roy@nlm-vax.ARPA (Roy Standing) (10/29/85)
A number of people have posted messages concerning heat problems
with their Macs. I recently received a MacBCool which is designed
to provide a fan NON-INVASIVELY. Basically, it is a unit that sits
on top of the Mac overlapping the sides, front, and back. A fan
draws air from the top vents of the Mac. Without addressing the
classic argument concerning whether tis nobler to suck air out of
a cabinet versus blowing it in, MacBCool seems to work.
features:
1) fan, reasonably quiet but ALL fans (?except piezo-electric fans?)
make noise. (I have a Levco Monster Mac which includes a piezo-
electric fan that I really don't hear)
2) builtin powerstrip with surge protection and an EMI filter. There
are two independent power switches (labelled in international 0/1
notation) at the front. The rightmost switch powers up the Mac
(there is a power plug to connect to the Mac's connector). The
leftmost switch controls two supplementary power outlets (standard
three prong). This is obviously useful for your printer and something
else such as a modem, digitizer, etc.
3) handle, to lock MacBCool to the Mac and replace the carrying handle
covered by the product. The handle is strong metal and snaps into
place. It is easily removed with the aid of a coin to release the
latching tab.
technically:
1) fan rating, 17/20 CFM 1810/2090 RPM 2/13 dBA (3 ft from fan)
2) current rating, 10 amps (circuit breaker protected)
3) power dissipation, 7 watts maximum
4) max ambient temperature, compatible with computer rating
(an enormously helpful spec, no?)
commercially:
MPH Computer Products (A Division of MPH Electronics, Inc.)
2660 Loma Avenue
South El Monte, California 91733
(818) 442-7829
Telex: RCA 292458 MPH UR
Price: $150.00
impressions:
1) I like the idea of being able to snap the unit on and off. No warranties
are violated. It can be moved from machine to machine as needed. It can
be removed during transportation if desired.
2) I feel 'safer' knowing it is available if one of 'my' Macs starts showing
signs of a heat problem. That warm inner feeling is worth something to
me.
3) The powerstrip is nice and useful. Of course, as a matter of principle
and habit I always connect systems so that one powerswitch turns on
everything. While this isn't possible with MacBCool, up front power
controls are conveniant.
4) On the whole I think its a good product. While I am very glad to
have one I'm just as glad I don't have to use it on the Mac in
my office. The reason I don't just make it part of my system is
the light fan noise -- I'm spoiled and I know it!
disclaimer: I have no connection with them beyond purchasing this
product. My employers bear no responsibility for my
opinions.