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'Cool' - Apple Macbook Pro Cooler that cools inside & out!! Project-Video-Thumbnail
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Stay 'Cool' with our new bottom plate for Apple Macbook Pro's. Keep those temperatures down internally and externally!

Stay 'Cool' with our new bottom plate for Apple Macbook Pro's. Keep those temperatures down internally and externally! Weiterlesen
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Die Finanzierung dieses Projekts wurde nicht bis zum Zieldatum am October 1, 2013 erreicht.

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UPDATE: Macinfo caught wind of our project and wrote the first article about it at

http://www.macinfo.us/a-revolutionary-new-way-of-cooling-your-macbook.php

They want to sell 'Cool' if it gets funded so please help us pass the word!

The simple and easy way to stay cool...

'Cool' is a redesigned Aluminum bottom case for your Unibody Macbook Pro (MBP) 15 inch that helps to lower both the internal AND external temperatures. Previous coolers act as a shield between your lap and the MBP and try to cool it internally by blowing a fan across the bottom. That's like taking a fan and blowing it against your shirt to try and cool your skin. You may get a little cooler, but there are reasons why that is not optimal (we discuss them below). So in order to address both issues, we decided to solve things from the inside. We did this while also maintaining Apple's signature minimalist look and feel. (testing and results shown below)

Barely noticeable difference in appearance - Very noticeable lowering of internal and external temperatures.
Barely noticeable difference in appearance - Very noticeable lowering of internal and external temperatures.

Why did we Design 'Cool' the way it's designed?

In order to create something to cool the MBP, it was important to understand the engineering behind the cooling system created within it.  The bottom case of your MBP serves two purposes, to protect the internal components and to keep the heat within the MBP so it doesn't get too hot to touch. It's basically an oven in there and as internal temperatures rise to upwards of 150 to 200 degrees F. The only way to prevent the bottom case from absorbing that heat was for Apple to add a heat shield to keep that heat within the MBP. Otherwise that heat would transfer to the bottom plate and make it too hot to touch. Please look at our pictures below and see the black shield on their bottom case that's placed where the hottest components sit. Some of the heat is still absorbed and dissipated through the bottom case, but this is very minimal because of this shield. The internal exhaust fans serve as the main cooling system as they then blow this hot air out the opening under the LCD to the back of the MBP. Look at yours and notice how small a gap there is for the air to circulate. The area is very limited yet this space serves as both the intake and exhaust for the cooling system. (please refer to links provided below for a more thorough explanation of the MBP's cooling system described by Squidoo and Macinfo)

Air is usually the answer to most cooling problems. So instead of the conventional method of blowing air across the bottom of the MBP, we decided to give the internal fans more direct cool air and the results were astounding. In other words, we opened the door to the oven. By opening the cavity that houses the components, the internal fans absolutely loved all the free air as they became more efficient and didn't have to work as hard. We found the optimal height for the bottom case to sit and then decided to take things a step further by adding side intake vents and our final version of 'Cool' was born. Both our objectives would be met, cooler internal temperatures as well as external. Actually, all three objectives. We also retain the same look and feel of the MBP because 'Cool' will be made in Aluminum and screwed in. It's not an accessory, it's a part of the machine itself and is a permanent solution. With 'Cool', you get it all, something that other coolers haven't been able to achieve.

Initial 3d printed parts from my 3d printer of our prototype. (no intake vents yet!!!)
Initial 3d printed parts from my 3d printer of our prototype. (no intake vents yet!!!)
Here are the parts aligned.
Here are the parts aligned.
A prototyped SLA model of our finalized design printed by one of our potential manufacturers, Solid Concepts of Arizona and California. (note: we have updated the design to now have four small rubber feet to prevent your MBP from sliding)
A prototyped SLA model of our finalized design printed by one of our potential manufacturers, Solid Concepts of Arizona and California. (note: we have updated the design to now have four small rubber feet to prevent your MBP from sliding)
Side by side comparison of 'Cool' and the original bottom case with the black heat barrier that traps the heat in. (note: this is a plastic model, yours will be finished in Aluminum, just like Apple's)
Side by side comparison of 'Cool' and the original bottom case with the black heat barrier that traps the heat in. (note: this is a plastic model, yours will be finished in Aluminum, just like Apple's)

What distinguishes 'Cool' from our competitors?

While results will vary, please refer to the links below to see some of our tests, you will definitely get lower temperatures. Don't fall for other products that are simply a barrier between your MBP and lap, as that's all they are and they label themselves as coolers. We used smcfancontrol to monitor our temperatures during our tests and are confident enough to show you our results. We also measured the bottom temperatures of the original bottom case vs ours and found an average of about 15 degrees F difference. That's shown in our video along with the links below. Ours actually lowers internal temperatures AND keeps your lap cooler. The principle is simple, if the internal temperatures are lower, that immediately translates to lower external temperatures.

You retain your USB ports. The cooling happens naturally and constantly. Plus, it's very quiet, because there is no additional fan.

Your fans will run slower (results shown below) which will translate to less stress on them and possibly longer battery life.

Additionally, 'Cool' stays with your MBP forever. It becomes a part of it as it's a new bottom case. It's also aluminum so you retain that look and feel you love so much. Apple tech stores charge upwards of $80 for a replacement bottom plate, so getting cool is a lot less expensive and functions to cool your computer.

There's no need to remove 'Cool' when you're traveling nor carry along an annoying extra accessory. If you can remove 10 screws and then screw them back, you can install 'Cool'. Rest assured, the 10 screws are very easy to remove. Full instructions are included. If you have any reservations about the installation, here's a tutorial so you can see for yourself. http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2012+Lower+Case/10767/1

You don't have to have an unsightly fan cooler on your desk nor have to travel with one. You also don't have to worry about an accessory that could possibly fall off because 'Cool' is secured to your MBP through 10 screws. This is the perfect solution in every instance.

Here are links to other solutions that have been available before 'Cool' as well as cooling advice and the concerns people have had over their overheating Macbook Pro's.

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-prevent-your-mac-from-overheating

http://www.macinfo.us/how-to-prevent-your-macbook-from-overheating.php

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1580934

Data Charts and Links to our data tests

Inspiration

I read this on a support thread about a customer’s experience in the Apple Store…

Can I get something clarified? It’s a laptop computer, correct? No, it’s now called a notebook computer. Why? What’s the difference? It’s not meant to sit on your lap….

I got a good chuckle from it but it was during a time I was researching the heat issues with MBP’s so it made sense when I found the reason being is because it gets warm. Apple states in 2012 on one of their support pages, "The bottom of your Mac notebook may become very warm during normal use. If your notebook is on your lap and gets uncomfortably warm, move it to a stable work surface that allows for good ventilation." (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1778)

This was a problem my brother and I had thought we left behind when switching from Windows based machines to our Unibody Macbook Pro’s. Unfortunately, I realized this was still an issue when my MBP would pixelate whenever I played a graphics intensive video game or get very warm when simply streaming a video on Netflix. Then after watching my brother incessantly place a pillow between his lap and MBP while casually playing Starcraft II because his lap was too hot, it further dawned on me there needed to be a way to resolve this heat issue. So I first looked online to see if there was an adequate solution (only fan coolers and re-doing your thermal paste, which both have mixed reviews) and if there were others suffering from the same issues. I found countless threads on heat issues relating to MBP’s from users ranging from movie editors to gamers to the casual web surfer. "Why is my MBP so hot?!?!?!" Some of the which can be corrected through software, some can only be solved by shutting your computer down to let it cool, and some can be corrected by only using your MBP on your desk…

Then, I searched for a correlation between performance and heat where two schools of thought exist. Yes and no. Some say as long as your computer is within its operating limits, you’re fine and have nothing to worry about. That made sense because my computer would be fine until it got too hot, which is when it would pixelate. Others say as the temperature increases, it puts more stress on the components and performance decreases. That made sense too because as the temperature rose, frame rates would go down during gameplay. Great, so who is right?

In making the decision to create ‘Cool’, it didn’t matter who was right. I took what I observed from my MBP, what I saw on the online threads, and what I researched myself and came to this conclusion:

Everything has a breaking point, and in this case we are looking at a melting point, so the question really is, How far below that point do you want to be? I’d like to stay as far from it as possible, wouldn’t you? So I took the challenge of creating 'Cool', the ultimate solution towards cooling both the inside and outside of your Macbook Pro.

Where will the funding go?

In order to complete this project, we need your help. We've spent a lot of work researching and designing and are now ready for the next step, manufacturing. If funded, our first priority is to get the product to you. Our next priorities are to create retail packaging, separate sales channels online and retail, and use our profits to fund our next projects that we are currently designing. 

The manufacturing method used to make your current bottom plate is referred to as 'stamping'. In order to do this, a stamping die must be made. It takes sheets of aluminum and stamps out each of the plates. After the plates are stamped, they are then formed into shape. A welding jig is then implemented to add the additional features to the part and then it is anodized in Aluminum. The funds will go towards purchasing the die and jig and pay for the labor involved in the processes. (note: We initially had a lower funding goal and rewards prices because we were going to go with a plastic base, but now we have the connections to bring it to you in Aluminum and have been VERY excited, but the cost does go up a little bit. It will be well worth it, we promise!)

We have two parts to our assembly, the bottom plate mentioned above and secondly the vent bar. This part will be made through traditional plastic injection molding.

Once the parts are made, the manufacturer will then ship them to us and we will fulfill the orders in house. While we wait for the parts to be made, which we have been quoted 1-2 months, we will create the retail packaging if it is a viable option. The sooner we get funded, the sooner we can go ahead and put the green light towards making 'Cool'.

We would LOVE for 'Cool' to become funded and see it in stores so encourage you to spread the word and help make this a reality. We're sure each of you knows someone who wants a 'Cool' Macbook Pro!

Future Goals

We are currently testing the other versions of the Unibody Macbook Pro and would like to offer them in both the 13 and 17 inch models, as well as the Retina Display Models. Apple Macbook Air's get extremely hot as well, but since they're designed for portability we're avoiding changing their design. Each cooling system is different so we cannot assume the same cooling principles used to cool the MBP 15 are the same in the other versions. With your support, we get to enjoy 'Cool' for all your 15 inch Unibody Macbook Pro's from 2009 thru the latest 2012 version.

We have been approached by many of our friends about finding a solution for Windows based machines and definitely want to address their concerns. Getting 'Cool' funded helps bring us closer to being able to design other products.

If you are interested in the 13 inch Macbook Pro version, please contact us and if we get enough interest, we will explore adding that to the campaign.

Risiken und Herausforderungen

To bring you the best product possible, from initial concept to final design, we went through numerous changes. We even started with a fan blower like some of our competitors and found that only solved one of the problems. In order to achieve our goals, we brought in our own creativity and dared to re-create Apple's bottom case.

At this point, we've designed something that we’re very proud of and are finished with that difficult stage. Manufacturing is our next hurdle and we imagine there will be unforeseen challenges along the way, some of which won’t be things we can change, but always, as in life, we will be able to adapt. If we have trouble working with a manufacturer, please feel rest assured there are many others. If there are shipping delays, rest assured we will get the product to you. If the quality poor, rest assured we will make sure you get something you will be proud of owning. You are taking a risk in supporting us, and we ensure you that risk will lead to a reward.

There are pro’s and con’s to working with manufacturers from the States vs Overseas, and we are fully analyzing each and will make the most informed decision in deciding on which path we take. We know that if we go with an American Manufacturer, the quality and workmanship will be there, but we know they still outsource a lot of their work so we still may get a product from overseas. We also know that if we go with a manufacturer overseas, we will have to deal with customs and shipping and language barriers.

In essence though, we’ve done our research and will move along with the funding and bring the product to you as soon as possible at the highest level of quality. We understand how important that is because that’s how Apple has been so successful. And in building something for their products, we understand we need to hold the same level of excellence. Thank you for your interest and support!

Näheres zur Rechenschaftspflicht auf Kickstarter

FAQs

  • There's a sign at my front door that reads 'Please leave shoes here'. It's my home office. =)

    Last updated:
  • I've tested them and know they don't work. I did not want to single out any products out there by including them in my data. If you are really interested, take a fan and blow it across the bottom of your MBP and you'll find the same. Make sure to download a good temperature monitoring program such as SMCfancontrol and watch your before and after temperatures. (fyi, since starting the campaign, I went to Walmart to purchase their most expensive laptop cooling pad for $40 to run a true test. The results were consistent with the cooling pads/stands I already had, minimal (less than 3 degs F cooling, if any) results.

    These tests though you can do on your own... if you want internal cooling, as I, 'Cool' has been the best solution.

    Last updated:
  • I have the utmost respect for the other product and am very happy they have been funded. Theirs is a barrier between your lap and the MBP, therefore you will not feel the heat coming off the bottom of the unit. Essentially, that's like placing a book between your MBP and your lap. It acts as a barrier.

    In regards to internal cooling, ours definitely cools the unit as we show our data results. Theirs on the other hand, claims cooling but they do not provide any data tests.

    Theirs has a fan connected through a USB port, ours uses the internal fans already within the MBP.

    You must remove the bottom plate of your MBP to install ours, theirs looks to snap onto the bottom of your MBP.

    Ours will be in the same aluminum as your MBP, theirs looks to be plastic.

    Their first product was actually inspiration for us to create ours. We looked at their approach and thought it was ingenious but then we wanted to take the cooling effects to the next level. In order to do so, the bottom plate had to go because we found that there was no real way to cool the inside of the MBP because of the way it was designed.

    I think those are the main differences between the two. Please don't quote me on those differences and make your own observations. I've only put this in the FAQ's because it has been brought up to me through potential backers.

    Last updated:

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    Mindestbeitrag: 2 $ Ungefähr 2,00 $ USD

    Cool! I want to help make it happen. Good luck!!! Like all the backers, your name will be added to our thank you page that will forever be remembered!

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    myWorm Decal - We love a great idea but what's more is we love a great imagination so we'll help pass the word on with your decal!

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    Mindestbeitrag: 20 $ Ungefähr 20 $ USD

    Our 'myWorm' t-shirt! It's hip, it makes a statement, and it helps support us! We will contact you after the campaign for size and color. Includes shipping within the United States.

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    Mindestbeitrag: 49 $ Ungefähr 49 $ USD

    Early Bird Special 'Cool' for your Unibody Macbook Pro 15 (2009-current). Retail will be approx 59.99 so get it early and get it cheaper! Please keep in mind this includes shipping within the United States (approx $8-$10)

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  5. Diese Belohnung wählen

    Mindestbeitrag: 54 $ Ungefähr 54 $ USD

    'Cool' for your Unibody Macbook Pro 15 (2009-current). Retail will be approx 59.99 so get it early and get it cheaper! Please keep in mind this includes shipping within the United States (approx $8-$10)

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    Mindestbeitrag: 64 $ Ungefähr 64 $ USD

    Early Bird 'Cool' for your Unibody Macbook Pro 15 (2009-current). PLUS our t-shirt! We will contact you after the campaign for size and color. Please keep in mind this includes shipping within the United States (approx $8-$10)

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    Mindestbeitrag: 69 $ Ungefähr 69 $ USD

    'Cool' for your Unibody Macbook Pro 15 (2009-current). We will contact you after the campaign for size and color. Please keep in mind this includes shipping within the United States (approx $8-$10)

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    Mindestbeitrag: 500 $ Ungefähr 500 $ USD

    Cool Dinner Package AND Get 'Cool' machined in Anodized Aluminum in your choice of color! - Additionally, we will take you out to dinner in Phoenix, AZ to meet our team and hear about our amazing experience. (travel and lodging not included)

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Finanzierungszeitraum

- (35 Tage)