Antec Notebook Cooler

suicidebiker from TX

Member Since
Aug 2004

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User has 5 Days of experience with this product

Summary: If you plan to use this on a desktop envi ...

Strengths:

Lightweight, quiet, performs very well on a flat surface

Weaknesses:

almost unusable on soft surfaces, cable compartment difficult to open, power cable usb passthrough bulky, no attachment possibility to notebook

Posted Sep 10, 2004 - Summary: If you plan to use this on a desktop environment it's top notch, I would certainly recommend it. If you plan to use it on the couch, in bed, on your lap I would have to recommend that you look at other units.(Grain of salt: I am a hardware/software tester by occupation so i'm very critical, and I'm also using this device slightly differently than it's designed purpose) Weaknesses-For this purpose it's almost unsuited as the fans blow out the bottom and are blocked by setting them on a cushion or pants. The power cord comes out of the side so it might get in the way more than if it was in the back. The pass-through usb power cable, although a good idea if you are limited on usb ports is far too bulky if you have usb ports on the side. Strengths-The unit is very light and relatively quiet. If you don't have enough usb ports then this one doesn't prevent you from using the one it's plugged into. I typically use my laptop in bed, on the couch, on my lap etc.. so I purchased a cooler to keep the fire out of my lap and cool off my desktop replacement. In this environment it has several critical flaws: 1.The unit blows out the bottom with no second layer so soft surfaces render it into a block of plastic. 2.The usb pass-through is bulky enough for you to worry about breaking it off. 3.It has no provision for attaching to your laptop in any way, so you now have two things on your lap connected by a power cable. The three things that would solve this unit's issues and still make it well suited for a desktop would be 1. a false bottom so they fans exhaust to the sides of the unit, 2. a right angle usb cord, perhaps even one that swivels, and 3. attachments for the desktop, perhaps just sticky velcro. That being said I like the unit enough that I'll probably mod it myself and make a power cord. -There's my $.02

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songwei67 from KY

Member Since
Feb 2005

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User has 24 Days of experience with this product

cooler

Strengths:

Very effective cooling system. Aluminum Surface. Works great!

Weaknesses:

The USB connector is too big and takes too much space. The fans are very loud. Expensive.

Posted Oct 24, 2005 - My laptop is a new one so it never has any problem. But I noticed that when I used this cooler my laptop fan seldom starts. I really like it. The only thing I am dissatisfied with is the fans are too loud. Update: Power connector on unit sticks out too much, jack is not working now. Too bad.

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whatsthatsme... from WI

Member Since
Mar 2004

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User has 5 Days of experience with this product

Strengths:

Low/High speed setting. rather quiet at Low setting. Thin, built in storage for "power plug"

Weaknesses:

The fans do NOTHING for my Compaq R3000Z.

Posted Aug 3, 2005 - I only tried it because it was ten dollars after rebates.I think i'll use it for a pad when i am on the floor or bed. My laptop runs cool normally, it's only when encoding video that it gets 52-60 C degrees. I even took the unit apart to reverse the fans (I think Blowing on the underside of my laptop would be the answer) but they are not reversible.

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cciblufa from WI

Member Since
Jun 2004

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User has 4 Days of experience with this product

Overall, its a little cute cooler for my 13.3 inch ...

Strengths:

Compact design, not bulky; usb powered, can go will the laptop; with usb pass-through connector; not too noisy;

Weaknesses:

Laptop might move on its surface; depend on the types of usb port, the cooling effect can be good or not so good; it might not work too well for a big laptop these days;

Posted Apr 19, 2005 - Overall, its a little cute cooler for my 13.3 inches laptop, the cooling effect is though not outstanding but good enough. If you have a 15 or 17 inches laptop, think twice before buying it.

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markandrew from OH

Member Since
Aug 2004

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User has 7 Days of experience with this product

I research products diligently in hopes I get the ...

Strengths:

3 Year Warranty; About 10-15 Degree Temperature difference; Reliable Company; Smart Computing Magazine High Review; Small-fits inside my notebook case;

Weaknesses:

Not great for putting on thick carpet floor or lap.

Posted Aug 23, 2004 - I research products diligently in hopes I get the best price for the best performance. I have never been an impulse buyer, so when I started to search for a cooler for my powerful laptop, that has a problem with overheating (overheated once already and burned the motherboard) I made an effort to search all the coolers and lap pads, from Vantec, Lapworks, Coolmax, Bytec, Targus, etc.... Reviews from reputable companys, such as Smart Computing, PC World always mean more than a company selling said products. So, most reviews seemed to recognize Antec reducing temperatures by as much as 15 degrees. The cost and three year warranty and Big company stamped the worth for me(although Vantec came close with their USB-2 ports and fan speeds, but I really didn't need them especially if I had to hook up an outlet to make them work). Thus, Antec won and has proven better than I anticipated -It is not as loud as I thought it would be, it is also thinner than I thought -it can fit inside my bag, though sticking a bit out, and the design is sleek and goes with my laptop (fits any size, by the way). As for reducing the temperature (the most important aspect), my laptop feels so much more cooler!!!

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tomstevens55 from OR

Member Since
Jul 2004

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User has 1 Day of experience with this product

Very good, nothing better yet today.

Strengths:

The only one that fits Dell laptops. Extremely effective at cooling. Low power consumption, extends battery life, thin profile. Spectacular quiet design for desktop use. A great warranty.

Weaknesses:

Pass-thru USB design sticks out too much in rear USB jacks. Power connector on unit sticks out too much, could damage jack on unit if twisted. Cord storage door very difficult to open.

Posted Nov 29, 2005 - These should be standard equipment on a laptop that uses a regular P4 processor. I use a Dell 1100 P4 2.4 Ghz desktop processor, and it operates really hot. I also find that my 1.0 gig of RAM operates hot too, so this improves that also. This may be the only unit that works with my Dell laptop. Targus makes one, but it is too small for mine. This fits to the tee. It substantially cools, how much I don't know. I find that my battery lasts longer (even with the unit's cooling fans working off the laptop's battery), and that my computer works faster than without it. It is very lightweight, but yet effective at cooling. This is absolutely flawless when used in a desktop configuration. It is quiet, thin and unobtrusive. I made a separate power cord for the fans which is plugged into a separate 5 volt power adapter when I use it in a desktop configuration. I use the standard power cord when I am not using my laptop at my desk. However, it does have some serious weaknesses that detract from the product. The USB pass-thru jack sticks out too far in the back. This could break if it hits anything. The door for the cord storage is very difficult to open, and thus could break if forced. Using this in your lap is difficult because of the fans exhaust to the bottom. I find that I have to straddle the unit between my legs, or my groin heats up to the point of discomfort. It would be better if they exhausted to the sides, even at the compromise of making it thicker. Some people say it is noisy but I am not bothered it. I find that the fans run fairly quietly. Overall, a good solution for my laptop, but a better solution would earn my dollar instead. Followup: I still use this, however I have had to have it replaced twice, under warranty. The first time, both fans stopped working. Sent it in, at a cost of $7 for shipping, they shipped another one out within a week, great turn-around time. The second time, the power connector on the unit broke, causing both fans to cut out. Sent it in again, at a cost of $7 shipping, they sent another one back within a week. I won't say it's delicate, but you definitely don't want to bang this around. I'll keep using it as long as the warranty lasts.

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bvchurch from ID

Member Since
Dec 2004

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User has 2 Weeks of experience with this product

I am giving this four and 3/4 stars. Once again i ...

Strengths:

Antec construction with three year warranty, aluminum surface and doesnt require an external source.

Weaknesses:

No dramatic results (Like 15*C)

Posted Jun 13, 2005 - I am giving this four and 3/4 stars. Once again its an Antec product and it works. Three year warranty on top of that. This also has a high quality aluminum surface with a nice black finish. The product does take away heat from a laptops bottom via the metal and via the fans. After running several tests I have seen about a 7*C, about 10*F. But that is a lot when you consider that every degree can matter to your laptop. If you can find a utility like I did that will make your notebook run its fans all the time you will see even more dramatic results. I highly recommend this product.

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amar99

Member Since
Dec 2007

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User has 3 Months of experience with this product

Works great...for a few months

Strengths:

Sturdy; cools well

Weaknesses:

Power connector breaks very quickly!

Posted Dec 27, 2007 - I owned two of these, both of which I "lost" due to the power connector on the device itself becoming unstable, and finally ceasing to work altogether - within the first 3 months!! The unit itself is very well made, yet such a cheap component was used for the power connector. It's really regrettable.

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washiboy1 from NY

Member Since
Apr 2006

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User has 30 Days of experience with this product

Antec Lap top cooller

Strengths:

level surface,cools rapidly

Weaknesses:

bad usb connections

Posted Apr 2, 2006 - the first unit purchased shorted out at the USB connection after 20 days. Purchased at BJ's promtly exchanched no questions asked. Second unit lasted 5 days again the connection wire failed. connected transformer to unit and it ran very well. returned for refund no questions asked, while at return counter noticed two other units also returned. cooler is only powered from ac running through USB jack and obviously would still be in use if a transformer were used instead of poorly made cheap USB wiring.

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DTOXX

Member Since
Nov 2004

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User has 5 Days of experience with this product

Upon first opening the package, I noticed that the ...

Strengths:

Attractive design. Sturdy construction. Simple to set-up. Relatively quiet. Carries Antec's 3 year warranty.

Weaknesses:

Not designed for use with laptops connected to a port replicator. Raises height of laptop to what might be an uncomfortable level.

Posted Nov 9, 2004 - Upon first opening the package, I noticed that there was no USB cable. This might concern some users who do not read the set-up instructions prior to use. The power cord/USB cable is located in a compartment on the underside of the unit. Be cautious upon opening this panel for the first time, especially if you have long fingernails or are prone to being impatient - you WILL crack a nail or scrape your knuckles. After an initial inspection, it was time to set the unit up. I have a Sony VAIO VGN-A190 that I connect to a port replicator at home. This was a problem. Normally, the laptop sits in the docking station with the rear of the machine slightly elevated and the front resting on the desk. This already has an advantage in that it creates a small vetilation area below the lapop. However, the Antec unit is deep enough to interfere with the placement of my laptop in the dock. I had to prop up the dock itself in order to fit the cooler underneath. As a result, my laptop is now 1.25 inches higher than normal. This may not sound significant, but it presents a serious ergonomic hinderance. The cooler is in place as I type this, and I can say that I'm still not used to the increase in height. My forearms are no longer positioned for optimal comfort. The particulars of my ergonomic concerns aside, I was struck next by the fact that the unit actually produces noise. Now, you might be thinking "no kidding, buddy." Well, I'd bet a few bucks that this would be low on one's list of concerns when purchasing the cooler. It looks great, it'll cool off your notebook and maybe even help to extend its life, but wait a minute - I forgot that this thing has fans. Hmmmm... All this silliness to say that you should just remember that if you're used to working with your laptop in complete silence and solitude, the silence will be broken. Now, taking a look under my laptop, I can see that the surface of the cooler makes absolutely no contact. This is undesirable, I'm guessing, since a major part of the performance of the unit is gained through the transferrence of heat from the laptop to the aluminum plate that makes up the top face of the unit. This problem is due entirely to the fact that I'm using the docking station I mentioned above. If you're using the cooler with a laptop that normally sits directly on your desk, then there'll be no problem. So, at this point the only benefit I'm gaining from the Antec cooler is that it's actually circulating air at a good rate under my laptop - something that would not happen normally. In conclusion, I would say that this is a fine product, but it presents some ergonomic and minor noise concerns, even for those users who do not have the same kind of setup that I do. I would recommend this product, but since I will continue to use my laptop connected to it docking station, I fear that I will not be able to benefit fully from it's performance offerings.

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bigsky001 from MT

Member Since
Dec 2005

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User has 2 Months of experience with this product

poor quality--don't buy!

Strengths:

compact design, nice look

Weaknesses:

poor quality, rattling noise, poor after-sales service

Posted Feb 14, 2006 - It only took this product less than 2 months to break down! The noise it generated was horrible--comparable to an engine. What's worse, if you want to replace the defective product, you'll have to go through a very complicated process with the manufacturer--and you'll have to pay for shipping, which will add up to about the price of this product. Learn from my experience. Don't buy this product!

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hardingdgh from MO

Member Since
Feb 2002

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User has 21 Months of experience with this product

Power socket broke after two years!

Strengths:

For two years this worked well but the cons won

Weaknesses:

The plug connection has a short and won't work anymore.

Posted 1 year ago - Power is supplied by attaching a passthru USB connector to the laptop and the other end is a straight plug that blucks into a socket on a recessed shelf underneath. The problem is that this lies on your lap and your leg will put pressure on that plug. After 21 months the socket stopped working :-( Until now I really liked it!

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itodavid from CA

Member Since
Jan 2004

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User has 6 Months of experience with this product

This notebook cooler does the trick. My laptop co ...

Strengths:

Works like a Dream

Weaknesses:

Loud

Posted Sep 11, 2004 - This notebook cooler does the trick. My laptop consistently overheated and crashed, but once I started using the Antec Notebook Cooler, my laptop has been consistently reliable. The bottom of the laptop remains nice and cool to the touch. The only downside is that the two fans that blow cool air from the bottom up are loud.

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alep from TX

Member Since
Apr 2004

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User has 2 Weeks of experience with this product

It does exactly what it's suppouse to. My laptop d ...

Strengths:

It is very light and quiet

Weaknesses:

Haven't find any

Posted May 3, 2005 - It does exactly what it's suppouse to. My laptop doesn't overheat any more with in a couple of hours. It run cooler longer and I don't have to hear the machine's noisy fan going off every five minutes. I can see a difference and would recommend this product to anyone thinking about buying a notebook cooler.

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iixxpunjabix...

Member Since
Apr 2008

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User has 6 Months of experience with this product

Horrible Fan

Strengths:

It cools well for approx. the first month

Weaknesses:

The usb cable connecting to the fan has broken TWICE

Posted Apr 28, 2008 - This is my second antec fan, don't ask my why I bought this same bad product again, I figured I'd give it a second chance, seeing as to it does a decent job for the first month. The wire that connects the fan to the computer starts becoming sensitive so you have to jiggle it around a little, then you get to the stage where your taping it, then it just stops working. No foul play was done to the fan at all, since the laptop basically sits on a desk the whole day without moving. Just my experience with it.. twice. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. HA!

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Antec Notebook Cooler

MPN: NOTEBOOKCOOLER

Summary: If you plan to use this on a desktop envi ...

cooler