Do I Need a Laptop Cooler?

You may be asking yourself, do I really need to spend extra money on a laptop cooler when my computer has built-in fans to reduce heat? Well it all depends on what exactly you are doing with you laptop and the type of laptop you have. If you are only using your computer to surf the web and read email, you are probably just fine without a cooler. On the other hand if you are playing graphics heavy games like Mass Effect or Civilization Gods and Kings, watching movies, overclocking your system or running many programs at a time, chances are your laptop goes way over its safe heat limit.

One way you can check this is by googling SpeedFan and downloading the free software. It monitors your computer's temperature readings and will display a little fire icon if the temperatures are going over. Oh and quick tip, you can change the temperature system used from Celsius to Fahrenheit by clicking the Configure button on the right side of the application, selecting the Options tab and clicking the radio button next to Fahrenheit. If your laptop is hot to the touch or you hear the fan coming on frequently, that is a good sign it is overheating. If you notice that happening, you could benefit greatly from investing in a laptop cooler.

What is a Laptop Cooler?

A laptop cooler is normally a fan built in to stand that you place under your laptop. This serves the dual purpose of blowing cool air into your notebook and allowing your laptop to blow out hot air. There are many different kinds of laptop coolers, some have speakers built in or LED lights, some have giant fans that can cool your notebook in minutes, and some don't have fans at all like the ThermaPAK Chill Pad, which uses crystals that cool automatically to chill your computer. There are also several types of "lap desks" for sale that provide a surface that you put your laptop on, increasing your comfort and providing some cooling.

If you have decided a laptop cooler would be perfect for you, there are several factors you should take into consideration when making a purchase. First would be the cooling power of the pad or stand. Does it have powerful fans that will quickly cool your computer? Are the fans in the proper position to provide proper cooling? Many computers have different "hot spots" that get much warmer than the other areas, so you want to be sure the fans are able to provide ventilation to that area. Also you should consider the material the cooler is made out of: is it aluminum, plastic or something else? You want a material that does not hold heat, so shop carefully.

Another factor you will want to consider is the size of the cooler. How portable is it? You most likely use your laptop wherever you go and want a cooler that can go with you, not something bulky that will just stay on a desk. You will also want to look for a laptop cooler that uses USB power and not AC power as it will be able to run off of your laptops battery power.

Finally, as when making any purchases, you will want to consider the price of the cooler. Prices can range anywhere from $6.99 for a very simple lap desk to upwards of $60 for the fancier coolers with speakers, powerful cooling or LED lights. Higher prices do not necessarily mean a better quality product though, so it's wise to read reviews around the web to make sure you are getting a good deal.

If you would like to read more about laptop coolers, including helpful reviews to consider when making a purchase, then please visit my site to find the best laptop coolers available. 

Author: Brent T. Gauthier

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/laptops-articles/do-i-need-a-laptop-cooler-6004756.html

About the Author

Hi, my name is Brent Gauthier. I'm from Seattle, Washington and I've always loved writing about  topics ranging from health to technology, and everything in between. Thanks for reading!