Web Design Whim

It’s quite hard today to buy a Laptop.  You can get Notebooks, but very few laptops.  And I’m not talking about Netbooks here, they’re a totally different kettle of fish.  But what’s the difference?  Laptops can be used on a Lap, Notebooks can’t.  Obvious really isn’t it?  There was a stage where every portable computer was termed a Laptop.  But then Machines got faster, and thus generated more heat, and so became too hot to be used on a Lap.  Notebooks are designed to be used on a hard flat surface.  See those little feet on the bottom?  They’re not there for decoration, they’re there to raise the base of the machine off the table to allow air to circulate out of the big vent on the bottom near the CPU fan.  When you put it on your leg, you usually block that vent causing the unit to overheat, and this can cause damage to the CPU, can melt the plastic of the case, and in more serious cases can burn you.

For peace of mind, I recommend a tea tray, you know the type with the bean bag base that is meant for having TV dinners?  Makes a nice base for a notebook to sit on if you insist on having it on your lap.

If you have any questions feel free to mail me on zygomorphic@webdesignwhim.com

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