Belkin F5L001 Laptop Cooling Pad
by Belkin Components
|
List Price: Our Price: $17.88 You Save: $12.11 (40%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $14.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
|---|
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Belkin F5L001 Laptop Cooling Pad
Customer Review: Keep your cool, naturally
Summary: 5 Stars
Heart rises. That's convection, one of the basic laws of thermal dynamics that we all learn in grade school.
Most notebook and laptop computers have vents on the bottom where the computer's internal fans pull air into the unit and discharge it out of side or rear vents. There's an ongoing argument whether a fan-equipped USB notebook cooler should blow up towards the bottom of the computer or take the heat away from the base of the notebook (as most of them do). Taking the heat away from the underside of the notebook can (according to some) actually damage the computer as it's working against the computer's internal fan, and can actually cause it to work harder, not to mention draining the notebook's battery even faster.
This is where the Belkin Laptop Cooling Stand is a bit different from the others. It works in concert with the notebook or laptop computer's fan rather than against it. The key is to get the heated air away from the electronics and components that reside within some pretty tight spaces inside the computer, and to that end this laptop cooler does a fine job... and does it quietly.
If you turn on your notebook computer's power and move your hand by the vents on the sides, rear and bottom, you can feel the air flow. Most of the newer laptops have a cooling fan that draws upward and blows the heat out through one side or through the rear. Heat rises, and that makes Belkin's design perfect, as it assists natural convection to cool the laptop. Another thing to consider when looking at these things is the actual shape of the cooling pad. If there's no room for airflow, then no matter how strong the fan is, air won't flow.
At first glance, I thought that this Cooling Stand seemed rather flimsy when I removed it from the package, but this proved to not be the case. It's made from a white high-impact plastic, not only saving weight but turning out to be more rugged than expected. It weighs about 1.5 pounds, measures 12.6" W x 11.6" D x 1" H, and fits easily in my Lowepro Messenger Factor M Computer Bag, which is designed for notebook computers with a 15.4" screen. There's a cover for the USB cord on the underside that doubles as a leg to support the computer in an ergonomic fashion, allowing for excellent airflow. It also has rubberized surfaces so that the computer doesn't slide around during use, which is far better than some of the all-metal notebook coolers that I've owned. And if the white color doesn't appeal to you, there's always the black Belkin F5L001-BLK Laptop Cooling Pad as an alternative.
Pros:
- Low power consumption through your laptop's USB port
- Keeps laptop/notebook computers cool
- Keeps the user's lap cool
- Excellent price
Cons:
- No USB port on cooling stand
Check your computer to see how many USB ports you have, and plan ahead. I was aware of the lack of a USB port on this product when I ordered it, but since I already own this Targus Wired Laser Pack Notebook Bundle, I simply plug its four-port USB compact hub into the USB port on the notebook computer, then plug the laptop cooling stand's USB cord into that, eliminating that problem quickly.
It's suggested that you avoid using your notebook computer placed on a pillow or cushion that could block the airflow, even with this laptop cooling stand. If you're going to do that, place a large book or firm flat object underneath to help the air flow. Also avoid using it in areas with there's a lot of dust, shedding fibers (such as rugs or blankets) or areas where there's an accumulation of pet hair, as this could have an effect on the efficiency of the fans in both the computer and the cooling stand.
I have a variety of laptop cooling products. The minimalist x-shaped iConcepts M10417-MB Notebook Cooling Station does a surprisingly decent job while working strictly by thermal dynamics, using no fans. I also have the types with multiple fans that sound like an airplane taking off, and some of these do have an effect on the computer's battery. I personally find this Belkin product to be the best of the bunch. Pardon the double entendre, it doesn't suck; it blows the air in a natural fashion, using convection to help it do the job, naturally.
Highly recommended.
Customer Review: Neat little gadget!
Summary: 4 Stars
*** UPDATE AND TIPS (Oct 1, 2010) ***
After using this laptop stand for 3 years, I would still recommend it as a functional and affordable solution to boiling laptops.
However, although the curvy design makes it comfortable on your laps, the solid bar with rubber footing can really cause you discomfort after a while. On hard surfaces, this laptop stand is almost flawless.
THE FAN
A lot of complaints about it being cheap. It's true. But it doesn't mean you should throw the whole stand away.
FAN MAINTENANCE - CLEANING
The fan can collect a lot of dust/hair/debris/junk during operation, which probably contributes to its failure. But thankfully the stand can be taken apart easily. Every few months, I would disassemble it and simply place a vacuum cleaner's detachable hose over it to clean the fan blades.
FAN MAINTENANCE - LUBRICATION
If you're bothered to pop the fan rotor off of the frame, you can simply add a small amount of your lubricant of choice on the metal shaft to take the noise off. Vaseline jelly or a tiny drop of vegetable oil works fine.
FAN MAINTENANCE - MISC
Most of the time my fan makes a lot of noise upon startup, for the past few years I've just been smacking it once or twice and the noise would subside in a minute.
I only let the fan run on clean and hard surfaces (desk). Softer surfaces like beds can quickly leave your fan in a hairy mess, so I simply disconnect the USB. The laptop stand alone provides room for good air movement under your laptop.
CONCLUSION
Yes, this stand is obviously not perfect, mainly due to the powerful fan's cheap quality being its Achilles' heel. Yet by observing these tips, you can probably make this or any laptop cooler last a long time, which in turn saves your hard-earned bucks from buying new stands, repairing laptops, and treating burns.
*** Original Review (Nov 6, 2007) ***
This is my first laptop cooling stand, and beforehand I've been using a 1-inch thick 3 ring binder as my laptop stand. I use a Dell XPS M1210 (12-inch screen) and it's been fine until the binder wore out and became too flimsy haha.
After a night of research I settled on this Belkin cooling stand because:
- reviews (CNET, gear diary...to name a few) are generally very positive
- user comments...varies but good in general
- design is absolutely attractive
- price is reasonable
So after using this cooling stand for a day I think I have a pretty good feel for it...
Pros
- really cools down the laptop, nothing too dramatic of course, but good enough
- the non-slipping rubber surfaces provide immense grip
- collapsible foot at the rear, USB power cable compartment are smart designs
- quiet fan, suitable for libraries
- doesn't rock or rattle, provides a sturdy platform for laptops of the right sizes
- the fan delivers sufficient turbulence and is finger-friendly =)
- the curvy design makes it very very comfortably on you laps
- simple but brilliant product, reasonable price
Cons
- curvy design, not utterly compact but can still fit happily into a knapsack
- the notorious collapsible rear foot that doesn't lock in place when extended (honestly this is just a slight inconvenience when you have to lift your laptop to move it around, but with the weight on the laptop on it you can push it around the desk without troubles)
- a bit of a problem with the fan when you start using it on your laps, the fan gets louder (not significantly). A bit tricky at first to get used to avoid blocking the fan but it doesn't take long
- so far it comes in one size only, too bad for users with bigger lappies
All in all I'm glad I bought this Belkin cooling stand
Customer Review: Initially impressed, then sorely disappointed
Summary: 2 Stars
I normally do a lot of research before I buy something, but one day I was at a large electronics retailer (you know the one) and I bought this cooling pad because it was very reasonably priced, and I liked the look of it. What a mistake! I should stuck with my normal gameplan of checking Amazon and not buying anything with less than an average of 4 stars.
The good:
1) It has a nice look, with gentle curving lines
2) It did a very nice job of keeping my macbook cool, even while gaming. The computer's own fan rarely kicked in.
3) The power cord is easily kept out of the way with the little notch to hold it in position
The bad:
1) The fan was loud, much louder than my previous cheapo one (that one died because the power cord connection broke after many years of use). It's not like you plug it in and are horrified by how loud it is, but when I'd shut down my computer suddenly the room was SO much quieter. Mind you, I used it in a large, open room so it's not like it was loud because I was in a small space.
2) The cooling pad didn't really hold the laptop very securely; with a gentle push I could slide my 13" macbook along its surface, especially in the forward and back vector. I used it on my desk, so that wasn't a huge deal to me.
3) I always used it with the little fold-out kickstand up, so it does keep the laptop at a more acute angle than other cooling pads. I simply tilted the computer screen back more to make the viewing angle more comfortable.
4) I'm not sure how well this would work in one's lap. My guess is that since the fan intake is on the undersurface it's probably not a great choice.
5) Notice how I'm using the past tense to describe the product? Well, that's because after about 2 months of regular use (4-5 hours on weeknights and up to 10-12 hours on the weekends) it started making a horribly loud, rattling/grinding sound when it would turn on. The first time it happened I thought maybe my CD drive was going crazy. But no, it was the cooling fan. The grinding sound would revert back to normal after repeatedly unplugging and replugging it into the USB port until it would stop. I finally got fed up and decided it's not worth risking damage to my USB port and threw the cooling pad away.
I just got a Targus chill mat today - it's much quieter and so far keeping my computer cool. As for lifespan I'll have to wait and see. The money I "saved" by buying a cheaper product initially is now wasted.
Customer Review: It does what it should but it has its cons.
Summary: 3 Stars
I got this shortly after getting my new laptop since it to had an over heating problem and Id rather get something from the get go to keep my new laptop constantly cool and not have to worry. It worked wonders on the heating, cooling it so well it was as if my computer was hardly on. I'll gladly give it that. The first problem was a few months later when the plug in the fan to attach the USB cord sunk in, no big unscrewed it and glued it back into place.(It was 30$ and the plug was just hot glued in and poorly I might add) the other problem that I had right off if that with it's stand it has to be on a full flat surface and not having a desk I am on my bed most of the time when I use it, so I had to have it on a book or something or the fan was blocked. Same on my lap because the stand would dig into my legs unless I closed it and sat Indian style with a corner on each knee. Which wasn't too bad but it was bothersome at times. It's not a problem also but if you move your laptop back you MUST lift it off or it will collapse the stand and you have to reach under and open it and risk nicking you finger in the fan.
It's quiet if it's not blocked, dusty or jammed. Those are all simply fixes and you WILL notice the difference, it goes from close to silent to a table fan on high.
The biggest problem I now have which is why I have been looking for another is that it now works when ever it pleases. I'm not sure if it's that cord has to be in a certain shape or it's not connecting with the plug the way it needs but now it turns on and off randomly if it does at all, it's now that I don't really bother because I don't expect it to work. For me it took about 8 months for this to happen after heavy use, for my boyfriend(Who has the same one 'sept it is a slightly newer model) it took about half that time. I'm not planing on getting this fan again, since I know this could happen again seeing as I'm not the only one.
The only way I would get this brand again is if they take a good look at it's construction and step it up, keep the curved factor. but do something about it lasting past a year and it's ability to b place on a lap.
Customer Review: It works
Summary: 4 Stars
I got a new laptop computer and after a month I was tired of dealing with a hot lap. I started looking around and it was between something with a fan or something aluminum. I went with the fan because I thought it would keep the computer a little cooler than the aluminum.
I've had this stand for a little over a month and so far I'm very happy with it. It keeps the computer very cool. The fan itself is pretty darn quiet too. Now this is the first cooling stand I've had so I have nothing to compare it too but the fan is much more quiet than the one in the laptop. The computer's fan has never come on while on the stand. However, I haven't been doing anything that would cause it to work to hard either. But, if you position the laptop certain ways the fan has kept it so cool that I can barely feel any heat even putting my hand directly on it. So, as a cooling stand it's excellent.
But as a stand it's not perfect. The plastic panel to fold out to elevate the stand is not very comfortable and so I don't use it. It's much more comfortable not using it. I don't need the elevation anyway so that doesn't bother me. The thing that bothers me most is that the stand is not as wide as I think it should be. For those that don't use the plastic panel, you have to allow room for air to get to the fan in the middle of the stand. So you have to leave some open space between your legs for the fan to get air. You can't have your legs too close together (it will block the air to the fan) or too far apart (the stand will fall between your legs). It's a narrow margin to work with but I've learned to deal with it fairly well and it's not really a problem now. Because if it was, I wouldn't be using it anymore.
So, this may not be the most comfortable stand out there but it's not uncomfortable either. Besides, many of the reviews I read about the one's that were more comfortable didn't seem to keep the laptop and/or lap cool. Bottom line for this stand is it works. It keeps the computer cool and my lap cool. And that's all I really wanted in the first place.