About Laptop Cooling Fans

Laptop cooling fans can help protect your laptop computer from overheating. Chances are that your laptop already has one or more installed. However, there are many other cooling options that you can use to increase your comfort and to protect your laptop.

Types

There are two basic types of laptop cooling fans. One is installed inside the computer, near the central processing unit or graphics processing unit. The other type is a stand or pad that contains a fan. Internal fans are essential for keeping your laptop from melting down. Laptop cooling stands and pads are optional. If you run your laptop for hours at a time, they can be a wise investment.

Features

Internal fans are quite small and inexpensive. However, since laptops are hard to upgrade, the installation of an internal cooling fan is not for amateurs. Laptop cooling pads and stands come in a many different shapes and sizes. The typical laptop cooling stand has two fans for more even cooling. Many are streamlined or have ergonomic design features. For example, you may be able to tilt the stand upward to a comfortable angle. There are also stands that come with a USB hub for your peripheral devices. Also, some stands get their power from the USB port, so that you don't have to plug them into an outlet.

Benefits

Laptop cooling fans can not only protect your laptop, but they can also protect your lap from being burned. They can also help to prevent heat damage to your furniture. A laptop stand or mat can place your computer at a more convenient and ergonomically correct position, preventing neck and back strain.

Considerations

Heat can damage components, as well as shorten the computer's lifespan. By getting proper cooling for the computer, you will save more than you spend over the long term. However, all laptop cooling fans are not created equal; cheaper ones may break easily.

Prevention/Solution

Check online shopping comparison sites for cooling stands. Many cooling fans are very inexpensive, yet effective.

Resources

• Laptop cooling fans on Google Shopping

Photo Credit

http://www.sxc.hu pawel_231

[hahyonhwatha]

on 3/26/2009 sorry, forgot link.Here's a solution with hobby store materials. hahyonhwathahttp://1journey.net/1candle/cp/cooling.htm

[hahyonhwatha]

on 3/26/2009 nice summary article. especially the ergonometrics. but there is a flaw in the fan applications here. All laptops have the same design fault. The cooling port is blocked off by lap, pillow, rug etc. Cooling Stands help, but not because of their fans. The small "centrifugal fans" necessarily suck in their centre and blow on their perimeter. The CPU fan sucks air from directly beneath up into the laptop and out the sides. A Cooling Stand fan sucks down and sideways from the same space the laptop is trying to suck up. This doesn't help. It takes power and makes noise. However the Stand does solve the real problem but doesn't need the fan to do it. It conveniently and cheaply makes sure the normal laptop cooling air passage is not impeded.Here's a solution with hobby store materials.