Originally posted on June 27, 2011 @ 9:15 am
We may all have different preferences when it comes to laptop brands, models, and specifications, but I am pretty sure that we can agree on one thing – not having a device so hot that one could fry an egg on it. While most laptop manufacturers work hard at making sure that their devices do not overheat, there certainly are instances when a HOT laptop cannot be avoided. I only need to think of playing The Sims 3, and my laptop would start smoking. Then there’s converting movie files. There are so many things that one can do to make that temperature monitor skyrocket, and one has to be careful not to hurt one’s self!
That’s why laptop stands/coolers have become rather popular, and manufacture Logitech is definitely at the top of their game when it comes to accessories. They recently announced the newest item in their laptop stand/cooler line – the Logitech Cooling Pad N200. Dubbed the “coolest laptop companion around” – no doubt pun intended – I think the N200 has two things going for it.
- One, it has a virtually silent fan. Who wants the steady buzzing noise of a fan when you’re working on a silent laptop? Even on the higher speed (the N200 has two speed settings), the fan doesn’t make much noise. Or at least it’s not supposed to.
- Two, it is energy efficient. As with most other laptop stands/coolers, the N200 is powered via USB. The last thing you want is to have a stand that will suck up all the juice when you’re not connected to the socket. The N200 is supposed to use minimal power, and with the 2-speed setting, you can further control just how much power it consumes.
On the other hand, I am not too convinced about the looks of the N200.
While it does look handy enough, I am not really attracted to the N200. I am not saying it’s ugly – far from that – but it just doesn’t do it for me. Another thing is that the N200 can only accommodate laptops which are up to 16 inches. While my laptop is only 13 inches, I can’t help but think that Logitech could easily have gone to 17 inches. What does a 1-inch difference make?
In any case, the N200 looks like a viable option if you are in the market for a laptop cooling stand. It’s available on a pre-order basis on the Logitech web site for only $29.99.