Question about my Dell laptop.

me ^ | 3/31/08

[LouAvul]

I just got a Dell laptop Latitude. I've never owned a laptop before.

Can I literally use it on my lap? I heard the bottom gets hot? Does it get so hot that it can discolor my furniture?

When I'm not using it for business, I'll have it connected to my tv. Can I just leave it plugged in with no adverse effect, or am I supposed to unplug it when not in use.

(Seems like Dell would ship some kind of owner's manual with it, doesn't it?)

thanx

[JRios1968]

Whatever you do, do NOT use it while in the shower.

[LouAvul]

Even if it's unplugged?

How about the toilet? Can I use it on the toilet?

[mnehring]

I use a Latitude D620 for work and have no problem setting it on my lap for hours at a time..

[Resolute Conservative]

If you are left handed turn it upside down in your lap. :)

[TomGuy]

Can I literally use it on my lap?

I had an old Hitache that did get hot on the bottom.

In early 2007 I bought an ACER. It is designed to push the heat to the side, to it doesn't get hot on the bottom.

It will depend on the design of your Dell. Just check it, after it has been on a while. If it appears very hot underneat, you might set it on a pad or insultation. Just be sure it gets airflow.

[rbosque]

My Dell 5100 just crapped out. Turns on but freezes 5-10 minutes later. I think it gets overheated pretty fast. Don’t know what to do. :-(

[TexasCajun]

Yes, even on the toilet if you have a Wifi connection or broadband card for it.

[6SJ7]

Can I literally use it on my lap?

This may be illegal in some states.

[armymarinemom]

This is going to be good

[weegee]

Is it legal to use it on the toilet in an airport?

[politicket]

Is it legal to use it on the toilet in an airport?

It ENTIRELY depends on your stance.

If your stance is too wide then you will need to buy an Apple...

[TomGuy]

Is it legal to use it on the toilet in an airport?

Just don't tap your foot.

[Lucky9teen]

[JenB]

I have a dell that has had the same problem you describe. What you need to do is get a can of air and blow out the fans on the side and bottom of the laptop. If you feel confident, look up how to remove the keyboard and blow out under the keyboard too.

This will solve your problem in 95% of cases.

[rbosque]

Thanks! I had in mind to do just that. My son bought a can of that air stuff a little while ago, I was just afraid I’d screw it up even more. But I’ll give it a shot.

[TomGuy]

(Seems like Dell would ship some kind of owner's manual with it, doesn't it?)

Check their website. You probably can download a copy from it.

[CarrotAndStick]

Laptops are bad for you, on your lap, if you are male.

Don’t keep the laptop on anything soft. If you want to use it on a sofa or a bed, place it on a sturdy mat or a wooden board, first. Soft materials can reduce the air gap between the laptop and the surface, and cause it to overheat. Heat slows down the laptop, and reduces the life of the battery, significantly.

Another disadvantage of using laptops over soft materials is that the intakes of the fan will collect more lint and dust bunnies, and if this obstructs the fan or reduces cooling efficiency by forming a thin coat over the cooling fins, it will degrade the abilities of the processor.

[JenB]

Oh yeah - make sure your laptop is off when you do this! It’s perfectly safe but you’ll want the computer off.

[DainBramage]

If you look at pRon while its on your lap it has a tendancy to fall off to one side.