15.4" Cooler/USB 2.0 Hub

Hi there! I'm going to receive my new MBP in the next couple of weeks and I'm on the lookout for a great laptop cooler to use and a great usb 2.0 powered hub as well.

The only laptop cooler I have ever used is the Vantec LapCool 2 (with 4 port USB hub) on my Alienware 7700 (big, heavy, 17"). It worked pretty well, although I realized that I needed something more robust for a 17" and ended up just using bottle caps.

The MBP has an aluminum body, a laptop cooler would have a much more profound impact on it compared to my Alienware. From what I can gather, having an aluminum body makes the MBP a giant heatsink!

Also, the MBP I am getting is the 15.4" model with (only) 2 USB ports. After having at least 4 on my Alienware for so long, I feel that this could be a hindrance in some cases. I like to use a USB mouse, USB keyboard, USB headset, and a USB iPod. That's 4 USB ports used up right there, I need a powered USB hub!

Do you guys know of a great laptop cooler (and your opinion if it'll work with an MBP) with a great USB 2.0 powered hub? It seems that the only company that really offers this feature is Vantec.

Would it be better to get a separate USB 2.0 powered hub? Are there great variations in hub quality? Otherwise I'd prefer it as a function of the laptop cooler to save space.

If you guys think Vantec is good enough to buy from, do you recommend any of the models over the others? Is there a company that has a cooler + USB hub I haven't noticed?

I'd love to get a Zalman-1000 because those things looks really awesome, but there isn't a USB hub, just a pass-through.

EDIT: I'd prefer a USB/Cooler that makes use of an external AC adapter like my lapcool2 because I don't want to draw too much power from my whimpy 85 watt MBP power supply.

 

I would say to go with a separate cooler and hub. This way, you avoid drawing too much power from one port (this is the case for the pure USB-powered, not the case for cooler/hub combos with AC adapters). I personally use the Antec Notebook Cooler and I really like it because of the fact that it feels sturdy and has speed control.

Two other options you may want to consider -
- Targus Chillhub - There's a new version of this - I cannot seem to find it - wait nvm i found it : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834999707 I am unsure about the credibility of that single review though - the hub-less version is here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834999705

I am showing you the new versions as I believe the fans may be bigger and therefore may have less noise. The previous models were a little thinner and smaller - my T60 actually would hang over the sides.

Another WAY cooler (no pun intended) option is the Logitech Alto series - more specifically the Alto Connect or the Alto Express. Both are more stands really than coolers in the fact that they do not have fans but do offer a raised platform with better airflow perhaps? The nice thing about the Connect is that it is a 4 port USB hub as well with 3 in the back and 1 in the front - it also comes apart for easy portability - as you can probably imagine, I am planning on buying one as soon as it arrives in a local store for me to try out first before I go buy it online. Most Best Buys have begun carrying the Express though.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboards/&cl=us,en

 

Thank you for the suggestions, I'll add them all to my list. I should mention that I'd only use the USB hub if it uses an external AC adapter like my lapcool2 because I don't want to pull to much power out of my 85 MBP. My 180 watt Alienware powersupply could handle the ports, but I doubt the MBP would do as well.

I guess I could just find my old lapcool2 and use that while I find a better cooler (or who knows, maybe it'll be great!).

 

Hrm, is the Vantec LPC-501 powered by AC or by USB only?

Also, would the fans on the coolers really help that much? (considering the MBP doesn't have vents in that location). Or would a fan-less cooling stand be just as good?

 

The entire body of the MBP conducts heat because it is made out of metal (aluminum). On a normal laptop with a plastic bottom and no fan intake, the difference isn't all that spectacular, but on the bottom of the MBP, I would expect significant heat reductions. Your suggestion is good too, any extra air flow around the MBP would improve cooling. I'd bet that boosting the thing up with bottle caps would drop at least 3-4 Celsius during heavy gaming.

The LPC-501 uses an AC adapter, yes. Which is a good thing.

 

The Alto Express/Connect do exactly that - the Connect probably does more so since it has more "bottom" surface area exposed, whereas the Express has mostly the rear exposed - which probably is the part that matters most though

 

Hrm, I'm actually reading that the Vantec is USB-powered...are you sure it's AC powered?

 

what is a good 17" notebook cooler. i have yet to find a really good one that fits well.

 

That's the AC power port right there. Its the second opening from the right.

The other pictures also show the AC adapter in the shot.

 

does the lapcool 5 work well with ur alienware stormeffect? assuming that u own it.

 

ok i think i found it. i think i found a cooler that can compete with the zalman zm1000 or whatever the model is. i dont know how to put in links in HTML so ill just post it.

http://www.coolermaster.com/products/product.php?act=detail&tbcate=152&id=2600

it looks pretty cool though. mess metal and gives airflow to almost the entire bottom of the notebook. and it an hold a 17" notebook.

 

I actually own a lapcool2, not a 5. It works fine, but a 17" is a bit big for it.

If you've got a 17" you should get a Zalman 1000 or maybe your cooler master one.

 

man i had he zalman but it didnt work right with my notebook. it fit right in between the rubber feet of the notebook so it would stay flush with the bottom so it would block more air then flow. but im gonna try and get the cooler master one and check it out. hopefully it works well.

 

Well, site's not coming up, but if you're referring to the NotePal Infinity - I actually haven't been able to find a place that sells them yet...or even a review of it

In the end, I may simply go with the Vantec LapCool 5 ...

 

i dont think its out yet. maybe its taking a while for coolermaster to ship it to retailers