Spend a Few Dollars on a Chill Mat -- and Save Your Computer!
Written: Jun 08 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: easy to use, lightweight, on/off button, USB connection, no other power source necessary
Cons: USB port connection a bit loose
The Bottom Line: This Targus Chill Mat keeps my computer investment healthy.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Targus Tornado Notebook Chill Mat (Pa248u) |
I own an Antec Notebook Cooler, which worked well for over two and a half years. However, the USB cord on it has become finicky, so now I'm using the Targus Chill Mat (Item # PA248U).
Description
The Chill Mat is composed from dark gray/silver plastic. It measures 10 1/2" deep x 12 1/2" wide x 1" high. It is lightweight at only 1 1/4 pounds. It is powered through a USB connection at the back of the pad, and there is an on/off push-button near the connection.
Beneath the mat are four large round rubber feet (for traction on a flat surface), and there are duplicate feet on top of the mat (for the computer to rest upon). There are also two large 3 1/4" diameter circular areas where the fans are set. The fans are open at the top and bottom and covered with a plastic grid.
There are four slotted openings on two sides of the mat (the left and right sides). The mat is designed so that the warmth is pulled away from the bottom of the laptop computer and cooler air circulated beneath the computer. This air circulation system is designed to keep the bottom of the computer cooler in order to prolong the computer's life.
Included in the package is the Chill Mat, the USB connector, and a one-page User Guide.
Specifications: Fan Speed 2500 RPM, Air Flow 36 CFM, Noise Level less than 23.3 db
My Experiences
The "user guide" that comes with the mat is a single sheet of paper with operating instructions printed on one side of the page. There is a line drawing of the Chill Mat. The instructions consist of four steps.
Set up is simple. Place the Chill Mat on a flat surface. Place the notebook computer on top of the mat. Connect one end of the USB connector into the port at the back of the mat, and the other end into an available USB port on the computer. Push the power button to turn the Chill Mat on. The fans begin to turn. To turn off the mat, push the power button again.
The instructions state that the mat will work on a table, desktop, or the lap. I have doubts that this mat will work well if positioned on the lap. The fan portion is open, and it wouldn't take much for loose clothing to poke through the plastic grid holes and interfere with fan operation.
I use this Chill Mat on a flat lap desk. The lap desk has a solid plastic flat top and a beanbag beneath it. I can sit with the lap desk comfortably on my lap, and the cooler situated atop it. The four rubber feet on the bottom of the mat keep the cooler in position on the surface. The feet are excellent, and the mat does not shift unless some serious force is applied. Likewise, the computer is anchored in place atop the cooling mat by rubber feet.
Where the USB port plugs into the back of the mat, the plug is looser than I would like. It's not a firm fit. Touch the cord, and the connector in the back of the mat wiggles a bit. The power to the fan is not affected though. The USB connection at the back of the computer is a tight fit. My laptop usually remains in place on my laptop desk, so the USB cord does not move much. If you plan to travel a lot with your Chill Mat, then you may want to compare this mat to other options.
The fan emits some noise. It has a slight harmonic sound to it, too, that I did not notice when using the Antec Notebook Cooler. It sounds like a faint humming noise. The fan on the Targus unit is a bit quieter than the Antec fan. This Chill Mat also has more power than the other cooler.
I can easily watch television or listen to music while working on the computer. The fan noise is noticeable, but it does not drown out sound. When working on the computer in a quieter environment, the fan sound is more noticeable. However, it doesn't take long to become used to it and not pay attention to it.
I like the power button located at the back of the mat. It is easy to use. Just push it in to activate the fans, and push it again to turn them off. It is much better than the sliding on/off switch on the Antec cooler. I don't mind the push button at the back of the mat either. I've learned to intuitively locate it with a touch. I have long arms, though, and those with a shorter reach might prefer the button to be located on the side of the mat.
Purchasing
I bought this Chill Mat at Staples on sale for $14.99. Its regular price is $31.49.
Summary
I'm pleased with this Targus Chill Mat. It is doing a great job at protecting my 15.4" diagonal widescreen Toshiba notebook computer. I debated between giving this unit three or four stars. I'm going with three stars because I'm a bit concerned about the loose connection of the USB plug in the port. I figure it's worth it to spend a few dollars to protect my computer. And this Targus product was a great price!
I hope you found this review useful.
Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Please read my other reviews:
Antec Notebook Cooler
Toshiba Satellite Notebook Computer
Logitech V200 Notebook Mouse
Viewsonic 19" LCD Monitor
Philips Portable DVD Player with Screen
LiteOn DVD Recorder/Player
Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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