Targus Chill Mat, rip off?

Sorry, I'm not sure where to post this, but I'm wondering, I paid 30$ for the Targus Notebook Chill Mat off HP when i was buying my notebook. I just looked up a couple and found this:

http://www.eforcity.com/coolingfan.html

These seem better looking (like retractable USB, USB Hubs, etc.) and they are also cheaper. I am sure there are more out there too, but my question is, quality-wise, did i just get ripped off?

 

It is generally a crappy cooler to be honest and will not work. If you read the buyers guide it is actually hazardous to health.

 

I got one of those (is it the one with standard shaping, two fans in the center, and cable coming out the center-right-side) on Black Friday in November for like $10, and honestly, it isn;t even worth that

I just tried it last night, and except for the actual GAP between the bottom of the laptop, versus the laptop on the desk, it had no effect from the fans.
plugged in, or not plugged in, the temps were the same.

Now, because of the gap created while sitting on top of it, temps did go down about 3-4c

ps - mine looks like the one here in that YouTube video.

T

 

Oh wow, did not even realize you had made a post dedicated to just coolers. >.< ****... I did some very minimal researching on the chill fan and went with it. So i just got ripped off for 30$ then? Is there anyway i can get a refund or am i stuck with this piece of cheap plastic?

 

Also, i ordered a dv5t, so since you're an expert on this, do you recommend any? I think i'll just give this one to my sister.

 

1) noise an issue for you? do you mind noticible noise or can you live with it?

2) how much extra space are you ok with around your notebook from the cooler

3) where are the hot spots for you

 

Noise isn't really an issue. I'm ok with extra space around the notebook, but not way too much. I don't know where the hot spots are, i just ordered it, and it won't be coming in until probably 2 weeks. I don't mind the heat on me, i just don't want my laptop to overheat or meltdown, since my 9600 GT nvidia GPU will be producing a lot of heat.

Also, targus is a health hazard?? How are they able to sell this if so??

 

It is a heath hazard (if you read the buyers guide in sig) in california and if you read the post that is linked in the buyers guide it explains why.

Looking at the bottom it would be hard to make a percise decision on which cooler is best without measurements of the vents.

 

Hm... Well got any that do generally well? Newegg has the Rosewill that has a decent amount of reviews and average is 5/5, link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834998492

But considering the zalman too.

 

That will not do much as it is great for notebooks like a MBP

The two in the race are the Zalman NC2000 and the NZXT Cryo. The problem is vent alignment with either cooler depends completely on the measurements of the vents.

 

The Cryo looks like a good one, price seems a bit steep, and maybe the 3lbs is a bit much, i don't really care much about weight, but i don't really carry a laptop around yet, so i don't know how much 3lbs would affect me. Has an issue with not enough power i heard? That doesn't seem very good news to me. Has plenty of extra USB, that's a pro.

Zalman seems a good one overall...

And how is rosewill bad?

 

Just wont cool as it will not align to the vents at all.

READ THE BUYERS GUIDE before asking questions like that please.

Wait till you receive the notebook to buy a cooler youll feel sorry about just as much as the targus

 

What about something like this?

http://www.raindesigninc.com/ilap.html

I have one for my MacBook Pro and it seems to work pretty well. No fans or anything. Just an aluminum heat sink really. They have a PC version.

http://raindesigninc.com/store/shopping_cart.php

Any thoughts on how well they are for PCs.

 

I would not recommend those if you game as passive coolers are basically only good if you are a regular user that cares about battery and using your notebook on soft surfaces.

I actually recently recommended that product twice and both users ended up not purchasing the product due to the company's support

 

I don't game much. Just Tiger Woods 2008. Not sure how that stresses the GPU vs. something like Crysis though.

 

They stick those labels on nearly EVERYTHING. Chances are, your laptop (or nearly any other electronic) manual has them too. It is near guaranteed that you will be safe. It's just put there in case, as manufacturers tend to be a big target for sue-happy consumers. Garmin says it themselves...

http://www8.garmin.com/prop65/

Still, the Targus doesn't really perform too well, and to be honest, it's built like junk. The wire on my brother's is popping out from the switch (and had to be repaired). It just doesn't feel very well built. Still, (for me), it helps reduce overheating.