My Laptop Cooling Pad is Dying…

The under-laptop cooling fan I bought freshman year is dying a slow, slow death. I think the little electric motors are seizing up every couple of rotations, but whatever it is, they’re making some pretty awful noises. At least it was only $20, and since I run it whenever my laptop is on, I’ve gotten plenty of use out of it.

I gave it a pretty thorough cleaning with a brush and compressed air, but it’s still pretty bad. Maybe I should crack open the case and see if one of the fans is out of alignment?

This is what I currently have, although I got an older version that has an AC adapter instead of a USB interface.

This is what I want to replace it with (unfortunately requires Flash, grarr, but that’s a rant for another post). My one concern about the design is the front lip, which blocks the slot-loading drive on my PBG4. However, their box art depicts use with a G4 (presumably due to the stylish metal look), which I find amusing. I think, however, that I can deal with that, since I rarely use CDs or even DVDs, except when I’m on the road. I wouldn’t bring my pad with me in that case. Also, if I did accidentally eject while my laptop’s slot was blocked, I think I’d notice in time to prevent badness.

The only problem is, I won’t really be able to buy it until I get my first summer paycheck. My wonderful spring break trip to New York City cut things a little close. Hopefully my existing cooler will last until then, because otherwise I really can’t leave my computer open all day.

“Enid” from All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001 by Barenaked Ladies