Targus ChillHub Laptop USB 2.0 Cooling Pad Review
Written by Kelly Frankson   
Saturday, 28 January 2006
Is your laptop overused? Does it overheat, slowdown or freeze? Are you running out of USB ports? If so the Targus ChillHub Laptop cooling pad may be the answer you have been looking for.

I previously did a review on a portable lap top desk, which I loved and still use to this day, so I was excited to test out another innovative cooling system and see how it compares.

About Targus

Targus is the leading global supplier of mobile computing cases and accessories. They are a global company who strives to enhance lifestyles by offering innovative and quality products, as well as continuing to listen and respond to customers.

Performance

The Laptop ChillHub is easy to set up. All you have to do is plug it in to where your laptop usually sits and you are ready to go. Unlike the portable lap top desk, the Laptop ChillHub is a stationary device. Your laptop simply sits on top and remains connected by the USB port. The four extra USB ports on the device is a great advantage to Tablet PC users who have limited ports available. You can leave you mouse, keyboard, and any other peripherals plugged into the device allowing you to just pick up your laptop and go in a moments notice.

However, in my testing, I did find a flaw with this logic. For some reason, the device does not recognize my mouse. The ports themselves were working as they recognized USB storage devices and other peripherals, but it refused to acknowledge my mouse which I had to leave plugged into the laptop itself.

Features

• Prevents overheating: Two-fan cooling system pulls heat away from the laptop and prevents the CPU form overheating during use.
• Protects your workspace: High-heat generating laptops can damage furniture surfaces; the ChillHub protects furniture from heat damage
• Expands your capabilities: True plug and play for up to 4 USB 2.0 devices lice mice, keyboard, memory drives, lights, PDAs, etc.
• Limited One-Year Warranty

Specifications and System Requirements

• Dimensions: 11.75” x 9” x 0.8” (29.85 x 22.86x 2.03cm)
• Net weight: 19oz (510g) without AC adapter
• Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, or WP
• USB Port

Conclusion

Retailing for $59.99 USD it’s a pretty good deal, but I am not completely convinced necessary. My portable Laptop Desk seems to do the job of cooling my computer and protecting work surfaces just fine by simply letting the air flow through at a much lower cost. But the extra USB ports are an advantage and something that I will use whenever I am home.

More information on Targus and its products can be found at: www.targus.com

Pros

• Easy to set up, light, space efficient
• Extra USB ports. Perfect for a tablet PC that has limited room on its own.
• Don’t need to unplug everything when its time to go, simply leave the mouse and keyboard plugged into the ChillHub and only take what you need.
• Prior to using a Portable Lap Top Desk, my overworked laptop would overheat constantly, since I have had the Laptop ChillHub, it hasn’t froze once.

Cons

• Has to be plugged in to work, may not be as useful for the laptop users always on the move.
• Noise, the constant sound of a fan turning can get on some peoples nerves.

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