Review: Port Designs Coolfan notebook fan

Compared to desktop PCs, notebooks have very little room for circulating air and, as a result, don't dissipate heat particularly well.

Attaching via a USB port, the Coolfan from Port Designs combines a notebook stand with a fan to aid ventilation.

Drawing all the power it needs via USB, the Coolfan doesn't require an additional power supply to operate the fan. Disappointingly though, there's no USB pass-through cable so if you're already short on USB slots it could be a problem.

It not only works to keep the notebook cool but, with the aid of a flip out stand, also lifts it to an angle similar to that of a standard desktop keyboard.

This is claimed to offer a more ergonomic working position but it should be noted that this is the only angle the Coolfan will work at.

If you fold the stand away it becomes unstable and will rock about on the desk as you type. So, if you prefer your keyboards flat you'll have to look elsewhere.

However, an advantage of this design is that the screen is raised to a more comfortable height, though it's not as radical as the more expensive Hela Lap Up 2340 stand.

The notebook is supported on the stand by raised strips at the front and back. These are rubber-coated to prevent the notebook from slipping during use.

This method of support allows air to circulate around most of the underside of the notebook. This is aided by the built-in fan, although some benefit will still be gained without the fan switched on.

Although when used on your lap the fan ends up too close to your legs to be effective, it still aids ventilation without even without the fan activated.

As far as noise goes, the fan isn't much loader than that of a notebook going at full pelt, but the constant drone may start to irritate after a while and was noticeable in an open office environment.

We'd liked to have seen a power switch and possibly even a fan speed controller, but at £23 it's not a particularly expensive peripheral.

Related reviews:
Hela Lap Up 2340 notebook stand
A worthwhile investment for regular notebook users, but won't suit those who are constantly on the move