I think they are a great idea, and do help. However, I think they are WAY overpriced.
Go to Big Lots or a local “Everything is a dollar” store. Find a metal TV Dinner tray (the kind with fold down legs you sit over your lap while on the couch).
The thin layer of metal will help dissipate heat from the bottom of your laptop, especially if you have the legs on the tray extended so air can flow on the underside. You can also take an old USB cable and cheap CPU fan and add to it.
Might not be pretty, but it’s a fun mod project, works just as well and will cost less than $5.00. Much better than the overpriced coolpads in my opinion.
....and even more modderific/cheaper solution…. If you drive by someone’s house that is getting fitted with vinyl siding, chances are they will be having gutter work done too. See if you can find any scrap pieces of aluminum (for the siding or gutter). Fold that into a pad type deal.
My dad has rolls of that stuff….hmmm, I should go into buisness *lol*