Issue 27.15
The percentage of computer users that use laptops instead of desktops has risen markedly in the last few years. Even though laptop computer sales have slowed and tablet sales have soared, laptops are still being purchased more than desktops.
This leads us to consider a few things that are different about laptops. Things you need to be aware of that can significantly impact the length of time your laptop will be of use to you.
First is that, because of portability, laptops are damaged physically much more often than desktops. In addition to them being dropped, this can happen because you leave it on a table or chair, then trip over the cord causing it to crash to the floor. More often, the cause of damage is over-heating. Laptops are much less efficient at dissipating heat than desktops are. Heat is the major cause of component break-down. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) in a desktop typically has a fan/heat sink assembly that is twenty times (or more) the size of the chip they are cooling. In a laptop, the fan is very small (often about the same size as the chip) and has less airflow available through the case. This can lead to heat build-up. The result is that the chip degrades and eventually fails if steps aren’t taken to keep it as cool or cooler than when it was new.
The steps you can take to protect from heat damage are: 1) Do not use laptops on soft surfaces that block airflow such as bedding, loose clothing, carpet, etc.; 2) Use a laptop “desk” or external cooling fan. This gives the computer a solid surface to sit on and either allows the air to flow or creates even more by blowing air against the bottom of the computer. Both these approaches help keep it cool; 3) Check occasionally to be sure the laptop is not getting too hot. Just lay your hand on the keyboard area and on the back of the computer. If it is hot to the touch, it is too hot. Have it serviced or see 1 and 2 above. 4) Clear the airway if you know how. You can blow out the air passage with canned air if you are careful, but be sure you are blowing into the intake and not the exhaust so that you are not blowing dust back into the fan and blocking it. If the intakes are clogged, it is best to have it serviced by a technician.
Finally, try to avoid “dumb” damage. The first laptop I owned I put a pencil on top of the keys. A few minutes later, I closed the cover and cracked the display screen as it hit the pencil. Dumb, right? Don’t leave it on the floor where someone will step on it. Keep liquids away. I have had numerous calls from people who spilled (or whose children spilled) their drink on the keys. Replacing the keyboard on a desktop is fairly cheap and easy – about $25 depending on brand, quality and features. On a laptop, the cost is usually over $100 and requires a technician. It can even require a motherboard replacement in some cases which can cost well over $300.
It is wise to take special precautions if you have a laptop. It should assist you to keep it in good condition for the usual life of laptops (around 5 years or so) – and always remember to back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 33 years, 26 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.