Fans
In modern models,
1 or
2 fans are installed at a minimum, and in more advanced models this number can reach
4. It makes no sense to bet anymore, because. the area of the cooling system in this case may be larger than the area of the bottom surface of even the largest laptop. The more fans provided, the more intense the heat removal and the higher the efficiency of the cooling system (ceteris paribus, of course). On the other hand, the noise level increases noticeably, and there are “multi-fan” stands, respectively.
The diameter of the fans also plays an important role. The larger the fan, the more advanced it is considered: a large diameter allows you to create an intense airflow at relatively low speeds, which reduces the noise level compared to smaller options. On the other hand, the large size also affects the cost accordingly.
Max. RPM
The highest rotational speed of the fans provided in the active cooling system of the stand (see above).
Rotation speed is one of the parameters that directly affects efficiency: the faster the fan, the more powerful airflow it creates and the more heat is removed. At the same time, only fans of the same diameter can be directly compared by speed. In addition, high rotation speed increases the noise level; therefore, comparatively slow but large fans are considered more advanced than small and fast ones with the same performance (see "Airflow").
Max. fan airflow
The maximum airflow that a cooling fan can create; measured in CFM — cubic feet per minute.
The higher the CFM number, the more efficient the fan.
Lighting colour
The colour of the illumination provided in the stand with the corresponding function (see "Options"). This nuance is useful for those who want to choose a stand for the design of a laptop or for the design of a computer desk.
Note that the ability to change the colour in this case is usually not provided. So if the characteristics indicate several options at once — for example, blue / green / red — this means that this model is available in several versions that differ in the colour of the backlight.
USB
The number of USB inputs provided in the design of the stand. See "Optional —
USB hub " for details on this feature.
The more such ports are provided in the stand, the more peripheral devices can be simultaneously connected through it to the laptop. At the same time, note that all ports of the hub are powered by one laptop USB connector and share the USB power equally. Thus, for high consumption peripherals (like external hard drives without a separate power supply) there may not be enough power when connected through a hub with
3-4 ports.
USB interface
The USB port interface allows you to understand what speed the connectors have when connecting drives to them. So USB 2.0 is considered the most traditional option — an already outdated format, which nevertheless easily handles with connecting a mouse, adapters (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and other peripherals. Its transmission speed is up to 480 Mbps, which is not enough in today's realities. The more advanced
USB 3.2 gen1 has a similar connector format with improved bandwidth — up to 4.8 Gbps.
Folded size
Dimensions of the stand when folded. First of all, the convenience of transportation depends on this: if you plan to carry the product along with a laptop, you should pay attention to ensuring that the bag (case, backpack ...) has the right amount of space.
Note that the height of many models in the folded state is rather small, so manufacturers may not indicate it in the characteristics, limited only by the length and width.
Table top/platform size
The size of the surface intended for the direct placement of a laptop. This parameter allows you to fairly accurately assess how the stand is suitable for your device — after all, even laptops with the same diagonal can vary slightly in length / width.
Weight
The total weight of the stand. You should pay attention to this parameter first of all if you plan to constantly carry the stand with you, along with a laptop — here light weight can be a noticeable advantage. But if you are looking for an option purely for home use, there is most often no need to pursue low weight: other things being equal, it can be a sign of a small thickness of materials and, as a result, relatively low reliability. In addition, a more massive stand is more stable, it is more difficult to budge or knock over by accidental touch.
