Avoiding Common Mesa Laptop Use and Care Mistakes

Mar 22, 2022

Like any other significant investment you make, caring for a laptop and allowing yourself to get maximum value out of it is an important task. Some people, unfortunately, don't take great care of their laptops, perhaps believing that their portable nature also makes them impervious to many damage risks -- and while they are indeed portable, this is not the case.

At FixIT Mobile, we're happy to offer detailed, comprehensive laptop repair services to clients throughout Mesa and nearby areas, including for issues ranging from screen and water damage to battery issues, virus concerns and more. We also happily advise clients on how to avoid these sorts of risks in the future; there are several common mistakes laptop owners tend to make in terms of basic use and care, and simply getting these right will help you steer clear of many damage or related risks. Here are several of the most common such errors to make sure you don't fall victim to.

Laptop on the Floor

Once again, while it's true that laptops are meant to be portable, this doesn't mean you can just set them down anywhere. Sure, a coffee table or dining room table is probably just fine, but putting your laptop directly on the floor is generally not a great idea.

The reason for this should be obvious -- floors can be dirty, dusty and full of all sorts of potential hazards, from rogue crumbs to tiny pieces of glass. All it takes is for one of these to make its way into your laptop's keyboard and you could be dealing with a very costly repair bill.

Not only this, but a laptop on the floor is much more likely to be kicked, knocked over or otherwise disturbed than one that's on a table or other elevated surface. So save your laptop from potential danger and keep it off the floor whenever possible.

Leaving it Plugged In

This is another common issue that can lead to problems down the line. When you're not using your laptop, be sure to unplug it from the power outlet -- and if you're going to be gone for an extended period of time, it's best to shut it down completely.

Leaving your laptop plugged in when it's not in use can shorten its overall lifespan; overcharging the battery is never a good idea, regardless of the type of device you're dealing with. If you're planning on using your laptop for a while, it's best to let the battery drain down completely before recharging it again.

Slamming the Lid Shut

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people do it. When you're done using your laptop, take a moment to close the lid gently -- don't just slam it shut.

Slamming the lid shut can cause damage to the screen, hinges and other internal components, so it's always best to close it slowly and carefully. This might take a little bit more time at first, but in the long run it'll be worth it.

Laptop Dropping Issues

Another area that should perhaps go without saying, but that we'll mention here anyway: never drop your laptop. Dropping any electronic device is always a bad idea, and laptops are no exception.

Even if your laptop seems fine after a fall, there's always the potential for internal damage that you can't see. And if you do end up damaging your laptop in this way, it's likely that you won't be able to fix it yourself; you'll most likely need to take it to a professional.

Beverages and Liquids Near the Laptop

Just like other electronics, laptops and liquids don't mix -- so it's best to keep them as far away from each other as possible.

Even if you're careful, accidents can happen; a spilled drink can easily damage your laptop beyond repair. So it's always best to err on the side of caution and keep beverages well away from your laptop when you're using it.

For instance, some laptop owners make the silly mistake of using their laptop while in the bath or shower; not only is this a really bad idea from a safety perspective, but it's also very likely to damage your laptop beyond repair.

Surface of Use

While it's totally fine to use your laptop on a surface like a bed or your lap every now and then, it's not something you should make a habit of. Doing so can cause your laptop to overheat, which in turn can lead to all sorts of problems down the line.

This is because when the laptop sits on a soft surface like a bed or your lap, the air flow is greatly reduced and the laptop becomes much less efficient at cooling itself down. So if you're going to be using your laptop for an extended period of time, it's best to do so on a hard, flat surface. And if you do want to use it in these other locations regularly, you should consider an accessory like a laptop stand.

Improper Software and Hardware Use

Finally, one of the most common ways to damage your laptop is through improper software use.

For instance, downloading and installing unlicensed software can lead to all sorts of problems for your laptop down the line. So always be sure to only download software from trusted sources, and never install anything that you're not absolutely sure about.

Incorrectly ejecting external devices is another common issue that can cause damage to your laptop. Whenever you need to remove an external device, always be sure to do so correctly; if you just yank it out without properly ejecting it first, you risk damaging the device and the data stored on it.

For more on how to avoid mistakes that may diminish your laptop's lifespan, or to learn about any of our laptop repair or related services in Mesa, speak to the staff at FixIT Mobile today.