Do I Need Mat For Laptop?

[mizfiesta]

I've just bought my first laptop as my pc is ready to give up the ghost. Should I buy a heat absorbing mat to sit it on? I know they can get quite warm underneath and I'm not sure if it would damage table surface? I should imagine you would use one if you were to use it on your lap to.

[Alston]

You must Never use a 'laptop' on your lap or any soft surface such as alongside you on the settee.( It was a mistake to call them laptops) The underside of a laptop must have a free circulation of air to prevent it overheating. It then becomes debatable whether a 'heat absorbing mat' is required. Depends on how much one uses it. If it's only the odd hour or so at a time I would say there's no need for a mat.

Al.

[chrissa1]

I use mine on my lap all the time and it rarely gets too hot. Even after a couple of hours. If my lap can stand it, there's no way a tabletop will be marked. IMO.

[fruitsalad]

I use mine on my lap all the time and as chrissa has said rarely gets hot

[rockyracoon]

I use one of those lap trays to put ours on, the one that has polysterene beans on the base with a hard tray top. TBH though, th hea still gets through to my legs.

[chrissa1]

I agree about the settee Alston, but your lap keeps it fairly well ventilated.

[Alston]

chrissa...How can a laptop be well ventilated underneath if positioned on one's knees.? Are your legs bear above your knees?. Even then there is heat from your body which doesn't help matters.

Where are the Techies to give me support !!??

Al.

[daffy654]

You really shouldn't use a laptop without a hard surface underneath it, directly on your lap or on a cushion is the biggest no no. You may not feel the heat on your legs because it is being kept within the body of the laptop itself, this will eventually cause the internal components to overheat and fail.

[gingejbee]

It IS better to use a laptop on a flat, hard surface.

[gingejbee]

...and,as above, the heat needs to escape...or, earlier demise of said laptop.

[pusskin]

I dont use my laptop on my lap very often, so have never ever thought that I should use a mat. it does get a little warm after a while, but not enough to worry about it.

[Mamyalynne]

So could this be something to bring to the attention of Trading Standards then? I have considered getting one, but not sure now.

[gingejbee]

Simply put it on a tray on your lap! Cooler laptop....easy.

[daffy654]

Most (if not all) manufacturers stopped calling them laptops years ago, they are usually referred to as notebook computers.

[daffy654]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR8.TRC0.A0.Xlaptop+tray&_nkw=laptop+tray&_sacat=0&_from=R40

[Mamyalynne]

Understood

[hc4361]

I use my laptop on the table, on cork place mats.
I do use my netbook on my lap but supported on a crossed leg so the air flows freely underneath. My laptop is a bit too big to do that comfortably.

A laptop bean baggy thing with a hard surface will be fine on your lap.

[Yorky Lass]

I have mine on my lap on a chopping board and a laptop stand from £1 shop.

[RATTER15]

Pusskin, you say //it does get a little warm after a while, but not enough to worry about it. //

It isnt about how warm it (the laptop) feels, its about the heat being generated by the processor that will overheat and knacker you laptop, you would not be aware of this until it was too late. It has nothing to do with protecting your lap, it needs to be on a hard surface for the heat to dissipate through the vents on the underside of the laptop so the possessor can keep cool.