I was browsing the store the other day and saw a cheap laptop cooling pad, and was wondering how beneficial they are.

I have a cheaper laptop (it was only $500), and I don't use it for too much high end gaming. Star Wars The Old Republic, Mass Effect 2, etc (usually on middle graphics settings).

I don't usually use it on my lap, most often on a desk at school, so I was wondering if it's getting enough air / cooling on its own or if having a cooling pad would help it run better and longer.

Thanks.

Now that you've mentioned it, I'm thinking about wanting a laptop cooling pad as well myself, once I have the money for it. My laptop (a Toshiba Satellite E205 with Win 7, btw) can run pretty warm particularly while playing Skyrim, and I don't want to end up burning out my machine...I've seen that cooling pads can run between $10-30 USD, so I'd figure getting one should be a pretty good investment...at least, compared to having to get a fried motherboard replaced from overheating.

Tim (aka the Slipperman)

My laptop started overheating so I have to use one now. If I don't, it heats up and the whole system slows down.

I have a cousin who had a laptop, that was getting really hot, and it worked way better after he got a cooling pad (and cleaned it, it was dusty as heck).
But I guess, if your computer is running slow, and gets hot as heck it would be a good idea to get a cooling pad.

My laptop cooling pad makes a world of difference, I wouldn't use my laptop without one.

You should get a Cooler Master U2. It's pretty amazing actually. Well, I have the U3 but I started with a U2 which worked fine. I just wanted to try 5 fans.