Xena Notebook Coolor Model NCL-220 by Vizo
Features: Drawable SATA 2.5" HDD bay. Includes 3 USB 2.0 ports, dual cooling fans, one-touchh backup of hard drive operation, and an all aluminum housing.
Official Website: http://www.vizo.com.tw/
MSRP: $99.99
Current Price: Search Google |
Pros
- Aluminum housing
- Two 70mm cooling fans
- Fans run quiet
- Independent USB Hub
- LED status indicators
- Simple to use
- Rubber feet to prevent slipping
- Rubber feet also prevents scratching on particular desktops and surfaces
- Quality power adapter
Cons
Observations
- Xena can run with a 17" laptop as well--not just up to 15" as stated by Vizo
- the two 70mm fans run relatively quiet
Suggestions
- Lengthen the screws used to fasten the under-housing to the internal circuit board
- Housing which is attached to the aluminum block could be more solid
- Relocate LED status indicators so they are on the front of the Xena
The Xena Notebook Cooler (NCL-220) is Vizo's answer to how cooling should be designed and dealt with. By providing a solid piece of aluminum to suck the heat out of the laptop, the Xena can effectively transfer heat by conduction. Plastic "Notebook Coolers" are just no match for an aluminum housing. Vizo even goes a step further, and provides a USB hub so the laptop doesn't have to run additional peripherals, thereby reducing the heat which would normally be generated from the laptop having to power those peripherals.
The power adapter is of good quality. I haven't done much checking on the net, but I hope this adapter has optional power plugs available for traveling outside the US. This would make the Xena even more convenient.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The Xena Notebook Cooler operated as expected. With a 17" laptop, I noticed the Xena fans sucking out warm air in about 30 minutes. So, for those who own a 17" laptop and think this will only work for laptops up to 15", you can be pleasantly surprised. I did have a few suggestions and we'll get discuss them...
I noticed on the under-housing of the Xena, the screws used to fasten itself to the internal circuit board, are rather short. It takes not even a full 360-degree turn with a screwdriver, and the screws come off. I'd prefer much longer screws, to secure the board more tightly. The LED status indicators are great, but they are located on the back of the Xena, where my eyes certainly won't be looking most of the time, if only to plug the USB devices and power adapter into. The LED status indicators should be on the front of the Xena, so I can see them and use their convenience. The aluminum block could be attached more solid to the under-housing, but this is more of a personal preference. I don't particularly consider these cons as these problems did not blatantly become obvious.
The Xena Notebook Cooler certainly rivals other so-called notebook coolers. Vizo once again demonstrates its quality product line, and I highly recommend it for your laptop.
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