I've only had my mac for about 2 weeks,and was thinking about using one of those chill mats.

Check this one out... notice the fan placement is right up front.

www.targus.com

I like that one. And since all of these things are USB powered and I don't want to give up a USB port to power it, I found this nice little item:

www.thinkgeek.com

I always bring a powerstrip so using this will be no issues at all. And I don;t have to worry about a possible USB power drain. I already have external power supplies for my SL1 and my Trigger Finger.

I read some reviews on Amazon about it and they loved it except for one thing. It is angled slightly and when placed on a flat surface, the laptop slides a bit downward. Not good for using it on my uberstand.

Back to looking for something else.

From my understanding and experience it is not a good idea to use a cooling fan but best to elevate the machine. Cooling fans can add to the dust problem which as we all know is electronics worst enemy (outside of a spilled vodka tonic).

Very true. I am looking at a thermal pad. I have a call in to a Physics professor to see if this really works or is just marketing crap.

If this works, it's better than a fan cooling system

www.thermapak.com

I'm considering making a fan colling device that would allow me to place the MBP directly on the Uberstand, and attach the cooler underneath it. I need to check how much clearance I have, and also to keep the exhausted air away from the mixer and SL3.
I'd want to keep a low profile with it, but also make it look good.

If it looks like it will work, I'll try to design it and test it out.

I guess this has sound principle behind it. Something else to think about.

I velcroed my cooling pad directly to my laptop so it doesn't fall off my uberstand... works like a charm

Yea, I just cannot bring myself to sticking velco on my laptop

don't worry, it's aluminum.... any glue residue will come right off

i figure glue residue is better than it hitting the deck at a greasy bar

true dat!

you can always get a hardshell cover for your laptop and add velcro to that.
i did for my mac. protects it from scratches plus you can customize them.
i really don't like that glowing mac symbol and think stickers on a mac itself is tacky. so i just add whatever to the shell...the ladies love the fur lined one. lol

Fur and laptop? Heat and dust?...

is there any that aren't usb powered bc then id go for one

usb is just 5V dc.... find a universal adaptor and ur good to go.... I feed mine 9V when converting videos - superspeed!

I have the same exact mat by Targus. Works great and no power! You feel all hard crystals when you first get it out and after i'm done playing it's very soft & warm. It just soaks up the heat.

What does it keep your temperature down to?

Yeah. It soaks up the heat your lappy puts out and keeps it in the mat. I'd say it takes off around 50% of the heat or so. Maybe even more. My MBP isn't hot to the touch. It does get a little warm though. But you really feel it in the mat as soon as you shut down and put your lappy away.

Thanks. I like this option because of the no power feature :)

Yeah and it fits in the lappy bag right behind my MBP. Really easy transport. Make sure you use it once at home first. Because it comes all folded up and wrinkled, so you'll want to distribute all the crystals evenly so your lappy doesn't sit all funny. ;)

Any of you guys using some of those applications for monitoring the heat of your laptop. I noticed quite a few of them out there, but haven't downloaded one yet.

I still haven't tried my idea yet. I came up with a few different designs and went to buy the supplies this past weekend, but one of the stores was closed Sat and Sun. I have the fans and usb cables, I just need the materials for the body. It looks like I should be able to do it for less than $20.

I will most likely hold off on it till after Aug 1st. I have a major deadline for class this Friday, and the final presentation is next Friday (7/31).

If you are on a mac get istat. It is the best thing out there.

Word... thanks for the info.