Antec USB-Powered Notebook Cooler
by Antec
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Antec USB-Powered Notebook Cooler
Customer Review: Not powerful enough
Summary: 3 Stars
After reading the reviews here, I was really excited to pick up a pair of these for my husband and I. So when they failed to perform, I was crushed. I would just say I had gotten a lemon, but both units I bought failed in my expectations at the same time. Unless there's a rip in the space-time continuum, I'm just going to have to assume that they don't meet the needs I have. Don't get my wrong, I'm sure they're great for computers that get marginally warm, but as hot as our laptops are running, the Antec just couldn't keep up. The air output was pretty puny. The "hi" setting should have been the "lo" and the "lo" was practically nonexistent. Our laptops continued to overheat. As much as I disliked the Targus Chill Mat for falling apart after a couple weeks, its output was the right amount.
Other complaints I have to point out:
The glaring blue LED is unnecessary. It's nice to know the unit is on (especially since the air output was so puny it was hard to tell), but no matter where we sat, one of us was going to get a blue LED glaring in his/her eyes.
The USB cord is way too short. My laptop had no problem because I have a USB port on either side, but my husband's computer has USB ports on the right side and back right. Since the cord comes out of the pad's left side, this made it difficult for him to use.
This pad is NOT designed for laps. Since our home office is unaccessible, we have to use our laptops on, well, our laps. It's awkward to use on a lap or any place where it might be moved a lot. It's great for desks though, especially how it's raised on little "feet" to increase airflow.
This cooler is great to use on a desk for a computer that doesn't overheat too much already, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who has a laptop with a broken internal fan or one that just overheats a lot. Which is too bad, because I was really looking forward to it.
Customer Review: Actually allows you to use it as a laptop again
Summary: 4 Stars
Computer's used to run a lot cooler... Then again, they didn't have nearly as much processing power. The result is that newer laptops are simply too hot to be used on your lap (at least not without some sort of buffer). Of course, if you use a pillow or blanket, it may likely choke the ability for your laptop to properly vent heat.
Using the Antec cooler is a much better solution. Thus-far (have been using it for a few weeks now) works great sitting under my PC but on my lap.
And, using HWMonitor, the laptop does have a noticeable improvement in lowering the temperature (at least on a Dell Latitude D610).
So, what are the con's? Well, there are a few:
1) It definitely will *not* hold a laptop with a 17" screen. Not a big deal (provided you have a 15.4" or smaller screen). And on the 15.4", if using one of the newer widescreens, while it fits, it's a bit close.
2) The fans are USB-powered. This would be fine if it was a standard USB cable connecting from the cooler to the laptop. Unfortunately it isn't. It's a standard USB connection on the PC-side, but for the cooler side, it's more like a power cord. This poses two problems. First, what happens if the cord breaks? I can't use one of the plethora of USB cables I already have. Second, the cord is a bit short. The instructions show the cooler should be positioned such that the outlet on the cooler is on the left side. Guess what? My USB port's are on the right side and on the back (right) side. This results in the cord being stretched a bit.
Have I tried any others? Yes -- I tried the DataStor UNBCPX 3-Fan Notebook Cooling Pad (or something that looks a LOT like it) -- the thing looked VERY shoddy. Perhaps it would have worked (I admittedly never gave it a chance) - got it in the mail, took one look and said to heck with this, I'm going with the Antec!
Customer Review: COOLEST COOLER EVER *UPDATE-FINDING REPLACEMENT USB CORD
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the VERY best laptop fan on the market! Take it from me don't waste your money on any other brand no matter what you read, how much it costs etc! My laptop fan broke, it doesn't even have a working fan at all yet all I need is this Antec fan. My laptop runs cooler, runs longer, never overheats...it's awesome!
****UPDATE-HOW TO FIND REPLACEMENT CORD****
I still LOVE this laptop cooler and would suggest it to anyone! But the cord on mine recently broke nd it was a little difficult for me to find another so I thought I'd write an update for those out there experiencing this same problem. I found in my research that this is a common 'issue' with these coolers. I read that some people contacted the company through the website and were successful at getting them to send out a new one. I tried but got no response. Without the cooler my laptop is completely useless and since I run an online eBay clothing store this was not something I could wait a few days to fix. I ended up going to my local Radio Shack & buying a $30 adaptable ac/dc cord that came with the proper size fitting for the fan. They did not have a USB cord that fit & yes, it was kind of a pain having to plug the fan into the wall but it sufficed until found new usb. The ONLY aftermarket usb cord I could find for this fan was on eBay by a company called ehoya. (I found it by searching 'antec laptop cooler replacement cord') The company (which by the way I have absolutely no affiliation with) sent me out a brand new usb cord within a few days and then because of Radio Shacks 30 day return policy I was able to return the other and get my money back. Ultimately I wish Antec would either provide an additional cord or would make a separate cord available for purchase but I doubt this will happen since the coolers are so inexpensive most people probably just purchase another one. Good Luck!
Customer Review: Just average at least for my use.
Summary: 3 Stars
Checked out reviews online prior to purchasing. Bought several years ago, about a year or so after purchasing my Acer Tablet PC and got tired or scorching my lap.
The limitation of the Acer Tablet to begin with is that the fan inside is too small, and the vent is small, and the feet underneath the unit are too short to allow adequate air flow.
Overall, the unit worked fairly well. I bought one of the original models, so the updated version possibly works better. Because of the location of my USB ports, it was a tight fit.
The two speeds were great, but because my laptop ran so hot, I had to run it on high constantly, and the sound was a bit loud. It did get worse over time, and I had used canned air to clean it, but it still tended to be loud.
The blue light was annoying at times, but overall not a huge deal. I did like that the USB connection to the PC allowed for an additional USB device to be plugged in behind it.
I did not like the size and weight which really limited being able to carry much else in my computer bag. Additionally, many of the new models are angled vs. laying flat, and I really like the angle effect. Plus, this usually results in raising up the back end of the laptop, improving the air flow, and keeping the laptop that much cooler.
It didn't die from time, but rather I had the unit with my pc sitting on a TV tray table, the kids came running through the room and toppled them them. The fall badly damaged my USB port, but trashed the USB port of the cooling unit.
Admittedly, if it had not incurred an untimely demise, I would probably still be using it. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but I wouldn't talk someone out of it either. Reason being that I have had difficulty finding a good replacement.
Customer Review: Provides Ample Air Flow & Great Design
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been looking around for a laptop cooler for a while. Looking throughout the internet, each was bombarded with reasons as to why I should and shouldn't buy that specific laptop cooler. After finding this one, I finally took the plunge and bought it. I immediately loved it! After two months of use, here's what I've found
Pros:
-Provides great space for airflow in between that laptop and the cooler. It even has little rubber pegs. So, if your laptop doesn't have any rubber feet on the bottom anymore, this provides a convenient way to prop up that laptop. (If you do buy the cooler, the rubber pegs won't be on the product. Look inside the directions bag and you'll see them!)
-It sucks the air from its side! Definitely better than coolers which use the bottom get cool air.
-Has two speeds. I love this. I always keep it on low and can barely hear it. Although, if I don't use the fan, but I've been using the laptop for a while the high speeds provide fairly fast heat relief. You can definitely tell when it's on high.
-Cord is short. If you need it to be long, get a USB extender.
-It has two fans side-by-side which is much better than most with just one fan.
Cons:
-That light is BRIGHT! I would really get a piece of duct tape or something.
-The controls can be a bit hard to reach with the laptop on top of it, but that's not to big of a problem.
-The fans are in the middle of the cooler. This is fine for my processor, but since my HDD (hard drive) is on the front corner of the laptop, it doesn't keep it much cooler.
Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you can't decide which laptop cooler is the best, go for this one!
By the way, if this helps, I use an Acer Aspire 3680-2633.