Apple love: Fins-Up
A few weeks ago, I received an email from Tim Trombly, asking if I would like to review his new product, Fins-Up. In short, Fins-Up is a built-in stand for Apple notebooks, which serves a twofold purpose. Firstly, it raises the incline of the keyboard to a more ergonomic level. Secondly, it allows increased airflow beneath the computer itself, helping to prevent over-heating.
I first heard about Fins-Up from my friend and former coworker Cody Lindley. While I was a bit leery of making modifications to my 15" MacBook Pro, he had nothing but good things to say about his experience. I figured if it's good enough for Cody, then I should give it a shot. I am glad that I did.
As it turns out, installation was incredibly easy, especially because a miniature screwdriver kit is included (a nice touch). I simply removed the four screws from the bottom of the MBP, and attached the fin with the four new screws provided. The whole process took maybe two minutes, tops.
I have since noticed a marked improvement. The fans rarely engage, as opposed to when I used to leave the notebook sitting directly atop my desk. I also appreciate the fact that no matter where I go, the stand is always attached, versus having to haul around additional hardware. While it adds a bit more bulk, the difference is negligible in light of the benefits.
Needless to say, Fins-Up is a product I would recommend to others who are looking for a more portable solution than a bulky laptop stand. Fins are available for the following models: MacBook (black, white), MacBook Pro (15", 17"), and the aluminum G4 PowerBook. If you need more convincing, here are photos showing how the fin blends with the native casing.
