Thailand Expats - Laptop cooling solutions (available in Phuket)

SiamGecko · #1 15-12-2007, 18:53

as per title, anyone running any laptop cooling solutions?

My laptop runs hot anyway and I am not in an aircon envt. so want something to keep her cool as she is showing her age now. Running utils to keep track of the temps and they seem a little high for my liking. Smart data keeps saying the hdd is fine, but getting a bit paranoid with her now.

Would like something like the Targus Chill Mat - any recommendations or experiences?? Will be popping Central tomorrow so will have a look about.

wazza · #2 15-12-2007, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiamGecko

as per title, anyone running any laptop cooling solutions?

My laptop runs hot anyway and I am not in an aircon envt. so want something to keep her cool as she is showing her age now. Running utils to keep track of the temps and they seem a little high for my liking. Smart data keeps saying the hdd is fine, but getting a bit paranoid with her now.

Would like something like the Targus Chill Mat - any recommendations or experiences?? Will be popping Central tomorrow so will have a look about.

Saw lots of different cooling mats and fans for laptops in one of the main computer shops on the ground floor of big c last week. It is the lare shop against the back wall near the gold shop. Not one of the stall type set-ups like the mobile phone dealers

Dingo's · #3 15-12-2007, 20:12

I've actually seen something very similar to that at IT Island on the top floor in Jungceylon. 3rd or 4th shop at the other end from the movies. I think it's an HP shop if memory serves me correct.

They had a bunch of them...

SiamGecko · #4 15-12-2007, 20:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazza

Saw lots of different cooling mats and fans for laptops in one of the main computer shops on the ground floor of big c last week. It is the lare shop against the back wall near the gold shop. Not one of the stall type set-ups like the mobile phone dealers

Yep Big C is on my list tomorrow, normally the one in the RH corner as you go down.

Interested to hear if anyone runs them and if they are worth the bother

SiamGecko · #5 15-12-2007, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dingo's

I've actually seen something very similar to that at IT Island on the top floor in Jungceylon. 3rd or 4th shop at the other end from the movies. I think it's an HP shop if memory serves me correct.

They had a bunch of them...

Definitely wasn't planning on Patong, but good to know if I need somewhere else. Cheers.

Dingo's · #6 15-12-2007, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiamGecko

Definitely wasn't planning on Patong, but good to know if I need somewhere else. Cheers.

I just realised you were located in Rawaii after I did that post. A little out of your way...55555

SiamGecko · #7 15-12-2007, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dingo's

I just realised you were located in Rawaii after I did that post. A little out of your way...55555

No problem, it's actually a pretty nice drive the back way, but easier to point the bike straight up Chao Fa West from where I am.

Denver · #8 15-12-2007, 20:34

I'd get a couple of BG's in to blow on your lap..........Top tip! 5555555

I usually end up with mine on four empty bensaaaaaaaaans ciggie boxes with a USB fan on it.

The ice cube method failed miserably and wan't covered on the warranty!

SiamGecko · #9 15-12-2007, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denver

I'd get a couple of BG's in to blow on your lap..........Top tip! 5555555

I usually end up with mine on four empty bensaaaaaaaaans ciggie boxes with a USB fan on it.

The ice cube method failed miserably and wan't covered on the warranty!

what about a couple of BG's blowing with ice cubes? you were almost there!

Raw · #10 15-12-2007, 23:34

bought one from the shop in big c,they do have a few models available the last time I went there.
Uses the usb port to power up the fan,
Happy enough with it.

Nicke · #11 15-12-2007, 23:39

My old notebook had heating problems so when I bought my new one I also bought a cooling pad with 2 fans underneath, mostly because I use the notebook a lot in bed. The fans is not running right now thought, as I only have 2 USB ports used for other things at the moment.

It still leaves some air underneath and no problems so far.

From Digital Channel at ground floor, BigC.

Capt. Fantastic · #12 15-12-2007, 23:48

A less-mechanical approach might be to explore why the beast is running so hot in the first place. More than likely you have dozens of programs running "in the background" which you do not need.

This requires a smidgen of work on your part...

However, go to the Computer Management snap-in in the M$ Management Console. You get there by left clicking on the Windoze key, then right clicking on the My Computer icon therein. Find Manage and left click thereon.

Expand Services and Applications, then expand Services. This will list all of the programs running as, well, services.

Go through the list, identify those you do not need, then set the Status to Stop for those you suspect you could live without. If something breaks then turn the service back on. Once you have identified a list of superfluous services set the Startup Type to Manual.

Once things are cleaned up you will notice that the computer boots much faster. Also, runs cooler as long as last longer on the battery. You might even find that you are acquiring fewer cyberslugs since Services tend to have root access to the system.

SiamGecko · #13 15-12-2007, 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. Fantastic

This requires a smidgen of work on your part...

I'm a certified Microsoft systems engineer, so I've that part covered already I think

Some laptops do run hotter than others, mines one of them. Cooling will not hurt so I'll give it a go.

Nicke · #14 15-12-2007, 23:59

I was a MCSE 10 years ago

For Windows NT environment, anyone remember? lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiamGecko

I'm a certified Microsoft systems engineer, so I've that part covered already I think

Some laptops do run hotter than others, mines one of them. Cooling will not hurt so I'll give it a go.

Capt. Fantastic · #15 16-12-2007, 00:00

I stand corrected.

I am an MCSE (NT4, Server 2003), CCNP, and LPIC 1,2. And a degreed (real, as in accredited bachelor of science) engineer. Just thought I could be of some help.

Now I know better.

SiamGecko · #16 16-12-2007, 00:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

I was a MCSE 10 years ago

For Windows NT environment, anyone remember? lol.

NT !! those were the days

SiamGecko · #17 16-12-2007, 00:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. Fantastic

I stand corrected.

I am an MCSE (NT4, Server 2003), CCNP, and LPIC 1,2. And a degreed (real, as in accredited bachelor of science) engineer. Just thought I could be of some help.

Now I know better.

I wasn't turning it into a pi$$ing contest, hence the smilie at the end. Appreciate the reply, but the question was about buying laptop cooling solutions, not configuring Windows.

kiro · #18 16-12-2007, 16:57

Well Captn Fantastic at least you helped me!!!! that boot time became a realy annoyance and now I am back to something more reasonable. THX

SiamGecko · #19 16-12-2007, 17:41

Picked up a "Notebook Cooler Pad" in Big C.

So far seems to be a 10 Deg C drop in both CPU and HDD which is close to 20%.

I think it's actually more down to the improved airflow around the unit than the fans. If I turn the fans off the temp only creeps up a couple of degrees.

Well worth the 500Bt for me, and now have a funky blue glow for my night-time browsing!

SirDougless · #20 16-12-2007, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. Fantastic

I stand corrected.

I am an MCSE (NT4, Server 2003), CCNP, and LPIC 1,2. And a degreed (real, as in accredited bachelor of science) engineer. Just thought I could be of some help.

Now I know better.

I thought you were on the money CF! An easier solution is the SysInternals suite of software (now owned by MS) which will help there. AutoRuns is the program from memeory, however, unless you have a piece of sh1t I wouldn't worry. Laptops are designed to run hot (so the last place you need them is near your crown jewels) and most of the heat is from the battery when the laptop is plugged in to the power. If it heats up inside you will hear the CPU fan cut in.

SiamGecko · #21 16-12-2007, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirDougless

I thought you were on the money CF! An easier solution is the SysInternals suite of software (now owned by MS) which will help there. AutoRuns is the program from memeory, however, unless you have a piece of sh1t I wouldn't worry. Laptops are designed to run hot (so the last place you need them is near your crown jewels) and most of the heat is from the battery when the laptop is plugged in to the power. If it heats up inside you will hear the CPU fan cut in.

I disagree, laptops are note designed to run hot, it's a symptom of cramming so many heat producing components into the smallest area possible.

For me the heat is coming from the hard disk not the battery. I don't run on batteries at all, so it's never near my 'crown jewels' thankfully. Can't wait for the SSD's to become the standard and not pay a premium for. That will cut down the heat from laptops immensely, which is why there is such a buzz about them right now.

Denver · #22 16-12-2007, 23:20

AMD processors run far hotter than the Pentium dual core ones.............Impressed with my knowledge................So am I!

It's just been on the telly.

ATMwalking · #23 17-12-2007, 02:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiamGecko

I disagree, laptops are note designed to run hot, it's a symptom of cramming so many heat producing components into the smallest area possible.

Cramming stuff into a small portable package is what makes it a laptop. Because that is necessary, they have to design them to deal with the heat.

My MacBook Pro is built to deal with the heat outside in. The reason it is aluminum is to transfer the heat away from the internal components. This way the fan rarely has to kick in and it is ultra silent. Down side is you can cook your breakfast on the bottom of the unit. But that is the design.

FYI, the cheapest solution I've seen on the island was some guy glued big rubber feet to the bottom of his laptop. So he went with the increased airflow solution.