Using a laptop in a warm environment

In warmer weather it is worth considering your laptops and the need for them to get fresher cooler air to work correctly.

All computers generate heat when working, and that heat needs to be removed else the computer would slow itself down (“thermal throttle”) to prevent overheating and shut down.

Laptops have less air space compared to desktop computers, and so have lowered powered chips by design; non-the-less in hotter temperatures the air still needs to circulate to let the laptop fans move the heat away.

Air vents on laptops will have an ‘in’ (generally underneath) and an ‘out’ vent (often the sides, or the rear)

This would be a poor place to use a laptop, as the rug would suffocate air coming in underneath

We recommend

• Laptops being placed on a fairly flat surface, to allow air to get underneath

• Make sure the vents (in or out) are not blocked or covered

• Be aware if the laptop feels warmer around the keyboard or sides, or if you think the fan sounds louder than normal

• Consider getting a fan close-by to direct air movement better, even if the room air feels warm this is better than less air movement.

Some laptops are better designed to cope with heat, either by generating less in the first place, or by removing it effectively. Feel free to contact us if you would like to know more.