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Love your laptop

Good things come in small packages. This is especially true with a modern notebook or netbook computer. There are just so many cool and complicated, components doing their thing inside that computer casing which are making these portable devices fly off the shelves faster than the traditional desktop computer.

Everything from the machine’s motherboard to its processor, RAM, optical driver and Wi-Fi hardware is packed into such a tidy package. Unfortunately the computer can get very hot and be in danger of overheating. Modern notebooks and netbooks contain cooling fans and a specially designed to reduce heat to prevent electrical meltdowns, but it doesn’t hurt to give your hardware bit of a hand.

Give your hardware a hand

The holes on a portable computers case have been put there for a reason – to allow cool air in, hot air out and prevent your notebook or netbook from overheating. It’s easy to forget this and accidentally cover up the ventilation areas with a blanket or clothing. This can cause serious hardware issues, especially if the notebook is used like this for an extended period of time.

One low tech solution is to place your notebook or netbook on a raised surface. A book or board placed to left the rear of the device off the surface below will allow air to flow in and out, keeping a more suitable temperature inside.

You can also obtain a cooling pad from a computer retailer. These devices are usually fitted with a couple of cooling fans which augment those built into the computer. They derive their power from the computer’s USB port when the computer is switched on.

Another option is a mounting station where your notebook or netbook can sit, held in place by the stand safely off the table or desk.

PERIPHERAL PLEASURE

While you are looking at ways of extending the computers life, buy yourself a full sized desktop keyboard for when you are working at your desk. You don’t have to take it on the road with you. A simple mouse can be a lot easier to use than the notebook touchpad as well. You can smaller ones for your computer bag, or normal sized ones, and as with keyboards you have wireless or wired options.

You could also pickup an LCD screen for use at home or in the office. A bigger screen can be better on the eyes, and is especially good for distance work. Check your computer for a VGA, DVI or HDMI port and make sure you get a screen that is compatible. You can find out about these ports at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_connectors.

OPTIONAL OPTICAL

Another option for the netbook owner is an optical drive. Consider a DVD or Blu-ray drive without burning. DVD writers will read and record to CDs and DVDs while Blu-ray writers will also read and record high definition video and have much large capacity for data.

A must for any computer owner is an external hard drive to back your precious data. With Windows 7 Backup and Restore Centre you really should invest in one to protect your precious information.

One Response to "Love your laptop"

1. Ed says:

   January 11, 2012 at 9:44 am

   A common thing people do is use their laptop in bed. Please remember to place the laptop on a board or tray otherwise the material covers up that little fan underneath and it overheats. And please don’t use your laptop while its still sitting in its bag, even if its only for a couple of minutes. Your laptop will heat up surprisingly fast.