Xpad mini review

Xpad
Price: $29.95 + $6.95 (Currently onsale for $24.95)
Dimensions: 13" x 10.5" x 0.66"

My old laptop just kicked the bucket. Since I was in the market for a new pc, I figured I'd pick up a cooling unit as well. My old laptop would get rather warm on my lap, and I wanted to protect my new machine (and myself).

I wanted a passive device for the primary reason of portability. it doesn't make sense to me to have a notebook that you can take with you around the house or on the road very easily. I also wanted passive to preserve battery life. My new notebook is a Compaq v5000z with the 12-cell battery, but I wanted to preserve as much power for my computing possible.

When it comes to passive cooling, there are two choices: Xpad and the Nexus/Bytecc Tdd-3000 (Heat pipe design). The two reviews on newegg for the 3000 didn't impress me, even though I liked the concept more. Hence, it was the xpad. The concept behind this pad is solid. Support the laptop, while providing as much air underneat as possible, and also insulate the user's lap. However, I thought the execution was lacking.

Out of the box, I was immediately underwhelmed. For $31, the xpad sure felt cheap. It's basically a thin plastic shell with rubber on one side and thin foam on the other. The rubber is designed to grip the laptop. I liked this idea, and the material did grab both of my laptops very well (Compaq Evo n800c and Compaq presario v5000z).

My older laptop had a tendancy to be very warm (I don't remember any numbers for this). Use of the xpad showed a couple degree drop in the proc temp, but nothing much in the hdd temp (which doesn't matter as this never got real warm anyway). However, after several minutes of use the bottom of the xpad was nearly as warm as the computer.

My v5000z is a much cooler machine. Mobile meter doesn't read right, but I don't think the xpad would make much of a difference based on how cool this machine runs. It does provid a decent amount of insulation for this 'low-temp' application. However, having a 12-cell battery in my v5000z means I must shift the laptop over on the pad significantly to get a stable base.

The biggest positive I see for the xpad is the secure base it provides. On my evo, which has a relatively flat bottom, the xpad holds the computer very well. This is nice, as I've had problems with the computer sliding before.

Overall, I'd give the design a 3/5, materials gets a 1.5/5, value is a 2/5. If you need something to grip your notebook as it rests on your lap, this product is for you. However, cooling-wise, this product is way over-priced.

 

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Sounds ok, but the price is actually about right.