Laptop Care

7 Tips for protecting your laptop or Chromebook

Because mobile devices are expensive to replace, it's important that you know how to take care of it. Aside from not spilling hot coffee or chips and guacamole on your keyboard.

TIP 1: Turn off the device after use

If you're going to travel, remove any attached devices, and fully turn the device off—don't simply put it in sleep or standby mode. Make sure to wait until its fully powered off before placing it in any bags or cases.

TIP 2: Avoid extreme temperatures

Extreme temperature or temperature swings can effect the device. If you've just brought your laptop indoors from a very hot day, you shouldn't turn it on until it has had a chance to warm up and reach room temperature, the same can be said for cold days.

TIP 3: Avoid overheating

Laptops can overheat more easily than a desktop computer can. You shouldn't set it on a blanket, pillow or other non-flat surface that could prevent sufficient ventilation.

TIP 4: Protect the screen

The screen is its most fragile and at-risk component, and it can be cracked and damaged easily. Clean it only with approved solutions or monitor wipes. Don't touch the screen with pens or any pointer that can scratch the surface.

TIP 5: Avoid magnets

You shouldn't put a device close to appliances that generate a magnetic field, such as televisions, large speakers and even some refrigerators. You should even avoid putting your cellphone on top of your laptop while both are on.

TIP 6: Close the lid

Keep the lid closed as often as you can, which helps to limit the amount of dust that can settle on the keyboard, saves battery life and prevents the keyboard from any accidental spills—a leading cause of laptop damage.

TIP 7: Avoid liquid

Be careful where you take your computer and set it down. You shouldn't take it to the beach and risk getting sand or water in it. Same with using it on the kitchen counter, where it could drop into a sink or onto the floor. And even if it's NOT plugged in, you shouldn't finish your spreadsheet while relaxing in the bathtub!

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