Antec Notebook Cooler or iLap

I have the Antec and it works great. I have it turned OFF most of the time but it still keeps the machine cooler due to more space between bottom and desk. I only plug it in when I do gaming, and only for prevention since I believe the machine is well protected against overheating.

I used my old Ti PB 667 (which was hot as a furnace) for hours of gaming with no external cooler whatsoever; fans spinning at supersonic speeds and never had a problem. This MBP even though warmer than my ex 1.67 PB is still an iceberg compared to my old and reliable Ti.

Agree. You already paid design factor with your Apple machine. Let the cooling device be just functional.

I don't worry so much about heat and life span with non-moving parts. They are designed to run hot and can do for long years.

Cheers

I read some reviews and tests on the Antec and other coolers - they seem to only lower temps by a few degrees.
I bought a Titan cooler with three fans and I like it - but I can't tell any difference in heat on the MBPro.

Also have the iLap, already my strong favorite. Much more portable, better adjustabilty by far. It's not cheap but I have to say it's ideal for working in bed sitting up or on the couch, etc.

The nice thing about the cooler pads are those that have extra USB ports - not sure about the Antec but many offer extra ports and some have AC power for the USB\fans or run off of the laptop's USB.
I saw a bunch of these on Tiger Direct and NewEgg.

If USB wasn't a feature you need I'd go with iLap - no relevant cooling difference and it's going to last forever - easy to take anywhere and excellent height, angle adjustments.

Yeah - it's a tough call with the USB feature - it's really nice having the ports and with only two on the MBP...

I'd say buy the Antec and shoplift the iLap.

then you'll still have about $970 for bail..

I've tried both on various PowerBooks and a MBP. I don't think the Antec is worth the hassle of plugging in the USB and the slight noise from the fans. It doesn't really cool the notebook very much. The iLap work as well, is silent and hassle-free and is great holding in your lap.

Yes, This Titan (Serina) looks like a curious design. I appears that there's an open space where the fans are rather than a circular mount, so in other words, air is not pushed the same way as all the others i've seen. But Inland makes coolers, so maybe they know what their doing ( or not ; )

I am also looking for a cooling solution. Originally I wanted a fan design, but after an experiment I did at my parents' hosue (where they have a tile kitchen counter that dispersed heat way better than the wooden desk in my old room and kept the MBP 8-10F cooler for the HDD and 10-20F cooler for the CPU) I am convinced that any good heat conducting surface will do, and that active fans, while nice, aren't necessary.

That, and I like that the iLap is cushioned for "on the lap" use unlike other coolers.

I have a $20 gift card for CompUSA which will take the sting off of the purchase. I plan to buy it Sunday or Monday when I'm back in L.A., I'll post my thoughts afterwards.

Oh great , thanks, nice tip! . It would be great to avoid fans.

I'm definitly going to get an iLap now as I've been eyeing them for a while. Compusa has them for 50US ( best price i've seen) and you can check in-store stock on their site using zip codes.

Definitely pass on the Titan - mine looked nice but the fans died after a few weeks. Also a raised, jagged Titian logo on the top surface that will carve the bottom of your MBP up badly - I noticed it before it scratched mine up and taped over it but come on Titan, great idea to put your name in razor-sharp, raised aluminum lettering right on top.

The USB ports inisde also came loose - held by one small screw just driven into plastic - meaning no real screw socket or threaded hole for it. Fan speed knob was also loose when I shipped it back to NewEgg for a full refund.

What a piece of badly overpriced junk.

The iLap is MUCH MUCH easier and practical to use - keeps my MBP cooler than the fans ever did and I can use the MBP anywhere with no problems. I got one for both the 15.4 and 17".






17" & 15.4" Mac Book Pro Mac OS X (10.4.6) 2.16 GHz

I have used the Targus Podium CoolPad for years. Got one for my wife and father as well.

Its a clean, simple and inexpensive ($30) solution. Great egonomics (adjustible angle, it swivels, allows great heat dissapation under the 'puter and packs along quite easily in my bag.

Can't reccommend it enough.

Yes, a lot of these notebook coolers it seems are el-cheapo junk, going from reviews; cheap materials, screws jammed in, fans breaking. A few are pretty good though: Vantec, Bytecc, iLap, Koolsink, Podium.

It would be nice if iLap made a version with good fans situated towards the back and under the MBPs heat pipe and you could always take the fans off if they offended.

You can always make your own pad out of just about anything but it's nice to have something good that fits really well. The ilap is just about perfect in this way