need basic advice re notebook cooling & using on a lap

I've never had to deal with cooling before because I've only used basic Dells. I tend to move around the house quite a bit, and use notebooks on my lap.

So my new notebook is an MSI GT627. I don't think this thing will run all that hot; Montevina, P8600, 9800m GT.

Do I need a cooling solution with fans at all, or would a passive solution (say a stand that elevates the back of the notebook) work? Do I even need that?

Thing is, as big as this thing is, I wonder if I'll even be able to find a lapdesk that will let me use a mouse on the side, and having to use a cooler on top of a wood surface lapdesk is a pita, even those rubber feet ones slip and slide.

Also, a long time ago Logitech made a tiny little trackball, whole thing was smaller than 2"x2", that clipped to the side of a notebook, you operate the ball with your thumb and it's got 2 tiny buttons along the side. Does anyone make anything like that anymore? I can find tiny mouses, but not tiny trackballs.

 

The key to keeping your notebook cool is to note where the intakes are and the exhaust ports are and make sure they're not blocked in any way. The intakes are usually on the bottom, which is why most notebooks have small feet that keep them raised a bit on a flat surface. It's also the reason they heat up when people put them on a soft surface like your lap - it blocks the intakes. Keep it on a hard surface if you need to keep it on your lap. I keep mine on a box that's just wide enough for the feet to plant on.

As far a mouse, HP has a mini BT mouse that's pretty good. It's small enough that I'm able to use it on the wrist rest of my HDX Dragon. What's nice about it is that it doesn't need much surface to run the area of my screen, and I have a 20.1" notebook monitor.

 

Depending on the amount of vents that may not be necessary - my SZ is close to a swiss cheese
Vents on the side, the front...

Anyway:

Will your laptop get hot - yes it will, how hot, no idea, depends on your usage and the quality of the cooling system.

I doubt you'll be comfortable doing things over long periods of time, what do I base this on?:

Your grpahics card is an NVidia 9800m GT - I think that's one of the most poewerful ones around - obviously its going to produce a lot of heat as a side issue.

When doing high graphics performance task that card will easily reach 70°C or more.
Idling - my 8400GS idles at 60 odd - I never use it though, no need - yours wont be much cooler idling.

I'd say - work on a desk, its the healthiest for your laptop.

Notebook cooler - don't know, I never used and required one...

 

i just bought a Euro Lapdesk from Bestbuy.

looks like this: http://www.lapdesk.com/products.jsp

i have a 14" laptop and theres enough room for a mouse on the side.

the lapdesk is very good quality compared to alternatives at bestbuy; theyre all made of plastic.

its $40 but worth it. has a nice soft cushion underneath that fits around your lap.

 

If you want to read up about notebook coolers here is a link to the main thread about it. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=304671
They can really help reduce temps by a good 15-20 degrees C if you get the right one.

 

i am using targus cool mate and it has 2 fans but super slim and super sillent. less than half inch thick. this is the only thing that lets me use my laptop on lap. before this life was too hot to handle.

 

I'm probably going to get that, Office Depot is selling it right now for $19.99. Targus 2 fan cooling with rubber feet is same price, maybe a decent combo there. There's also a square leatherish looking lapdesk where you don't lose the corners, so you have more room for a mouse. But it looks just terrible.

Yeah I read through that thread, it's hugely helpful for finding the right model to buy. I'm just wondering if this rig needs it. But I suppose it might help and can't hurt (unless you have a mac).

Side note, I was able to find a site that sells mini trackballs ( http://www.trackballworld.com/laptop-miniature.html), so I just need like 2"sq. on the side. Check this place out, this product ( http://www.trackballworld.com/40-320.html) is all about the win.

 

oh really?

i'm gonna go price match at bestbuy then. hopefully i can somehow...