Ab Work Outs: USB Powered and Most Efficient Metal Cooler Pad with 3 Built-in Fans for Laptop Computer Review

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(More customer reviews)Update: Well, I've had this over a year now and it's been running 24/7. One of the fans gets a little erratic and there's more vibration than at first. I could probably stand to clean it more often than I do, but honestly, considering all the abuse I put it through and how well it still continues to run, it is an awesome little machine. I highly recommend it.

After being disappointed with the Antec (terrible output) and Targus (flimsy and falls apart after two weeks) cooling pads, I was feeling like I was taking a chance on yet another cooling mat. The two reviews here seemed to like it, but those were the only reviews I found. But I must say so far I'm pleased with this one.

The output is strong and I like that it has a third center fan (that's where most of the heat comes out of my laptop). The frame is designed for a lot of ventilation, something the Targus and Antec failed miserably at. The USB power cord isn't removable, so if that ever gets damaged, most people will have to replace the whole unit. It's a bit short, but at least not as short as the Antec's cord.

It has a couple of weaknesses that also double as strengths, which is kind of odd. I wish it had a closed back so I can use it on my lap better (though a book works fine) and the power cables running to the fans could easily be cut in my current home office setup. It's not as easy to slip into a computer case as closed-back pads are, mostly for the risk of breaking the wires.

However, the advantage to an open-backed system is it would be easy to repair if any of the fans were damaged. This cooling pad is nothing more than three standard computer fans and a switch on a specialized aluminum frame (I bet all the money went into the frame). Anyone with even a marginal skill at household repair would be able to easily replace the fans or switch. They're just screwed into the frame. The frame itself is really the true innovation and even without the fans would be a great pad for a laptop with the abundance of air circulation it promotes. The frame is also very sturdy and would take a lot of effort to destroy past usability.

Overall I'd have to give this a four. It's the USB cord that really knocks a star down. I can't see how it's connected to the fans (there's a protective sheath over it) and I'm not about to take it apart until I need to, but I don't like that the cord can't be unplugged from the cooling unit. It has potential for the fans and wires to be damaged, but it really depends on where you use it. My situation is more chaotic than most and someone using it just on a desk or other flat surface will probably have no trouble at all. And since it's assemblage means very easy repair, I can't count the open back as a disadvantage.

If this lasts longer than the Targus (ha!) and continues to have strong fan output, I'll consider it a definite success.

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Product Description:
USB Powered and Most Efficient Metal Cooler Pad with 3 Built-in Fans for Laptop Computer; 3 built-in 60mm fans for maximum thermal heat dissipation. Compatible with USB 1.0 & USB 2.0. Built-in On/Off switch; # Aluminum panel with heavy-duty design and silver anodized finish. Ergonomic designed angle for easy typing. Plug and play, no external power supply is needed, no software installation is required.# Airflow : 28 cfm. / Fan Speed : 1500 rpm / Noise: 25 dBA / Voltage : DC 3 V / Power : < 0.9 W / Current : < 180 mA / Dimension (mm) : 300(W) x 240(D) x 40(H), Brand new, one year warranty!