Cooling mat for non-desk use

Hello all,

I know this question was asked several months ago, but I thought it might benefit to ask it again.

I rarely use laptops on a desk surface. Usually I am on a recliner or in bed (although the former is much more common than the latter).

I am not a fool who will let every intake area get blocked by thick blankets and pillows and then whine about temperatures. If temperatures get really hot, I use a book or standard lapdesk (just a plastic surface with a cushion on the bottom).

I wanted to know if anyone has tried any lap-friendly cooling products with fans that can ACTUALLY make a difference over something simple like a book or fan-less lapdesk.

Obviously this means I am looking for something with either side or back intakes, and has a flat bottom that wouldn't be any more uncomfortable than just having a laptop there. (Nothing poking out and no requirement to use angled feet or anything like that)

The only product I have seen that seems 100% designed for lap-use so far is this:
Targus Lap Chill Mat? | AWE55US

The design of that one is certainly spot on for someone who wants to use it on their lap like I do, but some are saying it doesn't really make much difference while gaming. The key is finding something that makes a difference over a book or lapdesk. If I want a passive cooler I will stick with that or grab an Xpad, which I have heard is pretty much the best passive cooler on the market.

There are two goals I am hoping to achieve:
1- Safe computing temperatures for myself (I am not keen on getting burns) while also being able to game away from a desk.
2- Safe computing temperatures for my m14x. (I am aware that most people get gaming temps around 80-90C, and I have heard that i7s CAN withstand up to 120C, but they are made to cut off around 100C for a safety buffer)

Any input or experiences on this front is greatly appreciated. If you have a laptop cooler, what do you use? And do you find that it helps at all while used on a bed or recliner? Any input or experiences on this front is greatly appreciated.

 

I've had the Zalman NC1000 to use with my M11x which worked alright but with my M14x, I decided to change because I think it's important to have the flexibility of moving the fans around to fit the need of each notebook. Sure enough, the Cooler Master U2 has done the trick.

The flan adjustment ability was a key and many people, along with myself, are finding success with just using the base itself and not even using the fans. It packs well, too.

That's just my own experience because I'm like you, I'm rarely at my desk.

Good luck.

 

I use that Targus Lap Chill Mat. CPU (i7 2630QM) maxes out in the low 90s when gaming, slight OC to the GPU and it stays in the low 70s. Not sure how effective it is in terms of cooling, but it's really comfortable to use.

 

I have the targus chill mat, and I love it. Cools the bottom of the laptop really well and reduces cpu/gpu temps around 5c degrees, sometimes more. It is really comfy to use on your lap as well. The only thing that I would say is a con is that if you want the best cooling, you have to kind of set the laptop down offset of the center an inch or so, so the fan will blow air directly into the cpu air intake. I usually have it centered though.

 

I too use a Targus Chill mat. The model I have has two fans. I opened the unit up and flipped the left fan so it blows along with the left fan on my M14x. It works quie well on a lap, but is made for a desk.

 

I am thinking that the Targus Chill Mat really is the only one that makes a single shred of sense for use on the lap.

I might get it in a week or two and test to see if it really does give any sort of boost over a book or plastic lapdesk.

Its a shame that there really isn't more cooling solutions made for laptops that aren't desk-based. I bought a laptop because I don't LIKE sitting at desks. >__<

I have a friend with the U2 Coolermaster. I will have to see how it feels on my lap. I have never tried it on my lap. Never really seemed built for it. It, like the Zalman NC2000 and NC3000 both have that back ridge to keep it elevated at an angle, and I don't see it being very lap-friendly.

Antec Cooling Pad Model NOTEBOOK COOLER CLASSIC B is another one that seems somewhat decent, but again all the intakes are at the bottom.

BELKIN Laptop Cooling Lounge Model F5L028 is the only one with a similar design to the Targus.

Cooler Master Notebook Cooler Model NotePal X2 seems like another somewhat decent one for lap use, but the bigger intake is at the bottom, though I have heard its strong enough to intake through the back. . . I just don't trust that to be 100% practical while gaming. Also not being able to turn off the lights might not be great for certain situations.

 

I have the notepal x2 and while I don't use it on my lap, it seems like it would be well suited for it, as long as you don't have a lot of loose blankets or the like. It does intake from the back as well as from underneath, so it shouldn't be a problem.