To date, I’ve seen metal tables a few times, but they are rare. This really isn’t a new idea, then, but I propose we switch all wooden tables for metal-topped ones for computers, external harddrives, and laptops. A problem I worry about a lot is whether or not my electronics are getting cool enough, fast enough. By making a tabletop out of sheets of highly conductive metals, I’m almost certain overheating would not be much of an issue anymore.
Not only would this form of passive dissipation of heat cool your computer parts, it would do so without the need for any fans or liquid cooling parts. Using fans to cool down stuff is not quite as efficient as using no fans since fans suck e-juice like everything else that’s powered. With metal table tops that just absorb and conduct the heat away to be spread out through the metal’s whole mass, you cool and save energy at the same time.
As an added bonus, one could channel the heat absorbed from the laptop to specific spots on the tabletop. This might seem kinda dumb, but just think: in winter, you could warm your hands or fingers, you can keep your cup of coffee warm (perhaps by making a warmed cup-holder with this idea?), or maybe warm up those muscle relaxing sack-things (I honestly don’t know how else to describe them).
Electronics companies are pushing for faster, better machines that run on less juice and use less resources, but I’d like to see furniture manufacturers pick up on these trends too and make some truly eco-friendly pieces for my home. I mean, who doesn’t want a product that uses common annoyances for useful purposes?!