Cooling pad?

[88888888]

Is it worth getting one? If so..why and which one?

 

[Tallest Skil]

If you're a guy and will be using it on your lap, then I'd get one.

 

[88888888]

lol yea...but i don't think i'll be using it on my lap..much.

 

[Yixian]

If you're overclocking for bootcamp gaming then it's also handy.

 

[spook2517]

All i can really say is skip this one http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6211752&st=targus&lp=13&type=product&cp=1&id=1074788100200 I work at Best Buy and went through 3 of these over a year. Sure I got them cheap but it didn't really cool down my laptop. Also the cord that connected to the unit kept falling out. Good luck in your search.

 

[88888888]

^
ohh. crap... that was like the one i was looking at.. ><

 

[88888888]

How's the Targus HeatDefense?

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=AWE45US

 

[NODEraser]

I'm interested to see how the gel mat from Targus works; from what I've observed, the traditional fan-type coolers don't really do much to cool the MBP because it relies on conduction to dissipate heat from the bottom, not conduction.

 

[weckart]

Gel mats don't really do much. Especially if you are going to be using them for more than an hour at a time.

I had the Targus in a cheap £5 copy. It worked well with all of my laptops and did make a noticeable difference. It was just as loud as the internal fans, though. I still have it somewhere. If only I could find it.

I have just got hold of this Belkin Cooling Stand , which is utter pants and has no noticeable cooling effect at all.

Probably the best bet would be the Antec, or any multi-fan option.

 

[Radio Monk33]

because it relies on conduction to dissipate heat from the bottom, not conduction.

Er wait, it does rely on conduction or it doesn't rely on conduction??

How bout a combination, gel pad on the bottom, fan blowing cool air over the keyboard?

 

[NODEraser]

Oops, meant to type that it relies on conduction (direct contact), not convection (blowing air). Thus, most of the plastic coolers and fan-types don't work so well, such that I've seen.

 

[octagon]

I just bought this Zalman cooler:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=483471

and have to say its doing a great job of keeping my macbook pro very cool. It was tending to overheat during gaming on bootcamp but now it feels cool to the touch and I don't burn my fingers anymore. It maybe expensive but in comparison to the cost of replacing a melted laptop its worth it and should extend the life of the internals.