i've always used desktops and my friends told me that it's better to turn your computer off if there is a big storm going on becuz it could mess up the computer. is it the same thing with a laptop? i just got a laptop a week ago and it's storming outside. i dont want it to break! =0 should i take it off the adapator and just use the battery or does it not matter? i do have it plugged in to a surge protector. help guyzzzz!!!
2007-05-27 11:38:13 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
The laptop when plugged into the power source would be just as able to be affected as anything else (desktop, tv, stereo, etc)..
HOWEVER, if you have it unplugged and just running on the battery, there is no way that the storm is going to affect it.
Of course, though, if the power goes out, etc.. your Internet connection, etc will go down because the modem is going to be powered (assuming you have high speed of course).
Also.. remember that while surge protector is designed to help, anything can happen. It's safer for you to be completely disconnected from the power since you have a laptop anyway.
2007-05-27 11:43:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A surge protector should do the trick.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/surge-protector1.htm
The Process of Protection
A standard surge protector passes the electrical current along from the outlet to a number of electrical and electronic devices plugged into the power strip. If the voltage from the outlet surges or spikes -- rises above the accepted level -- the surge protector diverts the extra electricity into the outlet's grounding wire.
In the most common type of surge protector, a component called a metal oxide varistor, or MOV, diverts the extra voltage. As you can see in the diagram below, an MOV forms a connection between the hot power line and the grounding line.
An MOV has three parts: a piece of metal oxide material in the middle, joined to the power and grounding line by two semiconductors.
These semiconductors have a variable resistance that is dependent on voltage. When voltage is below a certain level, the electrons in the semiconductors flow in such a way as to create a very high resistance. When the voltage exceeds that level, the electrons behave differently, creating a much lower resistance. When the voltage is correct, an MOV does nothing. When voltage is too high, an MOV can conduct a lot of current to eliminate the extra voltage.
As soon as the extra current is diverted into the MOV and to ground, the voltage in the hot line returns to a normal level, so the MOV's resistance shoots up again. In this way, the MOV only diverts the surge current, while allowing the standard current to continue powering whatever machines are connected to the surge protector. Metaphorically speaking, the MOV acts as a pressure-sensitive valve that only opens when there is too much pressure.
2007-05-27 17:47:29 · answer #2 · answered by lueeluee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just as dangerous as a desktop. A lot of PC's end up with a fried M.B. Unfortunately, a surge protector isn't going to give you a great deal of protection, either. The only sensible thing is to use your battery or don't use it at all. My sister had lightning hit and the surge protector actually reacted much like a conduit , her pc was trashed.
2007-05-27 11:54:12 · answer #3 · answered by Cindy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having any type of computer or technical object plugged in during a hazardous storm is dangerous. Always get a surge protector, but it's best just not to plug it in. Hope this helps.
2007-05-27 11:45:44 · answer #4 · answered by Greg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes this matters alot, leaving a laptop pluged in during a storm is not a good idea, and if you get a power surge your laptop is recked! so use battery power or get a surge protector, also make sure your desktop is pluged into a surge protector,
2007-05-27 11:43:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it,s hooked up the same as a desktop then it,s equally at risk in an electrical storm.
2007-05-27 11:58:30 · answer #6 · answered by Iknowthisone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its the exact same thing. It can fry your mother board the exact same way. Theres a special plugin that you can get, and its like, anti surge or somthing...
2007-05-27 11:42:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes take it off the adapter a charge can come through the wall outlet destroying your laptop
2007-05-27 13:44:01 · answer #8 · answered by thomasl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why in the world would you think it would be any different? Just use the battery and disconnect it from the adaptor.
2007-05-27 11:41:31 · answer #9 · answered by ♥ady_8e_80♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
duhhhh ......it has everything like a desktop. just that everytings smaller.
2007-05-27 12:06:17 · answer #10 · answered by clarke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋