u can google NHC but u need .net platform installed first. Other apps like SpeedFan and MB5 also checks the fan, heat and etc

chipset? tought most of the new ones are Intel 945?

maybe cause ur dell has some good air flow? maybe tplcaik meant that between 7200 rpm and 5400 rpm HD, is there a diff in heat? cause logically, more rpm = more heat?

i think that's where the laptop manufacturer need to tackle the issue. with 7500 rpm need good ventilation...

kewl.. if u check the LYN garage sales, got many forumers selling laptop cooler.

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/376434

perhaps it depends more on ur laptop build and specs.. external gpu would generate heat.

Off track a bit: Reading ur post, i come to a conclusion that
1. laptop should come with a laptop cooler to cool down the laptop after shutdown or restart

OR

laptop manufacturer should re-think their laptop to have something like a turbo timer.... after shutdown laptop or restart, the inbuild fan would run for extra 5 min... just joking!!!