Antec USB-Powered Notebook Cooler by Antec
|
List Price: Our Price: $16.99 You Save: $27.00 (61%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $14.99 (click here) Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
|---|
Digital camera reviews of Antec USB-Powered Notebook Cooler
Digital camera Review: Absolutely love it...
Summary: 4 Stars
This cooler is wonderful. It has worked very well for the last year and has held up to many miles of travel. The two speed cooling system is a real asset. The style is great. There are only a couple of small issues. I agree with the other reviews that the blue LED light can be annoying. The male end to the USB cord that plugs into the platform does have a tendency to slip out if the computer / cooler are moved. The two speed fan, when in the lower speed is whisper quiet, however when the higher speed is selected the fan noise is noticable, but not annoying. This cooler is great to travel with. It's definitely worth it!Digital camera Review: Actually allows you to use it as a laptop again
Summary: 4 Stars
Computer's used to run a lot cooler... Then again, they didn't have nearly as much processing power. The result is that newer laptops are simply too hot to be used on your lap (at least not without some sort of buffer). Of course, if you use a pillow or blanket, it may likely choke the ability for your laptop to properly vent heat.
Using the Antec cooler is a much better solution. Thus-far (have been using it for a few weeks now) works great sitting under my PC but on my lap.
And, using HWMonitor, the laptop does have a noticeable improvement in lowering the temperature (at least on a Dell Latitude D610).
So, what are the con's? Well, there are a few:
1) It definitely will *not* hold a laptop with a 17" screen. Not a big deal (provided you have a 15.4" or smaller screen). And on the 15.4", if using one of the newer widescreens, while it fits, it's a bit close.
2) The fans are USB-powered. This would be fine if it was a standard USB cable connecting from the cooler to the laptop. Unfortunately it isn't. It's a standard USB connection on the PC-side, but for the cooler side, it's more like a power cord. This poses two problems. First, what happens if the cord breaks? I can't use one of the plethora of USB cables I already have. Second, the cord is a bit short. The instructions show the cooler should be positioned such that the outlet on the cooler is on the left side. Guess what? My USB port's are on the right side and on the back (right) side. This results in the cord being stretched a bit.
Have I tried any others? Yes -- I tried the DataStor UNBCPX 3-Fan Notebook Cooling Pad (or something that looks a LOT like it) -- the thing looked VERY shoddy. Perhaps it would have worked (I admittedly never gave it a chance) - got it in the mail, took one look and said to heck with this, I'm going with the Antec!
Digital camera Review: Adequate for its purpose
Summary: 4 Stars
Good both as a cooler, and as a stand to lift it off the desk. The one issue I have with it is with the USB connection ... the cord comes off the left side (toward the back of the computer), and my USB port on the left side of the computer is directly next to the power cord. So I could only plug in either the power cord or the cooler until I got a hub to extend the port slightly off the computer, then I could plug it in.
The low setting will be sufficient for most users with this product. On low, it is very quiet; I have to concentrate on hearing the fan if I want to notice it.
My computer fan used to cycle off and on in about 5-10 minute intervals before using this product. So far tonight, my computer's fan has not yet come on. So it relieves at least a little stress from the computer itself.
The power light described in other reviews is bright. Again, a piece of electrical tape (to cover it up) will probably fix that if I become too concerned, as described in the other reviews.
Digital camera Review: After a year, still quiet and works well.
Summary: 5 Stars
As with anything with a fan, I thought that this cooler would get louder and louder as time went on. But as I write this it is silent compared to the ambient noise in the room.
It cools my MacBook Pro 15" perfectly. I know this because if it is not on the cooler the computer with get hot and kick on it's internal fans in 3-4 min.
The bad: Blue light is annoying but with a little electrical tape it's gone. Other that an easily fixed light, this is a perfect product.
I would get it agin and suggest it to any friend.
Digital camera Review: Alternate Use
Summary: 5 Stars
An online tech board's topic dealing with excessive heat eminating from the DishNetwork vip622 HD receiver/dvr combo pointed me to a sale on this Antec cooler.
As luck would have it, the Antec perfectly receives the four pads of the satellite box, which conveniently offers a USB port in which to plug the Antec.
Within hours, it appears to have dramatically cooled the satellite receiver/dvr combo that sits within component furniture.