Antec Notebook Cooler - Get the Heat Off You and Give Your Notebook Longer Life
Written: Apr 30 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: pass-through USB cable, cools the notebook quite well, quiet operation
Cons: hard time fitting into notebook bag
The Bottom Line: All notebooks should be used with a cooler of some sort and this one from Antec works very well.
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| AliventiAsylum's Full Review: Antec NoteBook Cooler 75004 |
I love my Sony VAIO Notebook Computer. For a long time I had felt the heat on my legs from the batter, especially when I wore shorts. I put a board under it and didn’t think much about it, until a friend told me about his computer getting fried after 6 months, probably due to the heat it generated.
I found the Antec Notebook Cooler at a local store and purchased it. I wanted to prolong my computer’s life with what I had already invested in it. This was at a time when there weren’t many options in notebook coolers.
The Antec Notebook Cooler is made of brushed aluminum on top in a plastic frame. There are holes in the aluminum allowing two fans beneath to blow on the bottom of the notebook. The shape is unusual with rounded corners and sides that are rounded in toward the center. The outer dimensions are 13 inches by just over 11 inches.
On the left side are the controls. There’s a blue power indicator light here as well. The power, which comes out of the notebook through a USB port plugs in here as well. The fan can be set on High or Low. The USB cable can be store in the bottom of the cooler when not in use.
I really like that the power cable is a pass-through into the USB. This wasn’t a bug deal when I first started using my notebook. However, as I began using it more and decided I wanted to add peripherals like an Logitech Marble Trackball, it limited the availability of USB ports in the notebook. When I added a Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter after my internal wireless card went kaput, it became urgent. If the Antec Notebook Cooler didn’t have a pass-through cable, I would have had to eliminate either it or the Logitech Marble Trackball every time I wanted to go online.
When I first plugged a peripheral into the pass-through USB cable, it was the Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter. It didn’t work. When I switched it and put the Logitech Marble Trackball there, it worked fine. The only problem is that this means the trackball is plugged in on the opposite side from where I use it and I end up with a lot of cords running around my notebook.
A problem came up recently where the cable that connects the Antec Notebook Cooler to my computer broke. The plug part separated and couldn’t be put back together. I was about to take it to a computer place in town to see what could be done when I decided to check out the manufacturer’s website. Replacement cables are available at a cost of just $5.00. I immediately purchased two, just in case. When they arrived I was impressed - the new cables look like they are a lot sturdier than the cables which originally came with the cooler.
When running on low, I hear a slight blowing noise but nothing that loud. It doesn’t interfere with the sound from any online applications which is good since I stream my baseball games. On high speed there’s a bit more of a whirring sound, but it’s still not that loud that it interferes with sound coming out of the computer.
I’ve been using the Antec Notebook Cooler for over a year now. I can honestly say that there’s a huge difference in the temperature on the bottom of my notebook computer when I use it versus when I haven’t used it. Even now, after having the notebook on for a number of hours, I can’t feel any difference in the temperature of the bottom from anywhere else. It definitely does a terrific job keeping the temperature down.
I do find that it’s better to have something else beneath it. I have a “damaged” lap-desk they had at my hotel and it’s a wonderful way to work on my notebook. I recommend a lap-desk or other smooth surface for anyone using the Antec Notebook Cooler with their notebook.
The Antec Notebook Cooler is very lightweight and doesn’t add all that much to the weight of the notebook. I keep it plugged into the notebook even when I store it. I do have a problem with the size and shape of the cooler. I’ve used a messenger bag for carting around my notebook and accessories. The size of the cooler can sometimes make it difficult to store in typical notebook bags. My messenger bag is all right in this regard. It closes enough but the flap doesn’t close all the way.
Overall I am pleased with the Antec Notebook Cooler. It’s been great at keeping my notebook compute cool and I haven’t had problems with my computer. I think using the cooler on a regular basis has been the reason it’s lasting so long with minimal problems. I like it better than the cooling mats which I worry about cracking and breaking. Antec provides a great way to replace the cord that comes with this which is really helpful since I don’t have to purchase a whole new one if there’s a problem with the cord.
© 2007 Patti Aliventi
Recommended:
Yes
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AliventiAsylum
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Member: Patti Aliventi
Location: Mount Washington Valley, New Hampshire
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Now writing reviews to pay for the "out of network" costs of our health insurance...
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