One of the first things I discovered about my PowerBook G4 is that is gets hot. Mentioning
this on an email list, several
member suggested the CoolPad and Podium CoolPad from Road Tools. Since this was my
first PowerBook, I didn't know just what it was, but I was impressed at
the number of favorable responses.
Road Tools sent me both, but my immediate favorite was the Podium
CoolPad.
Both CoolPads work by raising your laptop, allowing air to circulate
beneath it. They also let you swivel your PowerBook to show 
what's on your screen or fight glare. I suspect the basic
CoolPad, which is about the size of a mousepad, might work nicely
beneath a compact Mac (Plus, SE, Classic, etc.), but haven't yet tried
that.
The Podium CoolPad is wider than the original, providing better
support for wider laptops. It also has adjustable risers that can
provide four different levels of elevation at the back of the computer.
(For ergonomic purists who believe keyboards should tilt away from the
user, just turn the Podium CoolPad 180° from the way the rest of us
use it.)
I started with the basic 1/2" riser in the back, found it greatly
improved my typing, and saw no need to try the other settings. I also
found the fan in my TiBook is far less likely to kick in that before I
got the Podium CoolPad.
The Podium CoolPad is a huge hit. My wife now has one for her
indigo iBook, her niece has one
for her PB 3400, and my local Apple dealer uses them to display
the new iBook and other portables
they carry.
I even take my CoolPad in the field, sticking it in the outside
pocket of my Willow laptop case (review coming soon). That way, if I
have the opportunity to work at a desk or table, the risers provide the
better typing angle. Besides, the Podium CoolPad is so light and thin,
it's never a bother to pack it.
If you have a PowerBook, iBook, or even a Windows laptop, a CoolPad
could become your favorite accessory. Not only does it help keep your
laptop cool, but the Podium CoolPad can also improve the ergonomics of
your keyboard by providing the level of tilt that works best for
you.
At just $30, I consider the Podium CoolPad a valuable investment.
(The base CoolPad is just $20.)
