| Edova Innovations Xpad Notebook Heat Shield |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Notebook | Compact PC | |
| Written by Olin Coles | |
| Friday, 15 June 2007 | |
Edova Xpad IntroductionThere is a growing trend in notebook computers which could put you in harms way. Since the recent discovery of thousands of defective notebook batteries being used in many of the most popular brands, explosion and heat related injuries have been on the rise. Even though the majority of notebooks are using stable batteries, most systems are so powerful now that the user is still not free and clear of potential burns during routine use. Most users will agree that the term laptop may no longer apply, as the aptly named devices are showing up less and less on a users lap. 
This is why the market has become suddenly flooded with new products to address the excessive heat a notebook may produce. Some devices use A/C power to operate a series of fans, and other devices integrate a USB controller and run from the power provided by the device itself (which come to think of it, may escalate the problems which have been making the heatlines lately). Very few products on the market require no power at all, and still produce remarkable results. One of those products is the Xpad by Edova Innovations, LLC. I have had the recent pleasure of actually using my Dell Inspiron 6400 from my lap. Previously this could not be done unless I wanted to be very uncomfortable, or in some cases burned; which is why I have referred to it as a notebook computer. Thanks to the Xpad, I am able to comfortably use my notebook from my lap, which might just start me onto calling it a laptop again. Available Internationally for $24.99, the Edova Innovations Xpad is practically a requirement for any owner of a modern notebook computer. I have been testing my Xpad for nearly a month now, and the two greatest things that have me suggesting it to others is the slim yet effective design which allows me to store it directly against my notebook inside the case, and the soft comfortable padded underside. An additional benefit is the outer dimension of the Xpad are nearly identical to the outer dimensions of my Dell Inspiron 6400, which means it goes unnoticed while it is beneath the notebook.
About the company:Edova Innovations, LLC is a US based company operating out of California. They maintain a website at: https://www.xpad4laptop.com/. Additionally, Edova is available by mail at:
Xpad Closer Look: Edova Xpad
The Xpad's innovative design shields user from laptop heat while improving laptop cooling without noisy fans or awkward straps. Its clever ABS composite structure design allows it to have a thin profile while providing an amazing structural stiffness. The Xpad is sized optimally to accommodate most laptop sizes while maintaining its portability, and yet it is large enough to sit comfortably on most users. In addition, the Xpad provides a stable laptop pad by smartly employing non-slip interfaces to comfortably secure the laptop on the user's lap and prevent it from slipping & sliding - a feature the laptop user will greatly appreciate after discovering the Xpad. Interesting NewsThis may be a sensitive subject, and one you may not be used to reading about in a product review, but scientists at Stony Brook University Hospital on Long Island have recently discovered that the heat from Laptop computers can impair male fertility. The Oxford University Press published the recent finding in the Human Reproduction journal. So in addition to the impact that cellular and wireless devices have on men, we have yet another factor which influences our lifestyle. While heat and possible battery explosion may evoke a level of discomfort in notebook users, let this fact add to the reasons a person should be using the Xpad. Final ThoughtsI have been putting my Xpad though some very demanding usage over the past month, and it has taken it without showing any sign of wear. While I have noticed that my Dell Inspiron 6400 manages to heat the mating surface of the Xpad to a near-melting 36°C/98°F, the Xpad does a great job of protecting me from what I know would be a bad experience. Although this is adequate, I still manage to feel some heat radiating though, although not enough to cause any discomfort, and began to wonder if the padded EVA surface could have been replaced with a more thermally deflective material. Conversely, the four risers worked well to improve ventilation beneath the notebook and create some distance, which aided in disappointing heat before it is absorbed into the Xpad. At the time of this writing, the Xpad is available direct from Edova Innovations for $24.99. ConclusionThe Edova Xpad arrived is a simple white package that was not much larger than a priority mail envelope. There was a nice silver logo placed at the center, which made this a very simple and efficient package for mailing the Xpad. Once out of the package, the Xpad is sealed in a clear bag with a retail card attached to the top for hanging. Again, this is a very basic design, which lends to economical shipping and merchandise presentation. Overall the Xpad felt very well made. Even after months of hard use, the rubber feet and soft pad have remained intact without any sign of breakdown. At first I honestly expected the Xpad to fall apart in just a few days, but it has proven to be an extremely well built product; I might even go so far to call it indestructible under normal circumstances. No fans, no electricity, and still no problems. The design is proof enough that simple works, because it restores the ventilation which most notebooks were originally designed to have. One of my few gripes is the cost. Since Edova Innovations holds the entire market of Xpads, I feel as though the current price is just a little higher than it should be. Perhaps somewhere between $9.99 and $14.99 is more reasonable, especially since the market is flooded with fan-powered alternatives near or at the same price point. In conclusion, I recommend the Xpad for those users who require a heat shield or additional cooling for their notebook. The Xpad requires not power, so battery life is not effected like fan-cooled products. Finally, it is so rugged that packing it inside the case beside the notebook and constant use over several months have not registered any signs of wear. Pros:
+ Simple heat shield solution Cons:
- Could be improved with use of thermally deflective material Ratings:
Final Score: 8.1 out of 10.Special Thank-you: This review would not be possible if it weren't for manufacturers like Edova Innovations, LLC. who are willing to stick their neck out there and have a picky hardware analysts like me dissect their products. I am grateful, and certainly appreciate the opportunity. Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.
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