Targus Chill mat!

http://www.targus.com/US/product_details.asp?sku=AWE11US

Is this worth it for my Inspiron 1520 (15.4")? It has been running a little hot when I game and I need to extend this thing's life for some time to come...

 

I've read that the Chillmats weren't very good. Based on reviews and user comments that I have come across I wouldn't get one.

The Zalman models come highly regarded and I'm also looking into getting a Belkin Cooling Pad which is a lot cheaper.

 

imo, anyting is better than nothing, esp. if you really have it setting on your lap....

that chillpad is not the greatest, but it will def drop the temp a few degrees

but if you're going to spend that much money, go on a buy a good one like a Zalman for $15-$20 more.........

 

antec notebook cooler s. regular price is about 25-35 bucks. i got mine for 12 bucks last weekend. i should've picked up more. it's excellent, and i like my keyboard even better now that it's inclined.

 

The Targus seems to work okay (though not the best) when it actually works.. however it has a ridiculously high failure rate. I would go for a Zalman NC1000 if you can afford it

 

also, the fan placement is probably as important as anything to drop the temp on the cpu and gpu.........

also, think about getting a 3 fan pad instead of 2- yes, usually costs more. And most have additional usb plugins on them.

 

Zalman NC2000/1000 are great. 2000 if you can afford 1000 if your on more of a budget.. The fan placement doesnt matter with the flow system that Zalman uses. Review in sig. It is similar to the notepal infinate which there is a review aswell just do a quick search.

 

Yup, I have two friends with the Targus. On one, the USB connector wire broke so you had to use an AC adapter instead of USB to power it. On the other one of the fan bearings went bad so the fan makes a lot of noise and is on its way out. It seems the materials used were pretty cheap, and it feels cheap too I might add.

 

Thanks for the replies - unfortuantely, I don't have the cash to buy a Zalman 2000 @ the moment (even though it's only about $30-40 more), although I may consider the 1000 - are there any other budget-friendlier options? I looked @ a belkin, but the one fan kept me away from purchasing it.

 

Yes, but the single fan along with the stand's concave design makes it look like a decent cooler. It allows for more ambient air flow underneath the laptop. And I imagine it would be a little quieter than a multi-fan arrangement. For $20 or so it's worth a try, imo.

 

its the worst thing ever made go for a zalman chillmat

 

I've always put a pencil underneath the back of the laptop

 

Thanks for all the replies! I'm probably looking @ the Zalman @ this point, preferably the 2000...

Not sure if I can ask this, (if not, by all means a mod can delete this post), but does anyone know of the best price I can find this new? $60 is a bit steep for me at the moment...

 

Use shobot.ca or an american equivalent. If you dont trust the shop find a shop that is willing to pricematch.