Laptop cooling pads etc.

Outkast_IRE

Are these a necessary accessory for laptops im new to laptops and just wondering who uses one are they good ?
What do you put on your lap if you are using the laptop on it, in order to keep it cool and air fans off your legs etc.

Overheal

Most of the time theyre gimmicky and only really used if you are running something very intensive like a video game, and even then they dont do much. You're almost just as well off to get a laptop mat. And for the desktop I use a wire mesh stand to get it plenty of airflow.

Voodu Child

They're not 'necessary', thats for sure.

They can be handy if you want to leave your laptop on a dusty/clothy surface (eg bed, couch etc) - its a bad idea to just let a laptop sit there on its own because it'd just suck up loads of dust. Of course, you could use a hardback book to do the same thing if you really wanted :pac:

In terms of actually 'cooling' the laptop (under normal use on a desk) they don't do a whole lot. A few degrees at most. I have one and mostly its just a nice clean/cool surface to leave the laptop on, gives it a bit of an angle and has a USB hub built in for my mouse etc. I hardly ever turn on the fan. I definitely wouldn't consider it an essential accessory, only buy one if you really want it.

Outkast_IRE

was thinking of one of these for use on lap , theres no fans it just provides a comfy non slip slanted surface. any opinions?
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=489071

Barrypr

Also:

http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20090313/microsoft-new-laptop-cooling-pad-market/

Some laptops do over heat when switched on for a long periods running several programs and what not, mine gets very very warm saying that the are unnecessary is not really true...it depends on several facters.

Overheal

Voodu Child wrote: »

They're not 'necessary', thats for sure.

They can be handy if you want to leave your laptop on a dusty/clothy surface (eg bed, couch etc) - its a bad idea to just let a laptop sit there on its own because it'd just suck up loads of dust. Of course, you could use a hardback book to do the same thing if you really wanted :pac:

In terms of actually 'cooling' the laptop (under normal use on a desk) they don't do a whole lot. A few degrees at most. I have one and mostly its just a nice clean/cool surface to leave the laptop on, gives it a bit of an angle and has a USB hub built in for my mouse etc. I hardly ever turn on the fan. I definitely wouldn't consider it an essential accessory, only buy one if you really want it.

Dust isnt the first thing I think about when I think 'Bed' in fact desks collected far more dust. The biggest problem is a quilt etc. tends to very easily block the ventilation and it causes a huge buildup of heat.

see also http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834998465&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Accessories+-+Notebooks/Tablet+PCs-_-STARTECH-_-34998465

Outkast_IRE

Overheal wrote: »

Dust isnt the first thing I think about when I think 'Bed' in fact desks collected far more dust. The biggest problem is a quilt etc. tends to very easily block the ventilation and it causes a huge buildup of heat.

see also http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834998465&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Accessories+-+Notebooks/Tablet+PCs-_-STARTECH-_-34998465

The laptop runs at a fine temp on a desk after hours of use, i just want something for my lap so my leg isnt blocking the vents etc

neil_purdy

BOOM!!

http://www.aldi.ie/ie/html/offers/2827_11185.htm

Overheal

if youre going to get one, the Belkin makes the most sense, since it gets airflow from the large gap in between your leggies.

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Belkin-Black-Laptop-Cooling-Pad/3493038/product.html