Posted on 03/31/2008 12:54:30 PM PDT by 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
You paid a lot of money for that DVD player.
Who’ll be the first to say it?
After seeing these questions I'm thinkin' you should pack it up and send it back to Dell ... you're not ready yet.
You’re getting a Dell, dude!
Why not? These aren't unreasonable questions, at all.
"Can I literally use it on my lap?"
If you're a male, that might not be the healthiest thing for your bait & tackle - at the very least, heat reduces sperm count.
"I heard the bottom gets hot? Does it get so hot that it can discolor my furniture?"
Not a bad question. It can get hot, but I haven't seen mine (a 2.2 GHz Santa Rosa Core2Duo) discolor anything. Then again, I don't have fancy furniture. Maybe something else with a more sensitive finish might get damaged, but I doubt it.
"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."
The biggest risk is that any surge that hits your TV will also hit your computer. Surges can come in to TVs through an the antenna, cable, or power outlets. People tend to surge-suppress TVs far less than computer power outlets - so your risks, while low, are still higher than if it was unplugged.
"(Seems like Dell would ship some kind of owner's manual with it, doesn't it?)"
It probably has a manual on the disk. I'd mention that my MacBook Pro came with a manual, but that'd be obnoxious.... ;^)
Dude! You're getting a grill!
I have a thing at home called the bed desk, great for in the sack or the mamasan chair or table use..
some laptops can get a little warm on the lap and uncomfortable on the lap after a few hours..
Enjoy!
LOL winner
yes
yes
no
yes
no
I solved a similar problem with an Lenovo thinkpad by setting it in front of my desktop fan while it was on until a replacement fan and motherboard could be located and installed.
When you look at pron does it tend to fall to the left or right?
If
can it impact my sperm count
is one of his concerns ... well then, I'm sticking with "pack it up and send it back"
But it’s ok to click the mouse?
Yes, and no. It is important to use your laptop on a relatively flat and lint/dust free surface. There are intake and exhaust vents which must remain clear of obstruction, or the internal fans cannot blow hot air out of the case. Likewise, the intake vent(s) can suck lint/dust into the case which will clog the cooling fins and etc. in time.
I would suggest a length of board or plywood long enough to sit across the arms of an easy chair, and sufficient for use elsewhere if needed. Otherwise, you are welcome to balance the machine in such a way that the vents are clear of obstruction.
Can I just leave it plugged in with no adverse effect, or am I supposed to unplug it when not in use.
As a general rule, you may leave it plugged in, though one risks getting a surge through unprotected cords (lightning strike, tv failure, etc).
It is important to your battery life that you DO unplug it from 110 now and again and let the battery fully discharge (till the OS asks for power). I do this once a week or so.
The last time I fully discharged and the OS asked for power was a while back. I haven’t been able to get it at least once a week since then.
I just got a new laptop myself, and I’m still trying to find that darned Any key.
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