Holiday Buyer's Guide 2006, Part 7: More Mobile Stuff

Zalman NC-1000 Cooler

For many, Christmas time brings with it thoughts of warmth and coziness; perhaps snuggled up near a fireplace or heating element - depending upon your geographical location, of course. Your not-so-cool-running notebook begs to differ with your environmental preferences, however - it would prefer to be cooled off, not warmed up.

If you're unsure of what perfect gift to give this year, consider the Zalman ZM-NC1000 notebook cooler. The ZM-NC1000 has a pleasant appearance; in fact, it looks like an industrial art student's magnum opus, with its sturdy cold aluminum construction and sleek styling cues. It also features two USB ports (one of which powers the fans) and side-mounted volume controls.

Zalman crafted this specimen from premium-grade 3 mm aluminum paneling treated to diamond cutting, sand blasting and anodized surface processing techniques for a look that is as clean as it is functional. The aluminum serves as a consistent and optimal cooling surface for your notebook. A rubber grip strip keeps your notebook in place on the ergonomically angled surface, which itself is designed to reduce end-user fatigue. Dual Hypro bearing centrifugal fans operating at 1000-1500 RPM provide consistent airflow to expedite heat away from the source of origin, while the 679 holes drilled into the surface make for evenly distributed airflow and more comprehensive surface coverage. As a plus, the fans operate in near silence, so the NC-1000 can be used in ultra-quiet environments without disruption.

The ergonomics, optimized ventilation structure and aerodynamic design make for a very attractive product. Now imagine the look of surprise and sheer delight on the face of your mobility-loving recipient as he or she unwraps this bundle on Christmas day.

You can find the Zalman NC-1000 notebook cooler comparably priced online at around the $60 dollar mark, and as a bonus you can avoid long lines at your retail outlet.