Review: RoadTools Traveler CoolPad

As portable computers get cheaper, smaller, thinner, and more powerful, something else increases – heat. So much, in fact, that many, including Apple’s PowerBooks, are too hot to use on your lap for long periods of time. If they’re this hot on your lap, how hot do they actually get on your desk?

PowerBooks get quite hot, especially in regions around the hard drive and processor. iBooks don’t get nearly as hot, but may still get over the 100 degree mark. Obviously, this doesn’t seem good for hardware, and with many using notebooks as their primary computers, a few solutions have been developed.

RoadTools CoolPad

The CoolPads by RoadTools are both well-respected, and probably the best remedy for this. With these being sold at Apple Stores, Staples, and in many catalogs, it is not hard to obtain one.

SchwarzTech’s review model was a white Traveler CoolPad. This simple, trapezoid shaped plastic item fits under a portable computer and increases airflow. It also will tilt the keyboard at an angle, similar in fashion to the flip-down feet found on older PowerBooks. Improved is the typing angle, and as a nice visual effect, gives the effect of your computer “floating” on your desk.

Usability, the CoolPads are excellent. Pivoting allows easier access to ports, PC Card slots, and more without having to actually move the laptop. It also allows showing off screen contents to others by just turning the computer. The feet on the bottom and the feet that touch the computer grip and grip well. Using the Traveler on an airplane tray table or any other small, slick surface makes sure the computer will not slide. It also fits nicely in a standard, generic laptop bag.

The CoolPad feels very solid and makes having a hot iBook a lot easier to live with. These CoolPads are backed well, too – lifetime guarantee and a 30-day money back guarantee.

If your iBook/PowerBook/or (cough) PC laptop is hot enough to cook on, we suggest some sort of solution. For $20, the Traveler CoolPad is not only reasonably priced, but has some added usefulness, and a solid guarantee.