Comments on: How to Take Care of Your Notebook Computer

By: Fred Conwell

Fred Conwell — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:53:05 +0000

And about cockroaches! I saw one on my desk this morning. Caught him napping. But he was a foot from my laptop. What if he thought it was a nice warm place to nest? How does one deal with that situation? Spray the desk with repellent, I guess.

By: Ron Knights

Ron Knights — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 05:34:11 +0000

My first piece of advice when working around computers:

Always use a covered cup, rather than drinking from a regular cup.

I usually try to have my drinks on a different table than my computer. I like to have a little table off to the side for food and drink.

Also, I found a really neat notebook cooler at TigerDirect. It’s made by Thermaltake. It actually looks like a pot holder.

There’s something inside that helps keep the notebook cool. It really works.

By: Frank

Frank — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:38:43 +0000

Nice article! I’ve been in situations myself where I dropped my computer a couple times and it didn’t work, now I have a new one and it’s being well taken care of. Nice tip!

By: James B

James B — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:14:33 +0000

Thanks very much! Very informative article, which has really had an impact on me as I am now typing on my MacBook pro minus the incase sleeve which is usually left underneath. I will also try in the future to only use it on my lap for light browsing and nothing that will raise the temp too much.

Thanks again!

By: Justin

Justin — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 13:23:42 +0000

Hey great tips! I didn’t even know apple offers that free cleaning. I’m going to have to check my Apple Care box now! Good luck!

By: John Foss

John Foss — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 08:04:16 +0000

I have a great gateway notebook, that for a while began to snap off when drafting or doing extensive 3D work. I thought the programs graphics were too much for the machine. I bought a new computer (its ok, I love computers and always looking for an excuse to upgrade. I had some warranty warranty left on the gateway so I brought it in to have it looked at. They blew out the vent that had filled with lint, and presto, it works as well as the new one for Architectural Modeling. He had me buy some compressed air to blow it clean now and then. Happy Computing!

By: Dmitri

Dmitri — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:11:58 +0000

Great tips. I too am guilty of using a laptop on my lap..hmm wonder why I thought that would be OK?, I have to admit it’s a great way to warm you legs though.

By: Rick

Rick — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 06:59:54 +0000

Nice article! Good Tips!

By: Purler

Purler — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 06:47:31 +0000

Excellent article! I know I need to work on 1 and 3 when I’m in bed I usually try to stick a book under the laptop would that suffice or should I just be on a 100% hard surface? It’s funny I was just looking for tips to take care of my computer.

Oh one more thing, this is my main computer and I do use it A LOT(as in anywhere from 6-15 hours daily) I do shut it down every day and give it reasonable breaks but I am still using it like it’s a desktop computer. Could I be hurting it by using it this way?

Bravo and good luck (you seem to be lucky when it comes to winning things=p)

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 06:26:34 +0000

if your not using it for a while like ur going the mall or goin out to eat would it be better to shut it down or put it in sleep or hibernate mode?

By: Benu

Benu — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 06:00:22 +0000

Is it still bad to put the laptop on your legs or on your bed if you have a cooling pad under it?

By: Miguel

Miguel — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 05:37:48 +0000

Thanks! I will start applying the 3rd advice!

By: FullSignull

FullSignull — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 05:36:17 +0000

Guilty on article #1. A majority of my work is done with my laptop in bed when my girlfriend is sleeping. Is this really an issue I should be concerned about? Sure, it gets hot, but I monitor the temps with a widget.

By: Dillon Strichman

Dillon Strichman — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 05:04:52 +0000

I have to say, I have made a mistake in nearly every one of these areas at least once. Let’s see…I’ve left it on the bed, and I started to smell some smoke and noticed my bed had started to singe. I’ve burned my legs. I’ve dropped it nearly groin to floor distance. I’ve left it on for a day and a half, resulting in a screen burn in and a hard drive malfunction. I’ve spilled a large glass of soda on it. After all of the new parts that I’ve gotten for it, I’m surprised that I still call it the same notebook.
I found this How To guide very helpful. I printed it out, and to make sure I don’t commit any more “Crimes” to my laptop, I now have it pinned to my bulletin board. Thanks Chris, and thanks Bowler4Ever!

By: ijonlive

ijonlive — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:57:42 +0000

I just have my laptop set to hibernate after a certain period of time, because I don’t turn it off that often. I occasionally have to restart, because of resources, But it works.