Laptop tip

[Wayne M]

I read on another thread about heat using a laptop.

I'm assuming it is the heat generated when it is sitting in one's lap (hey, it's a laptop, right.)

On the bottom of most laptops is a small fan that sucks in air and ports it out through small vents. It is there to help keep the processor cool. In most instances when the laptop is on your lap, unprotected, it blocks the airflow through that fan vent. This can produce harmful results in overheating the processor. It will even cause a shut down if the unit gets to hot.

So here is what I do. I have several "cafeteria style" trays. I turn one upside down on my lap, and put the laptop on the tray. The rubber feet on the laptop give enough spacing when sitting on the tray to provide enough air supply. It also provides a steadier platform for my non-existent lap. My lap has been lapped over for some years.

Just a thought to share.

[Craig_R]

I'm not as much of an innovative thinker as Wayne so I spent around $40 at Best Buy for a Targus Chill Mat.

Not only does it keep the CPU from overheating but it places the keyboard at a much more ergonomic angle for use.

Targus - Laptop Chill Mat - Black/Gray - AWE55US

[jackrobinryan]

I actually melted a hole in a pair of cheap, Wally world gym shorts by leaving my HP Notebook on my legs too long. (thankfully, it was over my thigh...) (and, no cheeky comments about what I was "researching" on the web.)

I have also bought and installed stick on feet, 1/4" thick to raise my laptop off the table when in normal use. Get's better airflow that way. A cheap fix.

[njs42]

I like all these solutions; but you cannot eat off the Chill Mat; but if you save enough with the sticky feet you can buy better shorts. Nice deal.

[Wayne M]

I will not post a cheeky comment. I will not post a cheeky comment. I will not post a cheeky comment. There, I got it out of my system.

[wa8yxm]

Older notebook computers were indeed called laptops, back then they ran slower and did not get nearly as warm.. however as speeds, and thus heat produced increased several folks who had 'em sitting on their laps got burned (As in 2nd degree very painful) so they no longer call them laptops. or at least they should not.

Now... I have two TARGUS products. one is a "podium cool pad" this is a lazy susan turntable with posts on one end, so it both lifts the bottom of the laptop and tilts it, makes it easier to type on and makes it run cooler since nothing blocks the fan you mentioned.

The other is a USB powered one, has two fans that constantly suck air in under the computer and exhaust it (normally to the rear) can use either USB power or a 5 volt wall wart. Both of these protect the lap.

IF I ever geet my R-31 working again (Having a bit of problem there this month, will likely next month) I may build a permanate "pad" for it, this will be physically attacked, likly 1/2 or 3/4 inch plywood with the targus power pad on top of it.. Will make it much thicker, but way harder to torque.

[ctpres]

One partial solution - build-em with fan in center. Every one I have had fan was on one side right where leg is! I am amazed at how many don't know about fan or don't care I guess. Thanks Wayne for brining it up.

[Sofakleez]

Portable Laptop Desk with Retractable Mouse Pad