Targus AWE55AU Lap Chill Mat

Owned for a day, consider this review first impressions. - Fan is powered by USB cable. has an OK length to plug into the left or back of laptop. - Fits my 15.6" gaming laptop OK. - If there is not a lot of grip on the bottom of the laptop could see this sliding around as other reviews have said. My laptop was designed with 'shoe like grip' on most of the bottom and can still slide if not positioned well. - Fans are relatively loud in my opinion - not measured but if relative silence is what you're looking for you will find this too loud, louder than a modern laptop at idle significantly but you always have the option of unplugging it when not under load - As other reviewer has mentioned the structure does not feel very strong but holds my laptop OK even when ... MoreOwned for a day, consider this review first impressions. - Fan is powered by USB cable. has an OK length to plug into the left or back of laptop. - Fits my 15.6" gaming laptop OK. - If there is not a lot of grip on the bottom of the laptop could see this sliding around as other reviews have said. My laptop was designed with 'shoe like grip' on most of the bottom and can still slide if not positioned well. - Fans are relatively loud in my opinion - not measured but if relative silence is what you're looking for you will find this too loud, louder than a modern laptop at idle significantly but you always have the option of unplugging it when not under load - As other reviewer has mentioned the structure does not feel very strong but holds my laptop OK even when resting my hands on the laptop. - Note the weight of this item if it is a concern for you - its not that light. - The main draw of this item for me was the fact it can cool the laptop and you can use it in your lap on the sofa or whereever - it is OK for that, completely solid on the bottom but ventilated surface on the top. I did not find cooling mats that clearly advertise sofa use as being supported that looked as good as this. - The cooling fan performance is not great for my laptop (g533qr) in a stress test it only lowered GPU / CPU temps under load from 86.7c/74.8c to 84c/72.3c and frame rates were only 5% more stable (tested via 3d mark) - better than nothing but there is noise that comes with it. My laptop is new so cooling performance is as good as it can be. Overall I expected better cooling performance and noise, but there aren't a lot of options (that I could find) if you're looking for cooling and sofa use. Unless you're gaming or doing other workloads that require a lot of resources (video editing / rendering) I would use a regular laptop tray without any cooling at all. If you are gaming or doing heavy workloads at a desk there are plenty more cooling pads better than this.

Came Damaged

It would have been a good chill mat if it hadn't been damaged in shipment. There was a big hole and rip in the box and a plastic piece was snapped off the upper right hand side of the chill pad. The mat must be somewhat tough because looking at the box it should have had much more damage on it. It was surprising how little packing was in the box. Otherwise, I believe it is a good strong chill mat.

Does what I need it to

This chill mat is used for a large gaming laptop, that is still very new. When not in use, the usb cord is tucked into a special spot in the unit it's not just laying out there. It looks as if you can plug the usb into either the left side of your computer, or the right. The bottom of this chill mat is neoprene so I havent had any issues with it sliding away from me on the desk, so that is also a perk compared to chill mats I have had in the past. It is not very quiet, but it's not what I would call noisy either. It sounds just barely louder than the typing of the keys. It has been doing it's job. One thing that I was really surprised about was the fact that even though my laptop was closed and asleep (not shut down), and thankfully plugged in, the chill mat was ... MoreThis chill mat is used for a large gaming laptop, that is still very new. When not in use, the usb cord is tucked into a special spot in the unit it's not just laying out there. It looks as if you can plug the usb into either the left side of your computer, or the right. The bottom of this chill mat is neoprene so I havent had any issues with it sliding away from me on the desk, so that is also a perk compared to chill mats I have had in the past. It is not very quiet, but it's not what I would call noisy either. It sounds just barely louder than the typing of the keys. It has been doing it's job. One thing that I was really surprised about was the fact that even though my laptop was closed and asleep (not shut down), and thankfully plugged in, the chill mat was still going. When I opened my laptop to start up, it turned off for a split second, then ran again. So this might be something that you keep a look out for if your computer is running but not plugged in.

Functional

I purchased this a number of years ago. And the first thing I did was disassemble and flip the fans over so they blow air into the intake. Instead of drawing air away from the intake. It makes no sense to me to have the CPU fan drawing air through the intake while the "Chill Mat" is pulling air away from the intake. The fans were effectively fighting each other. I'm about to remove the original fans, integrate a USB hub and install higher flowing/quieter fans. One of my laptops has (2) USB ports. Which makes things a little inconvenient at times.

Good size, price and comfort.

Reasonable price. Good size. Comfortable. Cooling fans work well, not too loud. Adequately sturdy so far, but hard to judge in the short term. Laptop slips off surface too often. Raised tabs need to be bigger to keep laptop securely on pad. Other than that, meets my needs and expectations.

It technically works

So here's the thing, it's a cheap plastic laptop mat. It keeps my hot laptop off my legs, which is the bare minimum it needs to do, and about all its capable of. The fans are very quiet, because they don't do anything. I've moved more air with a fart than these fans-- two of them!-- can push. I have noticed precisely zero difference in temperature with the fans on vs off, so I just leave it unplugged-- not worth dealing with the extra USB plug jutting out the side of my computer. Also, the fans only hit the top third of the cooler. If your computer builds up heat anywhere else, it will stay hot. The construction overall is... not good. The plastic is cheap and very flimsy, I feel like I'm going to snap it every time I pick it up. The edges of the plastic that meet ... MoreSo here's the thing, it's a cheap plastic laptop mat. It keeps my hot laptop off my legs, which is the bare minimum it needs to do, and about all its capable of. The fans are very quiet, because they don't do anything. I've moved more air with a fart than these fans-- two of them!-- can push. I have noticed precisely zero difference in temperature with the fans on vs off, so I just leave it unplugged-- not worth dealing with the extra USB plug jutting out the side of my computer. Also, the fans only hit the top third of the cooler. If your computer builds up heat anywhere else, it will stay hot. The construction overall is... not good. The plastic is cheap and very flimsy, I feel like I'm going to snap it every time I pick it up. The edges of the plastic that meet the fabric are very sharp. They also happen to be the only edges which come into contact with your skin. All the edges on the *inside* of the mat are nicely rounded off, very pleasant, but when you put it on your lap, it digs into your skin. The fabric is also terrible. It feels like the cheap microfiber that makes my skin crawl. I was hoping for a nice, soft surface that's comfortable to use on a bare lap. No such luck. Additionally, the rubber feet on the top of the mat that are supposed to hold your laptop in place... don't. It might just be my particular computer, but it's all but impossible to use this thing in any position other than sitting flat on a stable surface. I really wish I'd paid more for something nicer. As it stands, I guess I'm making a new fabric cover, shaving down the edges, replacing the fans, and installing a fan control circuit.

Just what I needed!

Since I've been working from home for the past year, I've had my laptop on a stand to help with airflow. However, it would still routinely overheat. So this is the first chill mat I've owned, but it seems pretty great so far! Absolutely helps keep my laptop much cooler, and the fan is as quiet as possible (a little quieter than the laptop fan when it overheats). I usually only use it on my desk, but it seems comfortable enough on my lap. Really glad I decided to trust the reviews and order this! Hopefully it keeps my work laptop lasting a while. I use several applications and am often constantly clicking away. Once we go back in the office, I will likely bring it there, or possibly buy another for the office.

Overpriced but solves a single probl;em pretty wel

Way too expensive for what it is, which is just plastic and foam rubber. I bought a solid aluminum one for half the price (but inventory is now empty). The good: - solid surfaces on top and bottom, so it does perform as advertised, a true "laptop" incline stand. Most other stands have four feet at best on the bottom, meaning they are only good for tabletop use. The bad: - The bottom, which is for use on your lap or a pillow when you're on a bed or sofa, is rubbery foam with a hard plastic edge on the left and right sides. That's fine, but, try putting it on a desk or table, and the hard plastic edges are now the only contact surface, and you have an ice skate under your laptop! So, this does NOT really perform well as an incline stand on a desk. The ugly: - sure, ... MoreWay too expensive for what it is, which is just plastic and foam rubber. I bought a solid aluminum one for half the price (but inventory is now empty). The good: - solid surfaces on top and bottom, so it does perform as advertised, a true "laptop" incline stand. Most other stands have four feet at best on the bottom, meaning they are only good for tabletop use. The bad: - The bottom, which is for use on your lap or a pillow when you're on a bed or sofa, is rubbery foam with a hard plastic edge on the left and right sides. That's fine, but, try putting it on a desk or table, and the hard plastic edges are now the only contact surface, and you have an ice skate under your laptop! So, this does NOT really perform well as an incline stand on a desk. The ugly: - sure, you could flip it over and use the "top" as the bottom on a desk; there are four TINY little rubber grommets used to grip the laptop, and they sort of serve as grips when used upside down. BUT, then your laptop is sitting on a thick piece of rubbery foam! Not exactly cooling! - the incline angle is really very poor for use on a desk or tabletop. Much too shallow, practically no angle at all. Conclusion: If you REALLY need a cooling pad for when you are sitting on a sofa or a bed, and your laptop is overheating when sitting on your lap, or a blanket, or a pillow, then yes, this fits the bill and will solve your problems. But if you're looking for a dual-use incline stand, that you can carry to a desk and continue to use as an incline stand, you will be disappointed with the results. A very expensive solution to a very singular problem. You decide it it's worth it. I kept mine and gave it to my son, who is ALWAYS on the bed with his laptop and it's overheating!

Similar design to previous but with some changes

I had gotten this model several years ago. It claims a 17 inch laptop will it on it. While technically true it doesn't take into account that modern 17 inch laptops have wide screen displays which means a couple of inches on either side will be overhanging the chill mat. But the core area will be cooled by the fans. When I first got mine a 17 inch laptop had a square-ish 4:3 aspect ratio. And while I only used it on my 15.6 inch laptops (16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio machines) it was good at keeping them cool. There is a definite audible sound coming from the fans while they're in use. Once the cable is plugged into a powered USB type A port the fans immediately go to work. Their speed is not adjustable. If using this in quiet places or while watching a movie it isn't ... MoreI had gotten this model several years ago. It claims a 17 inch laptop will it on it. While technically true it doesn't take into account that modern 17 inch laptops have wide screen displays which means a couple of inches on either side will be overhanging the chill mat. But the core area will be cooled by the fans. When I first got mine a 17 inch laptop had a square-ish 4:3 aspect ratio. And while I only used it on my 15.6 inch laptops (16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio machines) it was good at keeping them cool. There is a definite audible sound coming from the fans while they're in use. Once the cable is plugged into a powered USB type A port the fans immediately go to work. Their speed is not adjustable. If using this in quiet places or while watching a movie it isn't loud enough to interfere or be a nuisance. More like the sound a desktop oscillating fan might make. I'm testing it out in my home that doesn't have central air conditioning. No A/C in the home office. So far the laptop has shut down automatically a couple of times due to overheating. It might be the fans are smaller than my broken version. Although I have found using the ceiling fan serves to cool both myself and my laptop to a certain extent. Here are the things that have changed since its last iteration: 01) cooling fans are smaller. 02) inner assembly is now held in place with Philips head screws making it easier to take fans out for cleaning, repair, replacement. 03) the neoprene fabric that once enveloped the entire chill mat now covers the upper and lower halves. A seam along the center width of the rear of the chill mat is more evidence the thing can be easily taken apart. 04) the USB 2.0 cable is now centrally located internally

keeps the crown jewels cool

My gaming laptop is well equipped with fans already so I was never worried about cooling issues of my hardware. My PC's fans are plenty powerful, and if manually turned up to maximum effort sound like a f18 powering up to take off the carrier deck. So needless to say, my computer stays plenty cool even under heavy gaming. The max I've seen is 85 degrees out of my GPU. But I along with my wife was concerned with the heat's effect on my little swimmers.. A laptop running at 85 degrees Celsius isn't necessarily comfortable sitting on your lap, and definitely not good for the crown jewels. With this chill mat, it's a win-win situation for me. I keep my laptop a few degrees cooler and get to keep my fertility. The added bonus of the comfortable angle is nice too.