Cooling device for laptops
 

I run Vista Ultimate on my laptop, which makes it HOT within a short time span. I've been told there's some "cooling" device I can use...does anyone know what I'm talking about??

There are quite a lot of cooling pads out there, most of them work with small fans. They vary from quite horrible and inefficient, to pretty decent.

But they all require you to drag along yet another piece of equipment and they'll drain your machine faster if you are on battery power.

Thermaltake make a passive cooler that doesn't require power, it's reviewed as being pretty effective.

I'd also suggest tweaking the power settings on your laptop so it doesn't run so hot.

The Thermaltake is what I need; thanks for the quick reply Scott!

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I think you can get upgraded internal fans as well.

If you're using a Thinkpad download TPfancontrol v.018b. It lets you control the speed of your internal fans, allowing you to make them out. Makes it louder but cooler.

Is the problem that it's hot or that it's hot on your lap?
If it's the latter, you could also get a Lapinator (via Amazon). I had to purchase a second one recently, because my wife kept stealing mine.

Modern processors and components are designed to run at surprisingly high temperatures. If you're not having spontaneous reboots or other problems that point to a thermal issue, I wouldn't worry about it other than making sure that when you use your laptop, make sure that it's on a hard surface and that the cooling vents are not blocked.

Costco is also selling something similar to the lapinator for $20 (with Costco's great return policy). I picked one up bc my computer has been spontaneously shutting down, I think because of overheating. It hasn't wholly stopped that from happening, but it has decreased the frequency of it.

Light laptop pad
 

Check out the NotebookBuddy. Its very light, flexible and keeps the heat away from the legs. Fits great in a laptop bag or briefcase. Got mine @thenotebookbuddy.com

I use the Antec NoteBook Cooler and love it! Very lightweight and powered from the USB port.

That is the main issue; they get SO hot that you really can only use them on a table. I've got a mini laptop here that blows out air at 134F...

Any updates here? Need something for my netbook when running on AC on my desk. It gets really hot and sometimes shuts down, even after power tweaking the settings.

There are lots of Targus ones on eBay and elsewhere, plus lots of $2.99 Hong Kong ones. Would prefer something less expensive than more ;) and either AC or USB powered is fine.