[Zxian]

Well... my girlfriend's Averatec* computer just went to crap. Apparently it's a common problem with her particular model that the area where the power cable plugs in gets very hot - hot to the point where the plastic on the connector tip melted.

Here's a link to the closest model to her laptop - Averatec 3200 Series. The main difference is that her computer is a Mobile Athlon XP 2200+, not the Sempron.

Anyways... it's still under warranty, so she doesn't have to pay to get it fixed. I'm thinking of getting her a laptop cooler of some sort to help the situation when her computer is at home. I was thinking about getting something like the Bytecc TDD-3000, since it's silent, and she likes to keep her computer running during the nights sometimes while downloading. I've got a Targus CoolPad, which does the trick nicely for my Compaq laptop (Pentium-M 1.4GHz), but my laptop doesn't generate nearly as much heat as hers (even after hours of gaming, the bottom of the laptop is warm - not hot).

Does anyone know if the above model is any good or have any suggestions for quiet laptop coolers?

Thanks in advance!

[jcarle]

Honestly, sounds like a manufacturer's deficiency. You may very well have the same problem with a laptop cooler anyway. I'd suggest that you sell that laptop on eBay and buy yourself a used Dell instead.

I've personally owned a Dell Latitude C600 (PIII-1GHz), my girlfriend owns a Dell Inspiron 9300 (P4-2.4GHz) and her mother owns a Dell Inspiron 2200 (P4-?GHz). I've sold quite a few Dell laptops to clients as well. Never had any problems with them. The biggest problem I ever had was a touch pad that was worn out which I replaced with an new original one for $60 CAD.

There's a lot of Dells on eBay and if you shop carefully (or I can shop for you), you can pick up a P4 based Inspiron for less then $600 CAD. There's also a whack loads of accessories and parts for them for cheap on eBay.

[Zxian]

I talked to my girlfriend and she said she'd see how the laptop was when she got it back. I've got a Targus CoolPad for my laptop and it works wonders (highly recommended for anyone with a laptop). I also borrowed a MacMice iBreeze from a neighbour to give my girlfriend to see if it makes any difference.

I've also got the Lapworks LapDesk, which is acutally pretty neat. It folds out to give you a more supportive surface for your laptop (anyone who's tried to balance a 12" laptop on their knees knows what I'm talking about), and can fold up for a stationary stand that raises the screen to a more comfortable level. It's also got cooling channels for more ventilation.

Her stupid ex was with her when she bought it (he did the shopping for her) and he didn't quite understand that when you buy cheap, you usually get cheap.

I'm still curious about the TDD-3000... I'd like to see if it works better than the CoolPad or LapDesk. I haven't had a chance to stick an actual thermometer underneath, but my SMART hard drive runs at about 31C with the LapDesk, and about 29C with the CoolPad, compared to 38C on a flat wooden table surface (my hard drive is in the center of the laptop near the front).

[jcarle]

I'm going to trick out my laptop with LEDs. Right now, it's just an ordinary Lattitude C610, but I'm going to add LEDs around it and make it glow in the dark.

[Zxian]

I don't have that many intake vents to light up with LED's... probably only my speakers, but even then I'm not sure. Ever thought of painting your laptop?

Link

I'm curious about doing it, but I wouldn't want to be without my precious lappy for weeks on end.

[jcarle]

Damned. That's some fine work the guy did on his baby.