laptop problems that users must be aware of
Your new laptop may be at risk, and you have to protect it against the many dangers out there that may cut its lifespan short: soda or coffee spills, moisture building up inside the casing, and impact from being dropped, among others. The portability that makes your computer so convenient is also what puts it at risk from all these.
Now, just because your comp is portable, that doesn't mean it's made to withstand a lot of abuse from being moved around and used in different conditions. It still has parts that experience not only wear and tear from continuous use, but from threats that you can avoid to keep them in running condition.
A common source of laptop trouble is liquids. Very hot ones (such as coffee) can steam up your portable, causing moisture to condense inside. Cold ones with a lot of ice can cause the same problem, especially sodas. These are especially bad for your unit, as even if you get it dry, there will be a sticky residue that can attract dust and dirt.
Speaking of condensation, the environment where you use your laptop can also affect its lifespan. Areas with high humidity and heat like Los Angeles or Florida can be punishing - wipe down your comp before putting it away if you've been using it in a humid area, and to store it in a moisture-proof case. Don't bring it out from an extremely cold place (like your air-conditioned office) to a very hot and humid one- condensation can form on the inside. Wait for a while for it to dry before using, as condensed moisture can cause short circuits.
Your laptop also has a hard drive that takes a lot of punishment. Hard drives deal with a lot of wear and tear, because it is continually spinning. Moving around your comp can interfere with this spinning, causing your hard drive to crash. If you can't shut down before moving it, at least put your portable on sleep or hibernate: this stops your hard drive from spinning, and protects it from damage while in transit.
And last, avoid leaving your laptop on while it's on a bed or any other soft surface. Leaving it there causes it to overheat, because the hot air can't escape through the sides and the underside. This can cause a lot of damage to the silicon components, and in as little as a year can render your laptop useless.
Having a laptop means that you have to protect it against many dangers: moisture from hot and humid environments like florida or los angeles, liquids spilling on your computer, or hard drives crashing because of improper shutdown procedures. While your unit was designed to be portable, it may not be as durable as you think, so always be careful on how and where you use it.
Published August 5th, 2009
Filed in Technology
