The market for portable computer systems has grown significantly in recent months, mostly due to the increasing popularity of the new netbook segment. According to figures, the number of notebook units sold last year was over that of desktop computer systems, as the technology continues to enable faster and more portable laptops. The increasing popularity of notebooks is one of the main reasons why companies such as Lian Li and Thermaltake are expanding their offering with new products specifically designed to provide support to users of portable PCs.

Just recently, Thermaltake and Lian Li have each announced a new product for notebook users, designed to provide them with support no matter what model they use. While Lian Li has focused on the critical necessity for an optimum cooling solution, Thermaltake decided to approach the issue of the laptop's power adapter, which can often be misplaced and cause a real headache to users.

Lian Li's NC-09 notebook cooler is designed with a large 220mm fan for optimal cooling with three-level adjustment, 2 USB ports and one mini USB port for power. In addition, the NC-09 boasts an aluminum design with folded elements to protect the user from sharp edges. According to Lian Li, the NC-09 can accommodate 12.1-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch notebooks, and it will be available starting this May with a MSRP of US$70.

The new Thermaltake Toughpower Ultra Slim 65W universal laptop power adapter measures 75 x 17.8 x 140mm and weighs just 214 grams. It comes with eight interchangeable DC output tips and provides up to six output voltage settings, including 15V, 16V, 18V, 19V, 20V, and 21V. With a specified efficiency of over 82% at full load and an MTBF of over 100,000 hours, the Toughpower Ultra Slim 65W features overcurrent, overvoltage and short-circuit protection. Unfortunately, Thermaltake hasn't released any details about pricing and availability.