benefits you will get from a good laptop cooling pad:
Your laptop won’t heat up so much and will be more comfortable to use and handle.
Your laptop will last longer and you will save (a lot of) money.
Your laptop will be much less likely to fail suddenly, an event which will not only cost you money but which may result in the loss of important data. In extreme cases, the possibility of fire may exist (don’t worry too much – this is, thankfully, quite rare).
Your laptop cooling pad will provide a stable and secure working platform for your laptop. It will prevent your lap becoming uncomfortably hot – and also prevent heat damage to other delicate surfaces, like your desk or table for example, that you may use to support your laptop when working.
All things considered, a laptop cooling pad makes a lot of sense. For just a few dollars, you can protect your hardware and your data from sudden, and very inconvenient, failures – as well as saving a considerable amount of money by extending the working life of your laptop.
Have a look around this site and check out the various, inexpensive, cooling pads available. Regardless of what type or size of laptop you have, there’s a cooling pad to suit.
And don’t forget, even if your laptop doesn’t get uncomfortably hot in operation, keeping it even cooler will still extend its lifespan and save you money!
Do I Need A Laptop Cooling Pad?
Is A Laptop Cooler Necessary?
If you have experienced overheating whilst using your laptop, you may be wondering whether or not you should use a laptop cooling pad. You may also be of the opinion that manufacturers of laptops should really design their product so that it doesn’t heat up so much in the first place.
It’s a fair point, but the manufacturers are trying to keep the cost to us consumers down, whilst boosting their own profits of course. It’s unlikely that your laptop is continually overheating – but if it is, you should take action. If it’s a problem of discomfort when you use it on your lap, or when you run a particular game or program, a laptop cooler may be a smart choice.
Why Do Laptops Overheat In The First Place?
Laptops, like other computers, have been getting progressively more powerful over the years. More power means more heat generated.
However, there’s a limit on the physical size and weight of the device which people are prepared to lug around with them. That means that there’s restricted space to fit cooling vents and fans. Fans will tend to be somewhat smaller that they would be in a similarly powered desktop machine.
The components that generate the heat may also be mounted closer together in a laptop. It means that laptops will be more prone to heat build up.
The fact that more and more people use laptops as their main computer these days is also a factor. Many laptops will be turned on early in the morning and will remain on until the evening.
Is Laptop Overheating A Problem?
Since laptops are electronic devices, a certain amount of heat is only to be expected. Electrical and electronic devices age according to their temperature; the hotter they operate, the more “life per minute” they use up and the quicker they will fail.
However, nothing lasts forever and, if your laptop is ageing at a “normal” rate, there is probably no cause for concern.
In summary, heating is not a problem, but overheating is. That’s a bit of a useless definition isn’t it? How do you tell the difference between heating and overheating?
Your laptop may be overheating if you experience one or more of the following:
It becomes too hot for you to use on your lap or the heat generated damages or discolors the surface of the worktop it is resting on.
The internal fan operates all, or most of, the time.
Your laptop cuts out occasionally, especially when performing tasks which put a high load on the central processing unit (CPU) – e.g. playing games.
Your laptop cuts out frequently, often within a short time after start up.
The above are good indicators as to whether you may have a problem with laptop overheating. If you want to have a more quantifiable technique, there are a number of software apps which you can download to discover the temperature of your CPU.
“how to find laptop temperature”, there are plenty of apps and programs available, many of which are free.
What To Do If You Think That Your Laptop Is Overheating
There are a variety of things that you can do if you are worried about your laptop overheating. The list above is arranged in increasing severity, the higher the number, the more serious the problem may be.
If you find that your laptop is uncomfortable when you use it on your knee, but there are no other symptoms of overheating, then you may address this by placing it on a hard surface. This will do two things:
It will shield your lap from the heat source and make it more comfortable for you to use.
It will ensure that the cooling vents, which are normally located on the underside of the laptop, are not blocked and allow cooling air to get into the laptop’s cold air inlet vents.
This is a simple solution which can be more than adequate in cases of mild overheating. If you use your laptop on your knee, or on a soft fabric surface such as a bed or sofa, the cooler inlet vents can often become blocked. Mounting your laptop on a hard surface will prevent this and drop the temperature.
You can achieve this using a passive (no fans) laptop cooling pad or even just a hard surface, such as a large book or a serving tray if you like.
This may also be effective if you find that the internal laptop fan is running most of the time.
If you find that your laptop’s overheating is dependent upon what activities you are using it for, if it overheats mainly when you use a particular program or play games for example, then you may need to take a different approach.
In such a case, you might be a lot better off with an active laptop cooling pad – one which uses a fan, or fans, to blast additional air into the laptop cooling vents.
As mentioned earlier, most laptops have their cooling inlet valves on the underside of the base and the warm air exhaust at he sides of the device. You will probably want a cooling pad which has the fan blowing air vertically upwards into the cooling vents – but if you’re not sure, check this post to see how to easily assess the correct configuration to use.
There is a huge selection of these available. Most draw power for the fans from a spare usb port on your laptop. If you already use all of your usb ports then you can get cooling pads with “through” usb connectors or even built in usb hubs these days.
Choose a well known brand and don’t buy a cheap import to save a few dollars. You should be able to get a very effective laptop cooling pad starting at around $20 (you can pay more if you wish to) – which is a small price to pay to protect your valuable laptop hardware – plus all of the data, files, photos etc. stored on its hard drive.
If your laptop is cutting out continually, especially if this happens fairly quickly after startup, you probably have a more serious problem which is unlikely to be addressed by the use of a laptop cooler. You should take it to a repair shop as quickly as possible.
Benefits Of Laptop Cooling Pads
Obviously a laptop cooling pad may be a help if your laptop is overheating. However, even if it isn’t overheating, dropping the operating temperature will, as mentioned previously, extend the life of your laptop.
The rate of life use does not increase linearly with temperature. A small increase can result in a much larger percentage rise in the rate at which working life is consumed. Conversely, a fairly modest reduction in the operating temperature can produce a significant increase in the operating lifespan of your laptop.
You can also find laptop cooling stands which, combined with an external keyboard and mouse, will make your computer setup more ergonomic and improve your posture. These are well worth looking at if you suffer from back or neck pain after using your laptop for any length of time.
All things considered, laptop cooling pads offer a great many benefits for a relatively small investment.
Here’s a quick checklist for you.
Laptop Cooling Pad Checklist
Excellent cooling performance.
Maybe that’s a little obvious – but let’s say it anyway. Your laptop cooling pad should provide enough cooling to keep your laptop cool and stop it from overheating. That probably means that you want one which has a fan, or fans, incorporated into its design.
A safe and secure platform for your laptop.
Your laptop should sit safely and securely onto the laptop cooling pad’s upper surface. This will have holes in it to allow air circulation – and rubberized pads are often fitted to prevent your laptop slipping or sliding when you’re using it.
A stable platform to balance on your lap or your desk/workstation.
Some laptops have short legs – and that style tends to be fine if you mainly want to use it on a desk or workstation surface. However, if you want to use your laptop on your lap, then you will probably find that a flat underside, ideally with a rubberized or fabric covering, is more stable and less likely to move around on you.
USB power source.
You won’t want to have too many trailing cables to get tangled up in. Ideally, your laptop cooling pad’s fans will be powered by plugging a cable direct from your pad into a spare usb port on your laptop.
Quiet operation. Most cooling pads use fans which are considerably larger in diameter than the fan which is used internally to cool your laptop. This means that they can move sufficient air without having to rotate too quickly – which means that they are quieter than your laptop cooling fan. You shouldn’t be able to hear the fans from your cooling pad over the noise already generated from your laptop’s internal cooling.
The right size for your laptop.
Another obvious one perhaps, but worth noting nevertheless. You don’t want your laptop to overhang the cooling pad by too much, or it might become unstable. The screen size on laptops is measured across the diagonal – so a 17″ laptop will require a cooling pad that is approximately 15″ wide. A 15″ laptop will need a cooling pad width of roughly 13″, and so on.
And that’s about it really. Personally, I don’t think that you need to worry too much about drinks holders, pencils trays, lights etc. – but if those things are important to you (and they might be), then take them into consideration after you’ve ticked all of the items above off your list!
Laptop Cooling Fan
USB Laptop Cooling Fan
USB laptop cooling fans attach to the cooler exhaust of your laptop and suck air out faster, thereby helping your laptop to run cooler.
There are a variety of different models available, and some of them are very inexpensive indeed. They seem to start around $5 and run up to around $20, but prices can vary depending upon when you check them of course.
It’s certainly possible to pick these up very cheaply, but some users have reported that the cheapest ones can be just a little noisy. Of course, that might not be a big problem for you if you’re fragging bad guys with your headphones on.
Some models have a variable speed fan, and some have a temperature display (see image below). If noise bothers you, you can always adjust the fan speed down a little. Power for the fan is obtained by plugging it into a spare usb port on your laptop.
They are a good solution for gamers and you can use them instead of, or as well as, a laptop cooling pad.
Most of them suck air out of your laptop, which means that they are suitable only for laptops which have the cooler inlet on the base of the machine with the exhaust vents on the side. If you hold your hand near the side vent and you feel hot air being expelled, then that’s the exhaust and these fans will work for you.
The fans clip on to the side of your laptop and you normally attach them using an adapter which conforms to your particular brand of laptop. They normally come with several different adapters supplied and you should be able to find one to fit just about any laptop.
The most common arrangement is a silicon adapter piece which presses onto the air exhaust vent of your laptop and a tongue which extends under the base of the laptop, which may or may not, be held in place by a reusable adhesive pad. If you’re not sure whether a particular model will be suitable for your laptop, checking in the comments section of online sites such as Amazon might help to give you a little assurance. Some models will provide details of the adapter dimensions – which is handy as long as you have accurate measurements for your laptop’s cooling vent.
Sizes and weights vary from light and compact to positively chunky, with the larger units obviously providing more cooling power. Whether portability or maximum cooling performance is important to you will probably determine which option is most suitable for you.
It’s probably worth noting that all but the smallest ones will work best when your laptop is resting on a work surface rather than being used balanced on your knee. In fact, even the smaller ones are best used in this manner – unless you manage to achieve a very good fit over the exhaust vent, one which won’t be impacted by any movement of your laptop
Five Simple Ways To Protect Your Laptop
Laptops are outselling desktops these days. For most people, increasingly powerful laptop options, coupled with the ease of portability, make a laptop their first choice.
And it’s certainly handy to have so much portable power available – but the transportable nature of laptops can also bring some new problems which you might not find so much with a desktop.
Here are a few simple steps that you can take to protect your valuable hardware – and all the important personal data that you store on it.
- Use a Sturdy Laptop Bag
A well padded laptop bag will protect your laptop from the minor knocks and bumps that are pretty much inevitable when you’re in transit. I prefer leather, I just think that it’s more durable and robust – but you can get some very nice padded neoprene sleeves which will do the job just as well.
Pick a bag which has a separate compartment for the laptop and others for your cables, phone, memory sticks, stationery, pens, pencils etc. Don’t shoehorn other items in next to your laptop or they might dig in and damage it as items move about.
If you want to be really safe, put your laptop inside a padded sleeve and then put it into the special compartment in your laptop bag.
- Use a Secure Lock and Cable
If you use your laptop when you’re out and about, it’s almost inevitable that you will leave it unattended at some point. Even if it’s “just for a moment”, that can be enough for a sneak thief to make off with your computer.
Almost all laptops have a special slot (some have more than one) which let you put in a lockable cable. Secure the lockable cable to something solid and your laptop will be a lot safer.
This won’t deter a determined thief with plenty of time to pilfer your computer – but it will probably be more than enough to discourage opportunists who might take advantage while you are temporarily distracted and away from your laptop.
- Install Tracking Software
If you’re unlucky enough to have your laptop stolen then all is not lost. Tracking software is available for both Windows and Mac laptops which uses IP address location, Wi-Fi positioning and even the ability to remotely take a snapshot of whoever is using your laptop using the on-board camera.
Tens of thousands of lost or stolen laptops have been recovered using this type of software. The cost starts as low as $15 per year – and, while it doesn’t guarantee the return of your laptop, it’s a small price to pay for the extra peace of mind on offer.
- Use a Laptop Cooling Pad
Larger, more powerful laptops are great – but they do tend to generate a lot of heat. Laptop cooling fans need to be smaller than desktop fans and that’s why they can get so hot.
As well as being uncomfortable to use, there’s a risk of failure due to overheating – and the hotter any electrical or electronic device gets, the shorter its working life will be.
You can combat all of these problems – and give yourself a safe and secure working platform at the same time – by using a laptop cooling pad. These usually plug into your laptop’s usb port and have extra fans to blow cooling air upwards onto and into your laptop. You’ll drastically lower the risk of failure, prolong the working life of your laptop and protect your data – all for a few dollars.
- Use A Power Supply With Surge Protection
Mains spikes and surges can damage sensitive electronic equipment. When you’re using your laptop connected to the mains, a power supply with surge protection makes a lot of sense – why take a chance.
You’ll find that many suppliers of these also provide a “connected equipment warranty” (sometimes to values in excess of $100,000!) which covers you for damage to any connected equipment in the event that the surge protection is ineffective.
They must be pretty confident in their kit to back it up like that – so you should be confident also.
Laptop Protection In Summary
All of the above protection techniques are simple, effective and great value for money. Most cost just a few dollars and, when you consider the cost of your hardware – not to mention the importance of all your data stored on it – you might want to think of these items more as an investment than a cost.
One last thing: No matter how careful you are, all electrical and electronic equipment will fail eventually. Back up your data regularly so that you minimize the inconvenience, whether your laptop dies a sudden death or just expires through old age.
Memory is very affordable these days.You can get hold of a 1 TB external hard drive for well under $70 right now (and prices will continue to fall). Alternatively, back up your data to the cloud if you prefer. Better safe than sorry after all
Keep The Correct Posture When Using Your Laptop Computer
Avoiding “Laptop Slouch”
This blog is mainly about protecting your laptop computer, extending its life, safeguarding your data and saving you money. However, as good as all that is, you will also want to make sure that you don’t wind up doing yourself an injury whilst using your laptop.
Laptops are great, but one of the inevitable consequences of their highly convenient portability is the fact that the QWERTY keyboard and the display are much closer together than they should be in order for you to adopt the ideal ergonomic position when using your laptop.
Most experts suggest that, when using a computer, your forearms should be flat on the work surface and the top of your screen should be level with your eyes when you are seated upright. that’s pretty easy to arrange with a desktop, and most people wind up with something like this naturally, but it’s a lot more difficult with a laptop.
If you use it on your knee, you will tend to hunch over it. If you have it on a desk or workstation surface then, because of the hinged screen/keyboard arrangement, you will tend to lean forward much more than if you were using a standard desktop computer. you will also drop your head more than you would normally do.
You can get over this problem by using a docking station and an external monitor – but docking stations cost a pretty penny – and external monitors aren’t exactly cheap either. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution which is inexpensive and very effective – a laptop stand.
These vary in complexity, functionality and cost – but you can usually find them for a good deal less than the cost of a docking station and external monitor. The one pictured above right is a Rolodex laptop stand – a pretty well known brand – and you should be able to pick one of these up for around about $20 or so. Other styles are available for quite a bit less – or you can pay more for extra bells and whistles if you like. It’s entirely up to you.
Because the keyboard is at an angle, the display is raised upwards. you’ll find it a lot easier to operate your laptop without having to lean forward – especially if you use a separate keyboard (these can be picked up for just a few dollars these days). You will, quite naturally, have a much better seating position and, if you’re using your laptop for extended periods of time, you’ll be much less prone to backache and neck pain.
The other good news is that, because the underside of the laptop is lifted well above the desk surface, it’s a lot easier for cooling air to get into and out of your laptop. If you do nothing else but use one of the basic stands, your laptop will run quite a bit cooler.
If you wish, you can go for something with a little more functionality. The Cooler Master ErgoStand II – pictured right – also has a cooling fan built into the base and a 4 port usb hub to keep your cables neat and tidy on your desk or workstation. these tend to be just a little more expensive, expect to pay over $30 for a laptop stand with integrated fan cooling, but your laptop will run much cooler and be less prone to thermally induced faults.
So, maintaining the correct posture can help you to avoid aches and pains – as well as helping you to extend the life of your laptop. If you use your laptop for long periods at a time, then you should ensure that you adopt good posture, by the methods outline above or by using some other technique.
Here are 3 Best Selling Laptop Cooling Pad :
Cooler Master NotePal ErgoStand II
Cooler Master NotePal ErgoStand IICheck Out The New Cooler Master ErgoStand II
Cooler Master is one of the best known names in computer cooling. They might just be slightly better known for their cases, especially in the serious gaming community, but they make some great laptop cooling pads as well – and this is a fine example.
The new ErgoStand II is the latest addition to the Cooler Master laptop cooling range. You can certainly use it on your lap or on a desk or worktop – but, personally speaking, I think that it really comes into its own when used as a sort of mini docking station on a worktop.
If you use a laptop for long periods of time, you may find that you gradually get into a bit of a “laptop slouch”. If you place it on your lap, then you will quite naturally tend to slump forward a little more than normal. Likewise, if you have your laptop positioned on a desk, you will tend to either lean forward or duck your head a little more than if you were using a standard monitor.
ergostand ii working angleThat’s partly because the laptop display will, wherever you put your laptop, be lower than a stand alone monitor associated with a desktop PC would be.
You need to lean forward to view it. That can lead to bad posture, and if you’re using your laptop for long periods of time, that might give you problems with your back, and possibly other muscle groups.
With the ErgoStand II, you can position the body of your laptop on the cooler tray and then adjust the angle to whatever you find best. The display of the laptop will be automatically raised in height, and for best results, you should adjust the angle of the display (either by adjusting the opening of the laptop or by varying the angle of the ErgoStand) so that this is vertical.
You’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable it is to work like this. Get hold of an inexpensive external keyboard and you’ll be much better off, ergonomically speaking. It really is like a mini docking station.
In addition to the ergonomic advantages, the ErgoStand II will keep your laptop cool using its 140 mm aerodynamically designed fan. Your hardware will be less likely to fail for thermal reasons and it will run better and last longer. Your data will also be more secure.
ergostand ii usb hubAnother nice touch, which will help to keep your desktop tidy, is the fact that the ErgoStand II has a nice row of 4 usb ports at the back. You’ll be able to keep all of your cables neatly arranged and cut down on clutter. You won’t run out of usb ports either!
The mesh of the stand comes off so that you can access the fan and the grille for easy cleaning. Do make sure that the power is off and the fan is inoperative before you do this of course.
Here’s a brief video which outlines the benefits on offer from the ErgoStand II:
Choose from 5 ergonomic, adjustable height settings for optimum viewing angle.
Heavy duty removable mesh surface provides a chill mat and allows easy access to the fan for cleaning and maintenance
Whisper quiet, 140mm aerodynamic silent fan keeps your laptop cool.
On/off LED indicator strip illuminates your keyboard
Keep cables tidy with the in-built usb hub. 4 USB ports allow connection of additional peripherals.
On/off button and speed controller for fan.
Heavy duty profile is ideal for gaming laptops.
Suitable for laptops up to 17″ display.
Some of the Other Popular Laptop Cooling Pad’s
Zalman NC1000-B Aluminum Laptop Cooling Pad
Zalman nc1000b aluminum laptop cooling padZalman NC1000-B – Stylish, Quiet And Effective
Most laptop coolers will be made of plastic mesh these days, or a very thin metal mesh. That’s fine – just as long as it’s well put together and sturdy enough to support your laptop.
However, the Zalman NC1000-B is a good example which shows that style and functionality need not be mutually exclusive. The cooler pad mesh is made from 3 mm thick aluminum. Not only does it look good, but it’s sturdy and lightweight into the bargain.
Dimensions are 12.1 x 13 x 1.6 inches and it weighs just 3.6 pounds (aluminum is strong but light). You can use this cooling pad for up to 15″ laptops.
It has a usb hub on the side and, one of the nicest touches is the fact that you can vary the fan speed using a dial on the edge of the pad. You can set your level of cooling according to whatever you’re doing on your laptop at any point in time.
So, if you’re just checking your e-mail, turn the fan speed down low. If you’re playing the latest frag fest shoot ‘em up and using all of your computing power, spin the dial, crank up the cooling and make sure you don’t overheat!
Even when you’re operating the twin fans at top speed, you won’t be bothered by noise. Zalman laptop coolers are, quite justifiably, known for their low noise operation. You’ll be hard pressed to know that the fans are running. Zalman coolers really are that quiet.
In summary, this is a very stylish, effective and quiet cooler pad – with a very high build quality. It’s definitely worth considering if you want to keep your laptop running cold.
Zalman may not be a name that you recognize quite as readily as Targus, Cooler Master, Logitech or Belkin, but they are, very definitely, a force to be reckoned with in the world of computer cooling. You’ll find plenty of very positive independent reviews if you search around the web.
They make some very effective notebook cooling pads, and the Optimized Vent Hole Ultra Quiet cooler (the ZM-NC3 for short) is a great example. In fact, low noise coolers are something of a Zalman speciality – and many users choose this brand specifically for its low noise emissions.
This particular unit has a large, 200 mm fan which spins at 550 rpm and is, to all intents and purposes, virtually silent in operation. It has a guaranteed noise level of 20 dB(A), which is about the level of noise that you might expect to experience in a library – when it’s closed.
It’s way below the normal background level in any office, or even in your living room. You won’t hear this cooling fan in operation.
Here’s a good demo video. You will hear the operation of the switch which turns the fan on and off, and you’ll know that the fan is on when the tissue paper starts to float – but you won’t hear any additional noise from the fan.
I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s very quiet.
Dimensions are 14.2 x 16.8 x 3 inches, and it weighs 2 pounds. This cooler pad could be used for laptops with up to 17″ displays.
It’s powered from a spare usb port on your laptop.
If you’re looking for high performance laptop cooling, combined with extremely low noise, then the Zalman range of notebook coolers is well worth a look. Here are just a few examples of what’s available:
Macally EcoFan Bamboo Laptop Cooling Stand
Macally bamboo laptop cooling standBamboo Cooling Stand For Laptops
When it comes to laptop cooling stands and pads, there is a definite leaning towards black, grey and silver/aluminum. There are some brightly colored cooling pads available – but they are the exception to the rule, by and large.
If you’re looking for something a little different, then the Macally range of laptop cooling trays and stands might be worth considering. As you can see from the image on the right, these use bamboo as the construction material.
This particular model is the EcoFanXL, so called because it’s eco-friendly, being manufactured primarily from organic bamboo, and it comes with an extra large cooling fan.
The cooling fan is powered by plugging into a spare usb port on your laptop. It uses a “pass-through” type usb connector. You can connect another usb powered device on top of it, so you don’t lose a port, and you won’t be struggling for connections.
Dimensions are 11.8 x 13.5 x 1.5 inches and it weighs in at just one pound. It folds up easily and is light enough for you to take with you when you’re on the go.
It’s suitable for up to 15″ laptops. The manufacturer claims that it’s suitable for up to 17″ – but there would be a rather large overhang if you tried to use it for a laptop of this size.
As you can see from the picture, it’s best suited for use on a flat surface, although you could use it on your lap at a pinch.
The large fan does work very well, and the bamboo slots allow the air to circulate easily around the base of your laptop. It’s also worth pointing out that the large fan is very quiet in operation – and the solid bamboo construction isn’t prone to the rattles and buzzes that you can sometimes get in the cheaper plastic versions.
It’s definitely a practical, working laptop cooler. It might not be ideal for serious gamers, or for those who prefer to balance their laptop on their lap most of the time – but if you want a good laptop cooler that’s environmentally friendly – or if you just have a bamboo theme in your living room – then this might be worthy of your consideration.
Cooler Master NotePal I100 Laptop Cooling Pad
Cooler Master – Putting The Fun In Functional
Laptop cooling pads are a great way to make your laptop run cooler. A cooler laptop will perform better, last longer, protect your data – and be more comfortable for you to use.
Obviously you want a cooling pad that is efficient and which keeps your laptop as cool as possible – but there’s no harm in putting the fun into functional – and the Notepal I100, from Cooler Master, does just that.
As you can see from the image on the right, the I100 comes in no fewer than seven different color options! You can choose from white, orange, green, pink, blue, red and black.
But a great color range is far from all that the I100 has going for it. The large, 140 mm fan will keep your laptop cool, and it runs virtually silently too!
It’s powered by connecting into a spare usb port on your laptop – but you won’t need to sacrifice a usb port if you need it for something else. The I100 uses a “pass through” usb connector – which means that you can just connect another usb device into the same socket by piggy-backing onto the I100′s connector.
The upper surface is a metal mesh, which allows air to flow just where it’s needed to keep your laptop cool. You can also vary the angle of the cooling pad using two flip up legs at the rear of the pad so that you get the ideal working position for you.
The I100 is also light and portable. It weighs just 1.5 pounds and is only 23 mm thick – a little less than an inch if you prefer. Dimensions are; 13.8 x 9.8 x 0.9 inches. It’s suitable for laptops with up to a 15.6″ display – but you’ll be able to slip it into your laptop bag and take it with you wherever you go.
As mentioned above, the I100 is good for laptops up to 15.6″. If you have a bigger laptop, then you can always consider the I300, which is good for laptops up to 19″. As well as being a little bigger, the I300 comes with some funky LED lighting.
Cooler Master Comforter Air Laptop Cooling Pad
cooler master comforter airThe Comforter Air laptop cooling pad, from Cooler Master, is a unique design which should make using your laptop or tablet as comfortable as possible whilst helping it to run a lot cooler. The cushioned pad has a removable and/or reversible fan in the center, and is ideally suited for use on your lap, on a hard surface or on a bed or sofa.
The central fan is 100 mm in diameter and you can pop it in or out as well as reversing the flow. It’s powered by connecting it into a spare usb port on your laptop and the usb cable stores away neatly in a specially designed slot when not in use.
You can use this with laptops with up to 15.6 ” displays. The dimensions are 15 x 10.9 x 1.8 inches. It weighs only one pound, so it’s easily transportable if you want to use your laptop on the go.
You could, if you wanted, pop the fan out and take only the cushion when you’re in transit. That would make it even lighted and you would still be comfortable when using your laptop. The hole left by removing the fan will ensure good air supply to the base of your laptop, so you will still get some cooling effect.
However, as mentioned, even with the fan in-situ, it weighs just one pound, so you might decide to leave it in place for maximum cooling efficiency.
Logitech N315 Portable Laptop Cooling Pad
Logitech N315 Portable Lapdesk and Cooling PadLogitech Portable Lapdesk
The Logitech N315 portable lapdesk is a very slim and light tray which will help to protect your lap from heating up when you’re using your laptop. It’s a passive device, which means that it has no external fan – but that means no drain on your laptop battery.
It’s definitely designed for keeping heat from your laptop making you uncomfortable, rather than making your laptop run significantly cooler. Even so, the nice flat surface will ensure a good flow of air into the base of your laptop and may help to cool it down slightly.
The rubberized surface will keep your laptop securely in position when in use. It won’t slip or move, even if you adjust your position slightly.
It’s certainly easy enough to carry with you when you’re out and about with your laptop. Dimensions are 4.5″ x 10.25″ x 0.5″ (closed). There’s a handy little mouse area which pulls out to let you use your “proper” mouse (I hate using those touchpads that are built into laptops), which measures 6″ x 7.5″ when fully extended.
It’s suitable for use with laptops having up to a 15.6″ display and, at just 0.5″ thick, can be readily transported in any laptop bag which is suitable for 15.6″ laptops.
It’s a great option for anyone who wants a light, portable and effective laptop cooling pad that will let them use their laptop comfortably. It’s also available at a very reasonable price!
Logitech Laptop Cooling Pad
Logitech laptop cooling padLogitech Low Power, Low Noise Laptop Cooling Pad
The Logitech N120 laptop cooling pad is a straight forward, no frills cooler for your laptop. It has a curved shape, with two rubber pads on the upper surface to hold your laptop securely when in use.
Slots in the upper surface allow air to circulate freely. The air supply comes from a whisper quiet fan which is powered by plugging into a spare usb port on your laptop.
Although the fan is more than powerful enough to keep your laptop cool, it won’t put a big drain on your battery. The unit has been designed and built for low power consumption.
logitech laptop cooling pad in useYou can choose from black or white and it can be used either on a hard surface, such as a desk or table top, or on your knee. Whether you use it on a hard surface or balance it on your knee, the air intake ducts are specially designed so as not to be restricted.
Product dimensions are 15″ x 11″ x 2″. This pad is suitable for use with laptops of up to 15.6″ display and comes with a two year warranty.
CM Storm SF-19 Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad
CM storm sf19 gaming laptop cooling pad front viewCM Storm SF-19 Laptop Cooling Pad
The Storm SF-19 cooling pad could be used with any laptop – but it is aimed fairly and squarely at serious gamers using high end laptops to play power demanding games. This one is a bit of a beast.
It has two whopping great 140 mm fans to provide the airflow required to keep top of the range laptops cool when being used for gaming.
The fan blades are s-shaped and can spin at speeds up between 1200 and 2600 rpm to deliver maximum cooling to your laptop when you need – but you can select a slower speed when things are a bit less hectic.
You can detach the mesh for cleaning dust out of the holes and/or the fans. The fans can be repositioned slightly to ensure maximum airflow just where you want it.
Unlike a standard cooling pad, the SF-19 comes with a separate power supply cord and adapter. You just wouldn’t get enough power to feed this beast from your notebook’s standard usb port.
sf19 usb hubs on sideOn the subject of usb ports, the SF-19 comes with a handy 4 usb hub on the side. That will help you to keep all of your cables tidy – and make sure that you don’t run out of ports.
There are a variety of LEDs mounted which will let you select your preferred color and ambiance when you’re fragging the bad guys.
And don’t worry if you get a bit carried away in the heat of battle, the sturdy construction (the SF-19 uses metal mesh rather than plastic) will provide a rock steady platform for your laptop. It will accommodate machines up to 19″ and is ideal for the latest offerings from Alienware, Razer Blade and ASUS’s ROG series of laptops.
You won’t be needing one of these bad boys if you’re running a fairly standard laptop and checking your e-mail or watching the odd video on YouTube. However, if you’re planning a few hours of serious gaming on a top of the range gaming laptop, this will help to keep your machine cool and let you get the best performance out of it.
Thermapak Heatshift Laptop Cooling Pad
Heatshift Passive Laptop Cooling Pad
Thermapak heatshift laptop cooling padThe Heatshift cooling pad from Thermapak is a little different from many of the other laptop cooling pads and mats which you will see on the market. It’s a passive cooling mat, which just means that it has no fan and uses no power.
However, unlike other passive mats, it doesn’t simply rely on ensuring good air circulation into and out of your laptop. It works by using organic crystals which change from solid to liquid as they heat up.
You might have seen something similar with heat pads which can be heated in hot water or the microwave. Those tend to be used to keep your hands warm in the winter – but the principle is the same. Changing the state of the crystals takes energy – in this case, the heat energy is supplied by the laptop rather than a microwave. The end result is that your laptop runs cooler.
thermapak lab testQuite a bit cooler in fact. Independent lab tests have confirmed that using the Heatshift pad can lower your laptop’s operating temperature by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s a significant difference.
A lower operating temperature will improve the performance of your laptop’s processor, and your in-built laptop cooling fan will need to operate less often. Combined with the fact that the Heatshift mat draws no power, that will mean a longer battery life for your laptop.
Your laptop will also be quieter with the fan running less often. You may also find that less dust gets trapped in your laptop as there will be less air flow required. Dust can eventually clog up cooling vents and channels (some of which you may not be able to see) and that can lead to further thermal problems over time.
Just to get something absolutely clear here – you do not need to refrigerate the Heatshift pad before use. The cooling action is based entirely on the chemical reaction of the inert organic crystals inside the pad. Here’s a short video that explains how the pad works and goes over the various benefits:
Thermapak Heatshift Pad Summary
Fold or roll up for easy portability.
Comes in a variety of colors (black, pink, white).
User friendly and easy to use.
Eco-friendly – uses organic crystal cooling materials and draws no power.
No fans means no power drain on your battery.
Lower operating temperature means your in-built cooler fan will operate less often – further battery savings.
Silent operation. No fans = no noise!
Won’t blow dust and grit into your laptop.
No cords to get tangled.
Doesn’t take up one of your usb ports.
No need to refrigerate – crystal technology provides the cooling weffect.
Who Should Use This?
thermapak girl with laptopWithout getting too scientific, the Thermapak heatshift pad really does work – and without drawing power from your laptop’s usb port to drive external fans! The crystals really do transport heat away from your laptop as they morph from solid to liquid, and your laptop will run quite a bit cooler.
However, once the crystals have transformed, the pad will be quite a bit less efficient at transporting heat away from your laptop. With the heat source removed, the crystals will cool and then re-solidify, after which you can use your Heatshift pad again and get good cooling benefits from it.
Whether that’s a problem for you or not will depend upon how much heat your laptop tends to generate and how long you tend to use your laptop for at any one sitting. You’ll probably be able to get excellent cooling benefits from this pad for somewhere between 2 and 3 hours.
A cool down period – probably equivalent to the usage time (an hour for an hour) will probably be required before you can expect to get the full benefit again. That might, especially when you consider all the other benefits, be perfectly acceptable to you.
This is certainly not the ideal laptop cooler for serious gamers – but if you want something portable for two or three hour’s use, and if silence and low power usage are important to you, then this might just be the ideal solution to your laptop cooling needs.
Cooler Master NotePal ErgoStand II
Cooler Master NotePal ErgoStand IICheck Out The New Cooler Master ErgoStand II
Cooler Master is one of the best known names in computer cooling. They might just be slightly better known for their cases, especially in the serious gaming community, but they make some great laptop cooling pads as well – and this is a fine example.
The new ErgoStand II is the latest addition to the Cooler Master laptop cooling range. You can certainly use it on your lap or on a desk or worktop – but, personally speaking, I think that it really comes into its own when used as a sort of mini docking station on a worktop.
If you use a laptop for long periods of time, you may find that you gradually get into a bit of a “laptop slouch”. If you place it on your lap, then you will quite naturally tend to slump forward a little more than normal. Likewise, if you have your laptop positioned on a desk, you will tend to either lean forward or duck your head a little more than if you were using a standard monitor.
ergostand ii working angleThat’s partly because the laptop display will, wherever you put your laptop, be lower than a stand alone monitor associated with a desktop PC would be.
You need to lean forward to view it. That can lead to bad posture, and if you’re using your laptop for long periods of time, that might give you problems with your back, and possibly other muscle groups.
With the ErgoStand II, you can position the body of your laptop on the cooler tray and then adjust the angle to whatever you find best. The display of the laptop will be automatically raised in height, and for best results, you should adjust the angle of the display (either by adjusting the opening of the laptop or by varying the angle of the ErgoStand) so that this is vertical.
You’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable it is to work like this. Get hold of an inexpensive external keyboard and you’ll be much better off, ergonomically speaking. It really is like a mini docking station.
In addition to the ergonomic advantages, the ErgoStand II will keep your laptop cool using its 140 mm aerodynamically designed fan. Your hardware will be less likely to fail for thermal reasons and it will run better and last longer. Your data will also be more secure.
ergostand ii usb hubAnother nice touch, which will help to keep your desktop tidy, is the fact that the ErgoStand II has a nice row of 4 usb ports at the back. You’ll be able to keep all of your cables neatly arranged and cut down on clutter. You won’t run out of usb ports either!
The mesh of the stand comes off so that you can access the fan and the grille for easy cleaning. Do make sure that the power is off and the fan is inoperative before you do this of course.
Here’s a brief video which outlines the benefits on offer from the ErgoStand II:
Choose from 5 ergonomic, adjustable height settings for optimum viewing angle.
Heavy duty removable mesh surface provides a chill mat and allows easy access to the fan for cleaning and maintenance
Whisper quiet, 140mm aerodynamic silent fan keeps your laptop cool.
On/off LED indicator strip illuminates your keyboard
Keep cables tidy with the in-built usb hub. 4 USB ports allow connection of additional peripherals.
On/off button and speed controller for fan.
Heavy duty profile is ideal for gaming laptops.
Suitable for laptops up to 17″ display.
Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim Laptop Cooling Pad With 160mm Fan
Cooler Master NotePal X2 Laptop Cooling PadNotePal X-Slim Laptop Cooling Pad
Cooler Master may be slightly better known for their other products, such as specially cooled computer cases and towers for example, but their NotePal X-Slim laptop chill mat is well worth a look. It’s the top selling laptop cooling pad on Amazon – and that doesn’t happen by accident.
It has a very slim construction, probably not that much of a surprise given the name, and has one large, centrally positioned, fan which can rotate at up to 1500 rpm in order to keep your laptop cool. It’s also very lightweight, so it’s easy to move around and carry with you if you need to be mobile.
The fan is very quiet in operation. You probably won’t hear it under normal conditions.
The surface is adequately sized to take laptops up to 17″ and you can choose from a flat base – ideal for when you have your laptop on your knee – or pop up two legs at the back of the pad so that your laptop is at a slight angle. This last option is best employed when the laptop and pad are on a flat surface – like a desk or a workstation.
cooler master notepal cable storageThis is a heavy duty cooling pad, aimed at gamers and others who will have their high powered laptops on for long hours at a time. Such users are quite likely to have a fair number of peripheral devices connected at any one time, so the fact that cable storage is provided on the underside of the cooling pad is definitely a plus.
As is often the case with cooling pads, the fan is powered by plugging into a spare usb port on your laptop. However, the usb connector is a “through type” – so you won’t lose the use of one of your usb ports – you’ll still be able to plug another usb connector in “on top of” the cooling pad usb.
The fact that the mesh can be removed to clean dust out from time to time is another nice touch. Keeping your fan intake and outlet clean will prolong the life of your cooling pad and ensure that it operates at maximum efficiency in order to deliver maximum protection for your laptop.
The short video below covers the main features of the Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim:
All things considered, this is a very nice laptop cooling pad which is ideal for heavy users such as gamers – or anyone who will have a powerful laptop on for long periods of time. It’s suitable for laptops from 7″ up to 17″ (and can be used for Macs as well).
There are other pads available in the Cooler Master range for different sizes of laptop.
Do laptop cooling pads are really effective in lowering the temperature of the device. I mean I want to buy one but I am little confused.