I work from home and lately have been working for several hours at a time with my laptop on my lap. The battery gets quite hot...and I know that they can be fire hazards. But I'm more worried about the other health effects it might have. Has anyone read anything on that?
2006-12-01 13:11:26 · 8 answers · asked by KLo 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
1. According to some studies, the excessive heat generated by a laptop sitting on your lap can cause infertility in males. I have not heard/read of any specific health issues in females.
2. It's not necessarily good for the laptop's health, especially if you are wearing loose clothing or have a blanket or similar on your lap. The fabric can block the vents necessary for proper air circulation through the laptop & can cause overheating which could cause irreparable (or expensive) damage. You can also buy ventilated angled platforms which allow air to circulate under the laptop and prevent the heat buildup which occurs when the laptop is placed on a solid surface. Some of the more expensive types actually have fans built into them to help further cool the laptop.
When I use my laptop for long periods, I usually will set up a 'tv dinner' type tray in front of the couch (or chair) and place the laptop on it. The height seems to work well, but when I'm done, I can fold it up & put it away.
2006-12-01 13:25:37 · answer #1 · answered by Norman K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very interesting question! If you notice most manufacturers refer to 'laptop' computers as notebooks now and they are intended to be used on a table. So they are really 'portable' computers.
The key to being able to using a notebook on your lap (when on a hard surface, a pillow or just on your legs) is whether the cooling fan intake and output are unobstructed. If not, you run the risk of unexpectedly having the computer 'freeze' up or auto shutdown due to overheating. If on a table, proper ventilation is assured.
My fans are on the left side and back side (Dell Inspiron 8600) so I never have trouble but I know many people that do.
Hope this helps.
2006-12-01 13:19:50 · answer #2 · answered by TBone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are male, the heat can make you sterile. Also, some laptops have their air vents on the bottom of the laptop, you could be blocking those vents, and letting your laptop overheat, and it could be damaged by the heat. You can get a base with fans on it, which will bow the hot air out the sides.
2006-12-01 13:18:07 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not use a laptop in my lap for to long has you said it gets hot. with your body temp and the temp of the comptuer the case won't have any way to cool down cause air can't circulate around it which needs to be happening so place your laptop on a flat surface that way air can circulate around it
2006-12-01 13:20:48 · answer #4 · answered by Carling 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have been some discussions about decreased sperm motility for men, but as far as I know nothing more serious than that. You could get yourself a lap desk or a small work table.
2006-12-01 13:16:24 · answer #5 · answered by Computer Guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A special bean bag with a wooden top is available for this purpose. Buy it. It will help from scorching your privates.
Medical effects? I do not know yet. I think the research still going on.
2006-12-01 14:13:11 · answer #6 · answered by Nightrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can adversly affect your health as the position of working on a laptop is very incorrect and uncomfortable
2006-12-01 13:19:52 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are male, it can actually lower your semen count if you use it on your lap for long periods.
Other than that, I believe it's very safe.
2006-12-01 13:15:04 · answer #8 · answered by Alex 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋