Cooling plate worth it for PB 12"?

[munckee]

I've read a lot recently about how hot the 12" powerbook runs. Having just picked one up, I'm a bit concerned about that. Is it worth getting one of those panels with the fans in it to sit the PB on?

 

[Chaszmyr]

Is the PowerBook going to be your main computer? And are you going to be running anything intense? If so, it's not necessary, but not a bad idea. If not, don't worry about it.

 

[munckee]

Is the PowerBook going to be your main computer? And are you going to be running anything intense? If so, it's not necessary, but not a bad idea. If not, don't worry about it.

Yes and yes. Its my main computer and will likely be running all of CS plus firefox, ichat, and maybe itunes (if it will handle all that )

 

[Chaszmyr]

Anything that will hold the bottom of the computer off of the desk surface will help, if you wish to get such a device that includes a fan, feel free to do so.

By the way, I'm sure you've already made all of the decisions about your setup, but for home use, it would be highly advisable to use the PowerBook along with an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. Using the external keyboard and mouse is not only more efficient, but it will make it far less inconvenient to have the computer elevated on some cooling platform.

 

[Shadow]

Sounds like a design flaw to me. Why would Apple sell a laptop that is not capable of cooling itself under heavy load (which being a Pro thing it will be)?
Thats my 2 pennies.

Chris

 

[Chaszmyr]

Sounds like a design flaw to me. Why would Apple sell a laptop that is not capable of cooling itself under heavy load (which being a Pro thing it will be)?
Thats my 2 pennies.

Chris

It's not that the computer isn't capable of cooling itself, but computers run better (and quieter) when the components are cooler. Also, Apple laptops tend to be pretty good about heat dissipation, but as many laptop users know (especially those using small-brand PC laptops) if the computer gets too hot, it freezes and/or randomly turns off. So to rephrase that: Apple deals with it as well as anyone does, but the problem isn't the bad design, it's inconvenient physics..

 

[munckee]

Anything that will hold the bottom of the computer off of the desk surface will help, if you wish to get such a device that includes a fan, feel free to do so.

By the way, I'm sure you've already made all of the decisions about your setup, but for home use, it would be highly advisable to use the PowerBook along with an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. Using the external keyboard and mouse is not only more efficient, but it will make it far less inconvenient to have the computer elevated on some cooling platform.

I'm planning to get a flat screen (dell) as soon as the prices drop or they put out another coupon.