Macsimum review: laptop users can Chill out with this Targus mat
It's designed to maximize notebook performance by keeping the laptop cool while you're using it, thanks to two fans that generate cool air. Four rubber feet are designed to keep your laptop from slipping -- even if you're using a 17-inch MacBook Pro that's a bit bigger than the mat itself.
The Chill Mat is small enough (15.2 x 11.2 x 1.5 inches) that it travels reasonably well. And it plugs directly into your laptop's USB port, so no AC adapter is required (in fact, one doesn't even come with the Chill Mat).
The Targus device features a white plastic top with mesh-like circular vent holes that let air circulate around your MacBook, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. The bottom of the Chill Mat is made of a soft, fabric mesh that facilitates air flow. Inside this chassis are two small fans that blow cool air directly onto the laptop. These fans run with surprising quietness.
There are some downsides to the Chill Mat. You'll have to sacrifice a valuable USB port to use it. You can run the Chill Mat from a hub, as well, but to me that's totally unpractical. Also, based on my estimates, drawing USB power will shave 2-3 minutes per hour off your laptop's battery life. But that's not bad at all, considering the benefit. And it does have a power on/off button, so you can turn the Chill Matt on and off as needed.
At US$29.95, the Chill Mat is a reasonably priced solution. Especially since its price has dropped by 20 bucks since it was first introduced.
Macsimum rating: 9 out of 10
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