What do I need to look for in a cooling pad for a laptop?

[BC]

I saw a couple Targus brand (I think that was it) yesterday, one being $50 & the other $30. The $50 one had 4 usb ports and the other one did not. There was another one that looked like some sort of mesh material that was bigger, but looked rather strange to me. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Headed to Best Buy this morning!

 

[C.Ann]

It's too bad you don't live in my area - I would give you the one I have.. Used it twice and no longer need it..

I really don't think you need anything terribly expensive - or fancy - DD has one that cost quite a bit more than mine and it's no better or worse..

Good luck with your shopping! Oh - and did you get the cordless mouse?

 

[BC]

Going to pick it up today also, thank you. I think I am going with the Logitech V450 Nano, although no one ever answered me back as to what the Nano part means. I am a retailer's dream, as I think I have to have all the bells and whistles. The guy at the store said you can leave the little plug in there all the time so it is always ready for the mouse. Do you know if that is true?

 

[mickilee]

yes u can leave it plugged in all the time.
Nano just means the usb plug part is small.. fancy name for it i guess.

depends if u want all the usb ports. Do u need the extra ports?

 

[BC]

she has a wireless printer, so I am not sure. Can you tell I am not computer savvy!!

 

[OK!]

I'd opt for either getting the one with extra ports or just getting something like a 4-port hub. If she has an older laptop, it might not have very many USB ports to begin with, and the cooling pad and wireless mouse will take up 2 of them. On my mom's latop, for example (an older Dell), that would be all of the available ports. Toss in something like an iPod or phone that's capable of synching with the laptop via USB, camera connection, etc. ...all of those also require USB ports. Obviously, they don't all have to be plugged in all the time, but it gets to be quite the PITA to have to keep juggling devices when you need to connect something new.

Have fun shopping! Oh, and FTR, I have the Microsoft cooling pad that Target sells for something like $40. I liked it because a) it works, and b) it's hot pink. It's all about aesthetics with me.