Modern computers are devices that are quite “gluttonous” in terms of electricity. The power consumption of a typical desktop gaming computer, together with a modern monitor with LED-backlight, even at rest often exceeds 100 watts, and during the game (i.e. when the load on all components increases sharply), this figure increases at least 2-3 times .
The power consumption of mobile computers is certainly much less. This is due, on the one hand, to the need to ensure a long battery life in a stand-alone mode, and on the other hand, to the problematicness of removing a large amount of heat from components packaged in a tight plastic (usually) case.
In many cases, the reason for choosing a laptop instead of the usual desktop is either the need for mobility or the banal lack of space for installing a full-fledged computer. In both cases, the user is often forced to keep the laptop on his lap while working / playing / reading. Which sometimes this same "laptop" bakes well. Moreover, strong heating affects not only the comfort of working at a computer. The higher the operating temperature of the "iron", the shorter its service life. And in the case of a hard drive, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 50 ° C can even become fatal. To reduce the likelihood of such sad consequences, the user will need such a gadget as a laptop cooler.
A laptop cooler stand (namely, such a form factor is used in these cooling systems) can be made of either metal or plastic or a combination of these two materials. The advantages of metal are obvious: durability, lightness, more presentable appearance. In addition, the laptop cooler, made of aluminum, is itself a kind of radiator, cooling the bottom of the computer even without active cooling. But such devices, as a rule, have a higher cost compared to plastic counterparts.
Another parameter that characterizes laptop coolers is size. Obviously, for computers with a screen diagonal of 13.3 ″ and 17 ″ you need a stand of different sizes. Too large a device will be overweight, and too small will not perform its main functions qualitatively - cooling the bottom of the case and convenient placement of the computer. In addition, a cooler for a laptop of too large a size may not fit into a bag, which also fits the size of a mobile computer.
The next important parameter is the type of cooling. It can be passive or active. Passive cooling is absolutely quiet because no moving parts. This type of laptop cooler cools the device, firstly, due to contact with the bottom of the laptop and, secondly, due to the appearance of a gap between the case and the surface. Active cooling involves the presence of one or more fans that stimulate air circulation under the bottom of the computer. Fans can be of various sizes - from small high-speed and extremely noisy "carlsons" with a diameter of 40-50 mm to massive 200-250-millimeter products. This type of cooling, of course, is much more efficient than passive, but it has two drawbacks:
- Noise and vibration. Many stands are equipped with a manual speed control, manufacturers use hydrodynamic bearings instead of plain bearings, increase the diameter of the fans used, while lowering their speed, but it is impossible to completely get rid of noise and vibration.
- Fans require additional power. Usually it is supplied from the laptop itself via a USB cable. It can be used to transmit current with a voltage of 5 V and a power of up to 0.5 A, which is quite enough for a “valve” requiring 1-2 watts. But this is an additional load on the battery.
Some coasters have built-in USB hubs, audio speakers, backlight, and sometimes there is even space for an external hard drive (usually the disk size is limited to 1.8 ″ or 2.5 ″). To support these capabilities, you may need additional power, which is provided by an external power supply. But even eminent manufacturers often “forget” to put it in a box, so the user has to buy a power supply separately.
Of the models, it is difficult to recommend something specific, because manufacturers regularly update their product lines. The main advice is to avoid the products of the well-known Chinese company NoName. Of the most significant players in this market, it should be noted Zalman, Cooler Master, Antec, Xigmatek, Logitech. Many manufacturers of second-tier computer peripherals , such as Trust, Canyon, Belkin, also have laptop coolers in their assortment. Do not disdain the release of these gadgets and some manufacturers of laptops.