Laptop question

[episodic]

Hi, I've never been one to have a laptop. However, my most recent computer is one. I got a good deal on a corei3 with 6gb of ram, etc - cheaper than most of the desktops were selling for.

Anyway, I don't actually plan on carrying it with me often. I have it set up on a desktop with it side by side with a larger monitor as my primary (doing the two monitor thing). It is nice to run photoshop on the large monitor and keep my browser on the laptop monitor.

My question is, when I'm really working - I notice the laptop fan comes on a lot. I want it to last 2-3 years without problems, should I get one of those laptop coolers that go underneath? I might take it with me on a trip or something, but 98% of the time it is going to live on my desk. I could plug the laptop cooler into a powered USB hub I'm using as a poorman's docking station.

Waste of money, or are those things legit?

 

[crab0]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10804&cs_id=1080402&p_id=8543&seq=1&format=2

No USB to drain power and no fans to clog and break.

I use it for my Macbook Air and it works, not dramatic or anything but it does and makes it easier to use in bed.

They do get less effective over time but for the price its hard to go wrong.

 

[kbp]

I prefer the "powered fan" type.
Zalman Notebook Cooler is a very good one. (model ZM-NC2000) USB and has a adjustable speed setting.

 

[corkyg]

The cooler works. Also - remove the battery and store it at about 50% charge in a cool dry place. Your use doesn't need it. And, . . . do not close the laptop lid when it is running - the keyboard area is one of the main sources of fresh air for cooling.