New X-Naut cooling case introduced for iPad Pro 10.5″

2 min read

We first reviewed the X-Naut Cooling Case in 2016, finding it to be a thoughtfully-designed solution to a persistent problem: overheating tablets in the cockpit. While the original two models accomodate the iPad Pro 9.7″, iPad Air, and iPad Mini, there was no option for our preferred iPad model in the cockpit – the iPad Pro 10.5″. Now the company has introduced a solution made just for that.

The X-Naut can be powered by 8 AA batteries or a micro USB plug.

The new Active Cooling Mount for iPad Pro 10.5″ is specifically sized for Apple’s latest 10″ class tablet. The iPad slides into the mount quite easily, with a simple latch at the top. It is a custom fit, so an iPad in a case won’t work – but then again, a case will increase the chances of overheating anyway.

Like the model for the iPad Pro 9.7″ it features four fans stacked along the left side of the iPad, which targets the hottest part of the tablet. These fans are powered by either 8 AA batteries or by plugging the mount into a micro USB cable. The batteries last between 10 and 15 hours, and the status can be checked by pushing a small button on the right side of the mount. It measures 10.1″ x 7″ x 1.5″ and weighs under 10 ounces, and the fans are surprisingly quiet (X-Naut says 26 dB).

While the X-Naut is not a miracle cure (you can still get an iPad to shut down if it gets hot enough), our experience has been very positive. In almost all normal conditions – high wing/low wing, direct sun/indirect sun – it prevents overheating. Two years of customer reviews generally agree, with high marks for cooling performance. Here’s a representative quote:

“I flew with a friend from Torrance (KTOA) to San Bernardino (KSBD) and back, in a low-wing plane with a clear green house canopy. The sun was shining brightly and it was a hot day. I used my X-Naut with my iPad Pro 9.7, and it worked perfectly for the entire 2-hour flight. My friend used his iPad mini, without an X-Naut, and his iPad overheated and shut down about mid-way through the outbound leg.”

The X-Naut itself includes the case with the fans. There are various mounting options, including a kneeboard kit to strap it to your leg, and adapters for RAM Mounts and MyGoFlight.

The X-Naut Cooling Case for iPad Pro 10.5″ is available for $199.95. The models for iPad Mini 1-4 and iPad Air 1-2/Pro 9.7″ are also available.