The outer temperature of the aluminum case can be alarming for those relatively new to Apple & OS X, which in turn draws many to focus on the internal temperatures. It`s possible to reduce the the outer case temperature and fan RPM`s, with some specific powered coolers like the Moshi Zefyr 2, most regular PC orientated coolers do little or nothing as they are not designed with Mac`s in mind.
Passive coolers work well with Mac`s RainDesign`s iLap, Mstand & AViiQ portable laptop stand are excellent examples, and once again they help to reduce the case temperature and fan RPM`s. As for internal temperatures the only solution is the internal fans and the management of them.
Third party software solutions such as SMC Fan Control, UltraFan and several others simply override OS X`s cooling algorithm. They can bring positives and negatives; cooler case & internal temperature, put you in control of system temperature. Greater noise, reduced fan lifecycle (high RPM`s will draw in more dust in dry environments) some app`s run daemons and can be problematic to fully remove and reset default RPM`s.
All in all I run SMC Fan Control to monitor and add 1K RPM while charging, preferring the passive cooler stands. The Moshi Zefyr adds another dimension, and it does as advertised just mind we are talking about reducing case temp not internals...
Link:
Moshi Zefyr 2
The cooler you linked "The Tilt" adds a lot of bulk to the MBP and I would really like to see some real world figures on it`s ability to keep the case cool the Zefyr 2 from personal experience does work. "The Tilt" will no doubt insulate the user from the heat generated, however I dont see it being effective as a passive cooler as the base of the machine is effectively enclosed. Powered up "The Tilt" may or not may not work effectively, you also have to remove "The Tilt" to access the USB connector, the Zefyr 2 has a dedicated slot & cable retention.
The bigest concern I have with "The Tilt" is; if the cooler unexpectedly disconnects from the MBP it will be a bad day all round. "The Tilt" is made from ABS and it`s locking mechanism may or may not wear over a period of time. Other coolers you are fully aware that you are dealing two separate items and the handling of etc.
I have tried many powered coolers over the years with Mac portables and they all pretty much did little or nothing, in some cases worse than a simple passive stand. The Zefyr 2 works like a passive stand, powered up the cooler flows air continuously across the entire base of the machine (3 adjustable speeds) in the horizontal plane, as opposed to most other powered coolers, which in general suck or blow in a vertical line of plane.
Does anyone use a cooler-like device that snaps on to the underside of the MBP to keep it cool? I've found this one. Any suggestions?
