Laptop vs desktop- Is it ok to use laptop for 12hours straight?

@pau_79 (790)
Philippines
June 25, 2008 1:33am CST
Hey guys, Ill really need your input regarding this one, Is it safe to use your laptop for 12 hrs? Im more familiar with desktop but now that Im using a laptop (of my relative) I need to know if its advisable to use it like for hours, since its not mine I need to take care of it more. I dont want to overuse, will it overheat or something. Considering how much laptop cost, I will appreciate all your input regarding this Are you using laptop or desktop?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@fwidman (11514)
• United States
25 Jun 08
Is the laptop connected to an external power source or are you using the battery? If the battery will last that long, it should be safe enough. If using external power it should be okay as long as it is not getting hot. I used to use my sons laptop for long periods of time and it was alright. I tried to keep it cooler by making sure that air could get around it. I live in the desert and it gets very hot here without any air moving around.
@pau_79 (790)
• Philippines
25 Jun 08
Thanks fwidman, appreciate that a lot. I live in a tropical country thats why Im also thinking if it might overheat but its rainy season already so Im sure its cool.-thanks
1 person likes this
@vampyrus (12)
• Australia
26 Jun 08
There really isn't any reason why you cannot leave your laptop on 24/7 but as others haver stated already you MUST make sure that it is properly ventilated if this is the case. I use my laptop for periods of up to 48 hrs at a time sometimes. For ventilation I would recommend that you get yourself a laptop cooling pad. They are a most wonderful invention. I keep it on all the time while my laptop is on. http://www.coolerguys.com/noco.html
@pau_79 (790)
• Philippines
27 Jun 08
Thanks and welcome to mylot! any idea how much it (cooling device)cost? just so i have an idea.
• Australia
28 Jun 08
They vary in price from $25 to $50. Also depends on what you want as there are several different ones you can buy. The one I have cost about $30 and is good because it is actually on an angle (The back is raised) rather than flat which means that it allows air to circulate better.
@ferdzNK (3211)
• Philippines
25 Jun 08
Just keep it properly ventilated and it will work just fine. Check also that your Window Power Settings is set to portable so that it doesn't consume much and reduces heat by turning devices off during period of inactivity.
@pau_79 (790)
• Philippines
27 Jun 08
Thanks ferdzNK, but when I checked the setting its currently 'balanced', dont want to change much the settings cause its not mine, but thanks anyway.
@hellcowboy (7374)
• United States
25 Jun 08
Me and my fiance own a laptop,and we never use it for more than a couple hours at a time,to keep it from over heating,because the laptop seems to get very hot,as so does the battery back,so my recommendation would be to no use it for more than like four hours at a time, before letting it cool down.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
25 Jun 08
When you're using your laptop place it on a table or something. Don't use it for 12 long hours on your lap or anywhere near you. The thing is it gets really hot when used for hours, it could affect your health. Heat, radiation, overexposure to these is very dangerous...
@pau_79 (790)
• Philippines
27 Jun 08
hey, thanks. yeah all electronic device emits radiation, so better take care coz next to cellphones we use laptop/computers for couple of hours
@cobracar (142)
• United States
26 Jun 08
Laptops are well worth the extra money for their portability and size. As long as you get a well built one and dont go cheap and buy a bad one, you should have no problem using it for extended periods of time. I use my lenovo for a couple hours each day and have no problem
@pau_79 (790)
• Philippines
27 Jun 08
Imusing toshiba satellite-anyone there who uses same brand? well i believe this is durable. I dont know how much it cost since its not mine :)
@marababe (2503)
• Philippines
25 Jun 08
Hi pau! It's okay to use your laptop for even more than 12 hours straight just make sure that your laptop is elevated (it's not laying flat on the surface) to avoid over heating, make sure air could get circulate. I suggest if you're using it that long, keep your laptop charging. That's what I do with my Mac. I avoid plugging it in and out when I am just at home and I can conveniently plug it in the entire time. My current uptime is at 2days 16hours 6minutes. That's how long my laptop's been on. I didn't put it to sleep nor shut it down for more than 48 hours. It's working perfectly fine. Just don't let it tire out too much.