Product Review: Microsoft Notebook Cooling Base

I have an older model Dell laptop computer that gets really hot. Sometimes it becomes so hot to the touch that I cannot have it on my lap for fear of burning my skin. This heat really defeats the purpose and function of a notebook or laptop computer.

Since I did not want to invest money to purchase a newer computer, I decided to look into inexpensive cooling options. My purchase: Microsoft's slick new Notebook Cooling Base in hot pink.

Notebook Cooling Base Specifications
The contoured cooling base is powered via a USB cable that you connect to your notebook or laptop computer. This cable makes the cooling base very portable, and I like not dealing with AC adapters or batteries. The device cools your computer via a single fan and an efficient cooling channel to draw the heat away.

The unit is very lightweight and thin. You can place your laptop or notebook computer directly onto the cooling base and set it on your lap to work without fear of overheating. Optionally, you can flip down the desk stand if you want to use the unit on a surface other than your lap. The top surface has 2 grippers so that your computer will not shift around. The unit base is black and contains the desk stand and 2 grippers.

Width: about 11.4 inches
Length: about 11.4 inches

Does the Notebook Cooling Base Work?
I was pleasantly surprised to find that Microsoft has created a cooling base that does work on my old laptop reliably. I have tested it over several weeks and multiple hours per day without a single heat-related crash. Before I used the cooling base, my laptop would crash due to heat at least once per day.

I highly recommend this cooling base for your notebook or laptop computer, particularly if you have an older model that is prone to overheating. It is comfortable, inexpensive, and very portable. I do not even hear the fan running so noise is not an issue with this device.

I tested my husband's MacBook on my new hot pink cooling base. Although he is not wild for my color choice, we did find that it could work for the MacBook. The MacBook is slightly wider than the base so it did overhang on each side. Although the MacBook does not suffer from a heating issue, the base was comfortable to use in both the lap and desktop positions.

Where to Purchase Microsoft's Notebook Cooling Base
I purchased my base at a local Target store for $24.99. I had a choice of a few different colors including black, silver, white, and pink. If your local Target store does not carry the notebook cooling base, you can preorder it from Amazon.com for $29.99 or search for a local retailer using your zip code on Microsoft's Hardware website.