Microsoft Notebook Cooling Base

Like the Lindy Adjustable Notebook Cooler the Microsoft Cooling Base sits beneath any laptop and plugs into a spare USB socket on the computer.

This powers the unit's fan, which in turn keeps things cool. The irritating whine of the fan was noticeable in a quiet room and over a little background noise.

We tested it with a 9in Acer netbook computer, which it cooled noticeably. Unlike the Lindy device, the smooth curves on this base served to channel air around the whole of the computer, cooling parts that normally get quite warm. A pair of rubber strips keep the laptop from sliding off the plastic base.

It cannot be adjusted, however, which limits the device to laptops with screens of under 15in - anything larger will not work and even a 15in widescreen model would be pushing its limits. It can be used on a desk or on the user's lap by turning it 90 degrees.

Although the list price of the Notebook Cooling Base is high, it's on sale for under £15 online, which makes it a bargain for users of small to medium laptops.