looking for a laptop cooler for XPS 17

My newly ordered DELL XPS 17 is in the production stage, so I'm crossing my fingers and counting the days til it will be ready for delivery. In the meantime, I've started looking around for a good laptop cooler.

The perfect setup I have in mind is:

Something that is durable, can last a long time, and can be used both on a desk and on my lap. Hopefully it doesn't weigh a ton as well, since I do plan to carry it around with my laptop, and a XPS 17 is quite heavy by itself. It has to fit my laptop, it can be larger, but I don't want any part of my laptop hanging off. Also I'd like something with low fan noise, but not at the cost of sacrificing too much performance. After all, the main function of a laptop cooler is to minimize temperature.

I am not sure how much the cooler will be with the features I have in mind. I am hoping for something around USD$30-40 before tax, but I'll consider more expensive ones if the performance / fan noise justify the cost.

I looked around on the internet and found a few that I am interested in, but not sure if any of them is perfect for the situation I described.

My favorite so far is the Cooler Master NotePal U3 because of the 3 adjustable fans, but dimension wise I think it barely holds my XPS 17, not to mention from the pictures it doesn't look like it can be used on a lap. I did read somewhere that it can get loud if I use the highest possible setting as well, but at least on the low setting noise is barely audible.

I have also found the Infinite, the Infinite EVO and the LapAir, all from Cooler Master. They all have a better design than the U3 and can be used on the lap as well as on a flat surface, but performance wise, they aren't as good as the U3. But then again, they have rear air intake as compared to the U3's bottom (from what I can see), making them more suitable for what I have in mind.

Most of other brands I've read on the forum doesn't seem to carry laptop coolers for 17" or bigger. The only other one I found is the NZXT Cryo LX, though at a much higher price. Another downside is the pure size / weight of this product, I would be carrying close to 15lbs combined if I buy this. (~8lbs for the XPS 17, ~ 5lbs for the Cryo LX, plus AC adapters and a mouse, close to 15lbs of weight) However, it has a pretty good review with some saying fan noise is small even on high speed, and can be used on a lap, so I'm still considering it for just 'in home' use. Though I am wondering if it justifies the much higher price tag.

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Anyways, I'm pretty much stuck where I am. I'd like some insights from knowledgeable people or other XPS 17 user(s). Which laptop cooler in your opinion fits my needs the best?

Thanks for help!

 

bump, no one has any suggestions?

 

Amazon.com: Cooler Master Notepal X2 Notebook Cooler R9-NBC-4WAK-GP: Electronics

durable, the fan disperses air throughout so doesnt matter where your vents are

 

I have the NZXT Cryo LX, however, I do not recommend it if you decide to carry it around.

Cons:

Heavy

If you place this on your lap, you will be in contact with sharp (not too sharp, but not blunt either) metal (high chance you might cut yourself).

You might need to get another bag just for this cooler, although it folds up, its still huge

 

Thanks for both of your replies.

Don't think I'll consider the Notepal X2, I think size wise it's smaller than my 17".

And thank you for the comment regarding Cryo LX, guess that option is out as well.

 

I have this one. Cooler Master CM Storm SF-19 Strike Force (USB 3.0) Notebook fan with 4 ports USB hub


My lappy is 18inchs, so you will have space left over. I also have the NZXT Cryo LX, but to me, the fans don't spin fast enough. I find the storm twice as fast. Also the USB 3.0 is nice, and the lights make it festive, just in time for XMAS.

 

Thank you for your response. I've looked at the CM Storm SF-19 Strike Force before. The reason I didn't put it into consideration is because it needs an AC adapter in order to work. The weight of the cooler and the fact it is powered by an adapter makes the cooler stationary, and I was looking for something that can be used both sitting on a desk and while I was moving around in the house / using it on my lap.

Is it possible that the Cryo LX has less fan power because it is USB powered?

 

u need to get notepal u3 not u2, cryo lx is the best, i currently have zalman nc3000u , thats nice and quiet. I have also owned, enermax aeolus thats 2 small for u

 

Thanks to all who responded to my thread.

I've been struggling between the notepal U3 and the Cryo LX for a while. The U3 is a lot cheaper than the Cryo LX, but most people say that Cryo LX wins in performance. So I've finally decided to get the much more expensive Cryo LX. I found a cushioned lap desk hidden in one of my storage box, hopefully that will make it more comfortable to use on my lap.