Dell laptops have a reputation for overheating, this I know.  When I am doing something that taxes my laptop (like uploaded my 40 MB webpage) it will overheat every time.  So, I have to fill a ziplock bag with ice and set my laptop on top of it to upload.  I am typing this with my laptop teetering on the bag of ice. This is so crazy!  I keep my laptop on an elevated baking rack (elevated with lego blocks) but that isn't enough.

Make sure you  back up !!

Michelle, I had troubles with my HP overheating and shutting down while I was watching videos.  I got one of these and it works like a charm!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog.....4&ci_sku=9203344

Cyndy, does that pull the heat away or blow air into the bottom?

Great product.   My dd would love that for Christmas!

I think that it pulls air away from the bottom of the computer ~ I can feel the air blowing on my legs.  I almost always have it on the pad but I only have to plug the fan in when I am watching a movie.

I am going to look for this!  Mine overheats with video too.