MacBook Pro 15" Early 2008 heat issues

[breed]

I have had my MacBook Pro for almost 2 years and the last 6 months it has been running pretty hot (50-60C). I have done the following to try to remedy this:

Canned air on the fan exhausts a couple of times a week

Installed smcFanControl and kick the fans up to 6000rpm anytime the temp goes above 60C

Pulled out the battery and use AC only power when I am at a desk for an extended period of time

I also tried one of those Antec pads with 2 built-in fans, but it didn't seem to help much and the finish rubbed off on the bottom of my MBP, was a pain to clean up.

What other tips, tricks or advice do you guys have for keeping your MBP cool? Would you recommend a cooling pad, and if so, what kind works for you?

[DrivenDaily]

First question is, how hot is the environment you're working in?

Is there air flow around the laptop?

Air flow is key because heat will be drawn off the laptop via convective forces. My friends use GRIFFIN Elevator Stands or something similar. These keep help keep the laptop cool because there is airflow around the entire machine. Right now mine is supported by 4 hockey pucks and it idles around 40-45C in a 23C room.

Unless your exhaust heatsinks/fins are caked up with dust, air flow will do you well.

And imho those cooling pads are too noisy...