Tools to Keep Your Laptop (and Your Lap) Cool

Heat is a problem of any hardware, not only laptops. Generation of heat is actually an indication of some inefficiency in any set-up. This is because instead of energy being turned into something productive, it is released thru heat instead. Of course, this is unless your primary aim is to generate heat–then it’s not an inefficiency, but we digress.

However, with laptops, heat is a major concern because being portable computers, users tend to use them on their laps for extended periods while on the go. That’s why they’re called laptops! Smart, huh?

Actually, this is also the reason some manufacturers have ceased to call their portables “laptops.” The heat some machines generate is just too much for comfort. Apple MacBooks, for instance, are considered very hot machines. Yes, Apple calls them “notebooks,” instead, and shuns any mention of “laptop” in marketing materials.

The new MacBook Pros and MacBooks run hot - almost hot enough to fry eggs. Indeed, Apple no longer advertises its portable computers as “laptops”, presumably fearing product liability lawsuits should someone singe their thighs.

Low End Mac reviews seven products that help cool notebook computers. The accessory reviews were done in relation to Mac notebooks that the reviewer owned, but these can also be applicable to non-Apple notebooks, as long as they are the right size and/or aspect ratio.

• Podium CoolPad. The CoolPad raises a notebook computer off the surface to give better airflow at the bottom, where excaust fans usually blow off air to dissipate heat from the computer’s internals. ($29.95)
• Targus Chillmat. The ChillMat is a fan-based cooler powered via USB. The Chillmat has two large-diameter fans that run silent. Don’t worry, the fans won’t be too noisy for comfort. ($29.95)
• Targus Notebook ChillHub. The ChullHub is like the Chillmat, but is powered by an external AC/DC adaptor, and extends your laptop’s connectivity options by acting as a USB hub. ($49.99)
• Laptop Desk and Laptop Desk Ultralite. The Laptop Desk and its Ultralite version are basically bags that convert into a mat that can be placed on your lap or on a desk to protect your body or furniture from heat by helping dissipate heat from the laptop via ventilation channels. ($29.95)
• Xpad Non-slip Laptop Cooler & Heatshield. The Xpad does not use any fans, but helps improve airflow to the bottom of your laptop by enhancing natural convection airflow.
• iLap Laptop Stand. These are designed specially for Apple notebooks. The iLap both elevats the computer to enhance airflow, and serves as a heatsink to help dissipation. (From $49.99 to $69.99)
• MacMice iBreeze Laptop Cooling Stand. The iBreeze both raises the laptop for better ground clearance and uses fans to help improve airflow. The iBreeze is designed specially for Apple notebooks though. One plus: it uses the USB plug as a passthru port, so you won’t necessarily have to use up one port in the process of using the cooler. ($29.99)

I think the basic concept is raising your laptop to provide adequiate clearance from the surface it’s being used on. Some of the older laptops I’ve owned actually had built-in stands that one can extend from the bottom to help increase ground clearance. However, this feature has been removed from most new notebooks, and hence there is still the need for laptop cooling pads.

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