Where You Work On Your Laptop Might Be Killing It Slowly
Consumers have been migrating to portable computing technology more and more over the past decade or so. Desktop PC sales have been dropping steadily since 2010, while notebook sales have grown in each of the past four years.
The increasing number of people working remotely is one factor in the shift in sales from desktop to portable computers. With this increasing reliance on laptops, users need to carefully consider where they sit while working on their portable computer, lest they end up facing an unexpected and costly repair or replacement expense for their critical work equipment.
The heat generated by the processor and other components inside your laptop's case will eventually reduce the lifespan of those components. As dust, pet hair, and other debris accumulate in the vents in your laptop's case, the fans have to work harder to cool it off. If you use your laptop on a blanket, pillow, couch, or other soft surface, the vents can become mostly or completely blocked, reducing the ability of the fans to cool the laptop effectively.
It's best to work on a desk or other hard surface
If you prefer to sit on your comfortable couch while you work on your laptop, some products will help keep your laptop cooling itself efficiently. Amazon sells a wide range of cooling pads priced as low as $11.98, most of which come with one or more auxiliary fans that will help keep your laptop running at an optimal temperature and could extend its lifespan. Even placing your laptop on a book or another hard, flat surface will keep the vents clear and air flowing freely.
It's also a good idea to regularly clear the dust from the vents of your laptop with compressed air. Be sure to shut down your laptop first and use short bursts of air, as longer ones can either cause moisture to form inside the case or damage the cooling fans by causing them to spin too fast.