Random Gadgets, Vol. 1, April 2009

Page 4 - Gigabyte G-Pad

Gigabyte G-Pad is fanless, foldable netbook pad/cooler. It is meant to be used with 10 to 11” systems.

G-Pad comes in a plastic package with short information regarding its functions. One of the main characteristics which advertise it is the 0bD noise level – we thought so when we saw it was fanless:

In the bundle there is not only the pad, but s soft bag to carry it around:

The bag is quite soft and enough thick to protect your luggage from the sharp edges of the pad as well as its polished surface:

Lets check the pad istself. It has many openings, is made completely of aluminum and on the bottom side is well finned so it can perform like radiator:

On the bottom side there are also some rubber feet to counter the slip, and on the upper we see the Gigabyte logo:

Here is how it fits 10” netbook:

The pad is not so thick but still it is noticeable when working with a computer, which sits slightly higher and probably will not be as comfortable as you are accustomed. Also bear in mind that the pad does not move around easily on the surface, but at the same time there is nothing to hold the laptop in its place when over it.

As far as performance as cooler is concerned – in most cases the differences were less than 1 degree Celsius so we cannot make adequate conclusion. We must say that we tested with MSI Wind, the one with the high battery pack – i.e. it already has ample space enough for cooling. Also we tested with normal and overclocked CPU frequency. All tests were made on flat, polished surface and when there is some difference in the results it was minimal.

The above fact make us ponder on the need of such product, but with warmer computer like Eee PC for example, it is quite possible that there will be differences in the temperatures. Also if you work on your knees or on some sort of cloth, the metal surface definitely will be effective.

The Verdict

Gigabyte G-Pad is interesting product but probably only for advertising purposes, which has some proof of concept, but frankly speaking I don't see who will need a portable piece on unnecessary in general metal in his bag beside his laptop.