Any laptops that don't have exhaust vents on the bottom?

[DT4K]

I just got a Compaq R3000z. I can't put it on my lap or on a bed or other soft surface because it has exhaust vents on the bottom. Basically, the only place I can put it is on a hard surface like a table.
My IBM T30 at work only has exhaust on the side, not on the bottom.
To me it kinda defeats the purpose to have a laptop that can't be placed on my lap.

Any suggestions on a < $1000 laptop without exhaust vents on the bottom?

Main use is for web, email, word processing, occasional DVD watching.
Gaming is not a priority.
Decent battery life is fairly important.
Thin and light would be nice, but is not as important as being able to put it on my lap or on a couch without it overheating.

 

[Abhi]

Dell laptops usually have Air Intakes at the bottom... not exhausts. My 8500 is on the bed right now and idling at 42 C ... (I am in India) ...

Another thing to note, its not just the exhaust that gets the laptops hot... its the RAM too. Some laptops become REALLY hot on the bottom where the RAM is .... Keep that in mind before your next purchase.

 

[DT4K]

Seems like blocking the intakes would be just as bad as blocking the exhaust.

Any recommendations for cool running laptops?

Would Pentium M machines run substantially cooler than AXP's?

 

[trikster2]

Under a $1000

iBook

Over a $1000

Powerbook

 

[trikster2]

Oh and what the heck are you putting a laptop on your lap for?

Lol

I do the same thing, silly me.

My D800 is way to hot for comfort

I got one of those little "lapdesks". Solid top, beanbag bottom

It works great. A little slipery so I put a mouse pad on it, gives extra clearance for the vents too.

$15, is a lot cheaper than buying a new notebook......

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: trikster2


Under a $1000

iBook

Over a $1000

Powerbook

As an (ex) ibook owner, I can say the ibook is a bad idea. Although they do not have any exhaust vents on the bottom, they get REALLY hot regardless-so hot it's uncomfortable to put one on your lap. It seems to me that your best bet would be to go for an Averatech, as they're good deals overall and run farily cool.
Out of curiousity, are you selling your Compaq?

 

[DT4K]

Originally posted by: Cheesehead

Originally posted by: trikster2


Under a $1000

iBook

Over a $1000

Powerbook

As an (ex) ibook owner, I can say the ibook is a bad idea. Although they do not have any exhaust vents on the bottom, they get REALLY hot regardless-so hot it's uncomfortable to put one on your lap. It seems to me that your best bet would be to go for an Averatech, as they're good deals overall and run farily cool.
Out of curiousity, are you selling your Compaq?

No, I would be returning it if I find something else to replace it. I just got it last week and I have 30 days to return it.

I'm not interested in an Apple even if it did run cool.

I'm a newb when it comes to laptops. When I ordered this one, it didn't even occur to me that you might not be able to put a laptop on your lap. To me, the whole point of getting one was to be able to sit on the couch or lay in bed and use the computer. But then I was reading in the manual about how you aren't supposed to let anything block the airflow vents. So far, all the machines I've looked at buying have exhaust or intake vents on the bottom. But my T30 at work has a 2Ghz mobile P4 and has no vents on the bottom. It runs at full power all the time and stays nice and cool.

 

[MDE]

My eMachines M6805 has a bottom intake, but mostly does intake and exhaust through the back.

 

[DT4K]

Have you used it on your lap or sitting on a bed?
If so, does it get very warm?

 

[ActuaryTm]

Wouldn't some form of lap desk be an easier and more cost effective solution? Or hand you planned on replacing the machine regardless?

 

[DT4K]

Originally posted by: ActuaryTm
Wouldn't some form of lap desk be an easier and more cost effective solution? Or hand you planned on replacing the machine regardless?

Maybe. But I'm also not very happy with the screen. I just got the regular XGA display and didn't opt for widescreen or Brightview upgrades. I can't find any angle that makes the display look good in all areas. When the top section of the screen looks good, the bottom looks dim and washed out, and vice versa.

I'm also thinking I'd like something a little lighter and more portable.

So if I'm going to return it anyway, I thought I should look around to see if I can find something that runs cooler. There aren't a lot of decent options in that $1000 range though.

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: DT4K
Have you used it on your lap or sitting on a bed?
If so, does it get very warm?

Yeah, it gets a bit warm but nothing unbearable if you're wearing pants. If you were to get one new, the M6805 is $1250 after a $150 rebate if you can find them, as they were discontinued.

 

[ActuaryTm]

Originally posted by: DT4K
Maybe. But I'm also not very happy with the screen. I just got the regular XGA display and didn't opt for widescreen or Brightview upgrades. I can't find any angle that makes the display look good in all areas. When the top section of the screen looks good, the bottom looks dim and washed out, and vice versa.

Understandable. Could never use an XGA display again, unless opting for a significantly smaller display (12-13") in an ultraportable.

Good luck with your purchase.