Thermaltake iXoft Laptop Cooling Pad Reviewed
I have owned just about every laptop under the sun and I have yet to find one that didn’t burn the flesh off of my legs when I tried to use it as a true LAPTOP… that is until now. I can finally use my sofa to work on and not just for naps or the occasional amorous evening thanks to the Thermaltake iXoft notebook cooling pad.
After a couple of evenings with both notebook and iXoft on my lap, the difference is most definitely noticeable. Although of course having a bulky object in your lap means your legs will never get anything but warm, the effect of the heat being radiated from the notebook onto your lap is basically removed entirely - You simply don’t feel that direct heat any more.
The iXoft has an odd name its technology is odder. I’m no scientist, but it appears that the concept behind the use of this material is that sodium sulphate decahydrate crystals (Say that 3 times fast, I dare you) decompose at a relatively low temperature (33 degrees Celsius according to a quick Google) into a salt, which I would assume then gives it a great surface area to absorb heat, taking it away from the notebook and allowing it to be dispersed back into the air.
The rear of the iXoft uses a somewhat non-slip surface, meaning that you should be safe using this product in conjunction with your notebook on top of a table or other smooth surface without worrying too much about your precious equipment sliding to the floor, and almost certain doom.
Thankfully, the iXoft itself is also comfortable and flexible enough to sit happily on your lap alongside the notebook, to the point where you really don’t notice it’s there aside from the lack of heat being forced onto you by cooling fans. Even without taking the temperature reduction exhibited when using the iXoft into account, this point alone may well make this cooler an intriguing prospect for some.
Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best, and in this regard Thermaltake’s iXoft really seems to come up trumps. It’s nothing bulky, with no requirement to plug in fans or the like via USB - It’s just a mat with some very smart cooling properties.There are other notebook coolers that can reduce temperatures further and faster than the iXoft, but almost certainly not by such passive and portable means.
The portability and potential to get the job done without draining your notebook batteries is most welcome. The focus of the iXoft is clearly not on desktop replacement notebooks where you might be worried about performance and overclockability from a cooling solution, but rather the average notebook user who wants comfort and ease of use when they work on their machine.
For me, the big win for the iXoft is that it makes using a notebook on your lap comfortable again, after having to put up with searing heat, sweating legs and discomfort.
The Thermaltake iXoft is available from $22.99 online and at many retailers.
Pros:
» Surprisingly effective laptop cooling
» No fans, no noise
» No power required
» Lightweight and foldable
Cons:
» Not the cheapest solution
» Takes longer to cool than some coolers with fans
Features:
» Fanless design for absolute silence
» Heatshift Technology.
» Light weight for easy transportation and carrying (only 640g).
» Soft and durable material.
» Works with 12†to 17†notebooks
» Does not require power so your Notebook’s battery will last longer.