PCs are not personal computers anymore. Well, technically, they still are but recently PCs should be defined as Portable Computers instead. Call them what you will, laptops, notebooks, or netbooks, but this portable computers have come a long way from the bulky 28lb. (15.5 kg.) Compaq Portable, considered as the original portable computer. The demand for portable computers has increased especially since the advent of the netbook that offer enough computing power for a very affordable price. On the other hand, this types of computers do take more than their share of punishment as compared to desktops. From a broken hinges to a dead battery, here are some tips to avoid such massive failures. Liquids and electronics Do Not Mix Spilling liquid on a desktop's keyboard is not as bad as spilling liquid on a laptop keyboard.
Whereas a desktop keyboard is away from the internals of a desktop computer, a laptop keyboard is set on top of the whole computer. This means that any spill of liquid on laptop goes directly on computer's internals which could cause sorts and turning you laptop into a very expensive paper weight.
Taking Care of the Battery
Although leaving laptops plugged in most of the time might seem like a good idea, this can be bad for the laptop battery. This can leave laptop batteries with their less than optimal charge thus reducing the time you can use the laptop away from a plug. Batteries do need their exercise too. Also, from time to time (about every other month) calibrate the laptops battery in order to keep it tip-top shape. Look in the laptop's manual or search the Internet on how to properly calibrate your laptop's battery.
Avoid Sudden Movements
Current laptops still have mechanical parts such as the fans and especially the hard drives. Although solid state drives are available, they are still restrictively expensive. Sudden jerks or drops while the hard drives platter are still spinning and the heads moving can irreparably damage the hard drives thus loosing all your important data.
Listen for Unusual Noise
Just like anything else, any unusual noise coming from laptop usually mean something is wrong. One example is known as the "Click of Death" coming from the hard drive means that the hard drive is in its last legs and data loss is imminent. This goes for desktops as well.
Know Your Laptop
To be precise, know the limits of your laptop. Know how much the display can be tilted to avoid broken hinges and big repair bill.
Pamper Your Laptop
Invest in important accessories for your laptop such as a laptop sleeve to cushion those little bumps. It also keeps your laptop away from dust, which can get into the open vents which in turn heats up your laptop to dangerous levels.
Keep the Air Vents Open
Laptops just as any other computer generate heat and such laptops have ports or vents where in the inside hot are can be vented out. Don't block this vents as overheating the laptop can and do damage the laptops. Avoid using pillows as a "laptop stand" as pillows contour to the shape of the laptop thus blocking these vents.
Keep It Cool
This tip is not directed to the laptop but to you, the user. Be easy on your laptop. Aggression begets destruction. Do not slam the LCD screen in anger as you can potentially rip the connection from the laptop internals to the display or worse, crack the display itself.
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