Vantec Piano 101 Laptop Cooler Review

The biggest thing that the Piano 101 has to offer is the sound system. USB ports and cooling fan aside, the sound system is the money-getter here.

The satellite speakers flip up and rotate out, and then they can be pulled a few inches away from the body so the laptop has some space to sit inbetween. The subwoofer is located in the body of the station, and the front of the station features an on/off/volume switch, as well as a button for bass adjustment and an equalizer button. By pushing the equalizer button, the station changes between flat, pops, classic, jazz, and rock sound effects. By utilizing these sound effects while rockin’ out (or chillin’), your music takes on a more realistic sound.

The volume on the station can be turned up quite loud. However, I was disappointed to learn that the subwoofer is a little wimpy. When the bass line packs a punch, the subwoofer cowers. If the listener is okay with that, the overall sound is really quite impressive, and a large step up from stock notebook speakers.

The words “notebook station” implies that your laptop should be able to sit on top of it. Because of the extendable satellite speakers, most average sized laptops will fit nicely on the mount. My 15″ (I know, I’m out of the loop) notebook fit perfectly, but since many laptops are growing larger and skinnier, I fear that many laptops may not fair as well. Fifteen inches seemed to be exactly right, as there was no overhang and still room between the speakers. If I had a larger laptop, it would have been difficult for me to reach the knobs and USB ports on the front of the station.