The Targus Chill Mat is a reasonably good option for laptop cooling, particularly suited for Ultrabooks and MacBooks, according to Android Authority. It features a minimal design with dual 75mm fans and a tilted surface for comfort, but lacks advanced features like fan speed controls or USB pass-through. The permanent USB cable and lack of tilt adjustment are noted drawbacks. While it performs adequately for lighter workloads, it's not recommended for heavy gaming laptops due to below-average cooling performance.
Full review
Dual fans with limited airflow
The Targus 17" Dual Fan Chill Mat features two 75mm fans positioned in the center of the plastic grating, designed to draw cool air underneath the laptop and improve thermal performance. However, reviewers noted that the fans are relatively weak in output. Voltage Castle's Stan observed that 'the fans do seem a little on the weaker side so if you are planning on doing some gaming or some other power-hungry activities on your laptop you may wanna look up something with some stronger/more fans.' The fans operate quietly, but their performance falls short of what users might expect from a dedicated cooling solution for demanding workloads. Android Authority's Joe Hindy reported that the cooler's performance was 'below average' and not sufficient for heavy gaming laptops, particularly those with high thermal output like the ASUS ROG G731GW tested in the review. The lack of fan speed controls further limits user customization and adaptability to varying thermal conditions. The fans' modest output means that while they help with basic temperature management, they are not effective for sustained high-performance tasks that generate significant heat.
Design compromises and portability
The Targus Chill Mat features a wedge-shaped design with a permanent tilt angle that is comfortable for lap use, but lacks adjustability. Voltage Castle's Stan noted that 'the fans are super quiet and I feel very little vibrations on my lap from them,' which is a positive aspect for users concerned about noise. However, the design includes a permanent tilt that cannot be adjusted, limiting ergonomic customization for different user preferences. The device uses a permanent USB cable that is not detachable, which creates a potential failure point. If the cable breaks, the entire unit becomes unusable, as demonstrated by user experiences documented in mechanicalphilosopher.blogspot.com where a broken cord was repaired by replacing the cable. The lack of USB pass-through functionality also means users lose one USB port while using the cooler. Android Authority's review highlighted that 'the USB cable to power the Chill Mat is permanently attached. The whole device breaks if the USB cable does.' The mat's all-plastic construction and lack of robust internal components make it less durable than alternatives, particularly for users who frequently transport their laptops or use them in demanding environments.
Ergonomic comfort and laptop positioning
The Targus 17" Dual Fan Chill Mat is designed with ergonomic comfort in mind, featuring a wedge shape that elevates the laptop to a more comfortable typing angle. Voltage Castle's Stan described the mat as 'very comfy and has the perfect angle for me to rest my wrist on the laptop in comfort.' The device includes four rubber stops to keep the laptop in place, and these were found to be effective, though not foolproof. The reviewer noted that 'I was a little suspicious of it at first worried my laptop would shift, but I must say it holds it pretty well actually.' The neoprene backing provides a soft, comfortable surface for lap use, although it tends to get warm from body heat over extended periods. The mat's ventilated mesh design allows for airflow, and the dual fans are positioned to help disperse heat from the laptop's underside. However, the design does not include a solid edge to hold the laptop in place, which could be a concern for users who prefer maximum stability. The mat's lightweight build makes it portable, but its construction and lack of adjustability limit its appeal for users who require more customization options.
Performance in real-world scenarios
The Targus Chill Mat showed modest performance improvements over using a laptop directly on a surface. Android Authority's Joe Hindy tested the cooler with an ASUS ROG G731GW gaming laptop and found that while the device provided some cooling benefit, it was 'below average' for heavy workloads. The cooler's ability to manage heat was limited, particularly in high-temperature scenarios such as gaming or intensive CPU stress tests. Laptop Mag's Daniel Berg tested the cooler with a Dell Inspiron 15R SE and found that it reduced average temperatures by about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit compared to no cooler, which is a modest improvement. The performance was better than some competitors like the NZXT Cryo E50 but worse than others like the Cooler Master X3, which provided better cooling with a more stylish design. The cooler's effectiveness was most noticeable in the upper middle and lower left areas of the laptop's underside, while touchpad and keyboard areas remained hot. The fans' performance was insufficient to fully address thermal issues in demanding applications, making it more suitable for light to moderate use.
Repairability and maintenance
The Targus 17" Dual Fan Chill Mat is designed with repairability in mind, though it requires some technical know-how to service. According to mechanicalphilosopher.blogspot.com, the device can be disassembled by removing eight screws and peeling back the fabric cover to access the internal components. The fans are held in place by five screws, and the USB cable runs through a grommet that can be replaced. Users have successfully repaired the device by replacing the USB cable, cleaning the fans, and applying fresh grease to the fan shafts. Jestine Yong's repair article documented how a five-year-old unit was serviced by replacing the old grease with white lithium grease, which restored quiet operation and eliminated rattling sounds. The repair process involves careful disassembly, cleaning of internal components, and reassembly. The fans themselves are simple brushless motors, and replacement is possible through third-party sources. However, the permanent USB cable design makes it difficult to replace the cable without potentially damaging the unit. The mat's construction allows for basic maintenance, but the lack of detachable components and the need for careful handling during repairs may deter casual users from attempting repairs themselves.
User experience and practicality
Users have reported mixed experiences with the Targus 17" Dual Fan Chill Mat, with many finding it suitable for light to moderate use but inadequate for demanding tasks. Voltage Castle's Stan noted that 'this Chill Mat works perfectly for my needs however so gauge what you need it for and go from there,' indicating that the device's suitability depends on the user's specific requirements. The mat's quiet fans and ergonomic design make it appealing for users who prioritize comfort and noise reduction over maximum cooling performance. The device's ability to elevate the laptop and improve airflow is appreciated, but the lack of USB pass-through and the permanent cable make it less convenient for users who rely on multiple USB peripherals. Android Authority's review emphasized that the cooler is 'an average laptop cooler for people with Ultrabooks, MacBooks, and similar products,' but not recommended for 'hotter gaming laptops and people who do heavy workloads.' The mat's one-size-fits-all approach works well for smaller laptops but may not be ideal for larger models or those with more demanding thermal requirements.
Strengths
- +Stylish and minimal design
- +Easy to use and set up
- +Light and easily portable
Watch-outs
- −No fan speed controls or USB pass-through
- −Non-detachable USB cable means one break is permanent
How it compares
The Targus Chill Mat is the most portable and minimalist option, but it lacks the cooling performance of the IETS GT500 or KLIM Everest. While it's ideal for Ultrabooks, it doesn't match the Havit or Kootek in airflow, and its fixed fan speeds and non-detachable cable make it less flexible than the more feature-rich models.
Rating sources
“The Targus 17" Dual Fan Lap Chill Mat is very comfy and has the perfect angle for me to rest my wrist on the laptop in comfort.”
“so far this gets a passing grade for me. I'll let you know here in the comments and description if that changes. Uh, but it passed my test.”
“Overall, the Tarus 17in dual fan lap chill mat is a reliable accessory for anyone looking to maintain optimal laptop temperature during prolonged work sessions.”
Our 3.8 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
