[JRios1968]

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

[mnehring]

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

[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. :-(

[6SJ7]

Can I literally use it on my lap?

This may be illegal in some states.

[armymarinemom]

This is going to be good

[Lucky9teen]

[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.

[DainBramage]

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

[AppyPappy]

I'll have it connected to my tv

You paid a lot of money for that DVD player.

[Alex Murphy]

Who’ll be the first to say it?

[tx_eggman]

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?)

After seeing these questions I'm thinkin' you should pack it up and send it back to Dell ... you're not ready yet.

[ShadowAce]

[NormsRevenge]

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!

[bert]

yes
yes
no
yes
no

[papasmurf]

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

Does it have Windows? Windows is especially well suited for toilet use. You may need to flush twice though, as Windows is known to be full of "bloatware" crap. Good Luck!

[roamer_1]

Can I literally use it on my lap? I heard the bottom gets hot?

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.

[dfwgator]

I just got a new laptop myself, and I’m still trying to find that darned Any key.

[daler]

I got a Dell laptop about a year ago and generally leave it plugged in and open for business on the dinette.

Unfortunately there IS enough heat on the bottom that it warped the laminate on the top of the table.