Reviewed.com: How to make your laptop last
A laptop can be a considerable investment, one that you want to last at least a few years. Even a cheap laptop shouldn't break down quickly as long it's properly maintained. Whether it's a notebook, ultrabook, or netbook (does anybody still use those?), these common-sense tips should keep your portable computer ticking.
Handle with Care
A decade ago, only fools would leave their laptops sitting around like a magazine or piece of junk mail. Now we leave them in sleep mode for days on end, swallowed up by the couch cushions, plugged into an outlet across the room with the power cord running across the floor. These machines are marvels of technology, and need to be treated like precious cargo. They aren't as flashy as smartphones or tablets, and they also aren't designed to be hauled around willy-nilly.
Pack It Up
When you do take your laptop on the go, stick it in some sort of carrier. Use a bookbag at the very least. Even better, put it in one of those neoprene sleeves, and then put it in your bookbag. That'll prevent dust and bits of pastries from getting into any ports or optical drives (remember those?). You probably don't need one of those dorky-looking hard-shell carriers, unless you're hauling around a super-expensive machine.
Take Charge
The battery is usually first part of a laptop to give out, and if you're using a unibody computer (like the MacBook Air), it isn't easy to replace. A few easy steps can keep it fit for longer than it would last under regular conditions. Basically, it needs exercise: Run it dead at least once per month, then charge to full capacity. And avoid leaving your machine plugged in for days on end—that'll wear out the battery, too.
Use a Proper Workspace
Though it's a brilliant lap-warming device, your laptop is designed to be used on a flat, dry surface. It's less likely to overheat and cook its own components this way. If a proper desk or table is out of the question, laying a board across your lap should suffice. For bonus points, put it on a laptop stand—it'll clear up space on your desk, bring the monitor closer to eye-level, and (possibly) help dissipate heat more effectively. And if your machine runs really hot, spend a few bucks on an extra fan. It simply slips onto the bottom of your machine and draws heat away from the chassis.
Keep It Clean
Your keyboard is coated in layers of sweat and dead skin cells, peppered with hair, dust, and other detritus you don't want to think about. Gross. If your machine has big gaps between the keys, set the computer at an angle and shoot short bursts of compressed air between the keys to send the grit airborne. If the keyboard is more closed-off, dab some rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and gently run it between the keys to clean up some of the mess. To clean the trackpad and surface of the keys, dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and rubbing alcohol, and gently wipe. Leave the machine open for a while an hour after you're done, so that it fully dries.
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