Though some of you may have chosen to allow your laptop to double as heating pad, this is really a terrible idea. When you starve your laptop of the air it needs to cool down, you run the risk of letting it overheat. Those who have been there know how bad that can be.
Buying a laptop cooler is like purchasing any other accessory for your computer. You need to check out the specs, make sure it’s compatible and then find the best price. Laptop coolers range from very basic to very complex. If you’re looking to purchase the best laptop cooler out there, here are some things to keep in mind.
Cooling Power
The first thing you want to consider is how much power the product has. This doesn’t mean pouring over more spec sheets or doing any physics calculations. Simply look at the design of the cooler and determine if you think it is a suitable match. Laptops that tend to run very hot will probably need more power than ones that don’t. Laptops that only get hot to the touch, may do nicely with a basic cooler that lifts the laptop off the surface creating room for air to flow freely.
Fans
If you’re looking for serious cooling power, then you’ll likely want to get a cooler that uses a fan. Before purchasing this type, make sure you know which way your computer blows air to cool itself. Laptops that have bottom-mounted exhaust ports require a fan that draws air down and away from the computer. Conversely, laptops with bottom-mounted intake ports work with fans that direct air upward. Some of these units tend to run a bit noisy, but if you’re willing to spend a little more you can find models that run relatively quiet. Of course, there is no noise as bad as the sound of your laptop overheating and burning out.
Build Quality
Build quality is an important consideration before making any type of purchase. You’ll want to find one that is sturdy and if the model you like has an aluminum surface it will help draw even more heat away. Construction should be sound so that no rattling or flexing occurs. If you choose a cooler with a fan, listen for any strange or excessive noise. Though buying a top model may cost you a little more, coolers that are made well simply last longer.
Power Source
Fans need power to turn and laptop coolers can get power either through a wall adaptor or via a USB port. If you plan to make space in your laptop bag for your laptop cooler, models with a wall adaptor may not be the best choice. Tables near outlets in bookstores and cafes are prime real estate and rarely left open for long. If you feel as though you can’t sacrifice a USB port, but also don’t want to be dependent on outlets, look for a cooler that has a USB pass-through. These devices allow you to get your cooler running and still plug in your wireless mouse, thumb drive, beverage cooler or whatever USB accessory you need.
Price and Value
There is a wide range of prices on laptop coolers, but don’t be fooled into believing that you must pay a premium price for a superior product. You don’t want a cooler with a sub-par fan, but you also don’t need to purchase one with features that you’ll never use.
If you take all of these factors into consideration, finding the best laptop cooler for you and your computer shouldn’t be an all day affair. In theory, there should only be a few models standing at which point it likely becomes a question of budget or style. When you’ve successfully cooled down your computer, you might want to run to the drugstore and grab a heating pad. They’re relatively inexpensive, uncomplicated, and your laptop will thank you.
Katie Campbell is a writer and Computers Expert for Bestcovery.com where she seeks to help discover the best of everything.
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