Introduction

As our desire to take computer gaming mobile increases in unison with the advancing technologies of today’s computer world, there is always one negative factor that increases as well—heat. Many of today’s notebooks, especially the larger gaming rigs that are often comparable in power and features of full-sized desktop computers, pump out enormous amounts of heat that ends up drastically increasing the chassis temperature and often decreasing performance. The LapCool 3 from Vantec presents a formidable solution to that problem and through minimalism and meticulous design allows any notebook user to cool their machine and maintain the performance that is expected.

First Looks

The packaging for third version of the LapCool notebook cooler was skimpier in comparison to its bulky predecessors. It arrived sealed in a hard plastic heat-sealed case containing only the cooler, a bright orange display label, and the power cord. In comparison, the packaging for the original LapCool that I own was a much beefier cardboard box emphasizing the fact that it was built with rigor and a true ability to cool. However, it is obvious that over time the LapCool has been streamlined in turned simply into a cooler and built only to be small and unobtrusive.

I was initially a bit shocked to find that the LapCool 3 was only a cooler. The original LapCool that I owned and have used constantly for a solid year includes a built-in USB hub in the back, a power switch and adjustable fan speed control, and an electrical power adapter. This version however simply uses a USB cord to provide power and has absolutely no control over the speed or on/off function of the fan. In addition it does not have a USB or any other features beyond simply spinning fans.