Using your laptop properly

A few good habits can extend the life of your laptop, whatever the brand, and of its battery.

Where should you place it?

Depending on the software used, your laptop uses more or less processor power and may heat up more.

Its cooling system expels hot air through vents at the back or under the chassis. If these openings are blocked, the temperature rises quickly and the computer may reduce performance or shut down to protect its components.

Avoid placing your computer on a bed, blanket, sofa or any soft surface that could block the vents. Prefer a table, a desk or a breakfast tray if you want to use it in bed.

Connection order

It is better to plug the charger into the wall socket first, then connect it to the computer. This limits small electrical disturbances when connecting to the mains.

To unplug it, do the reverse: disconnect the cable from the computer first, then remove the charger from the wall socket.

Damaged cables

Over time, the charger cable or your iPhone cable may wear and reveal the conductors.

If this happens, stop using it immediately and replace it quickly. A damaged cable may cause a short circuit, overheating or even electric shock.

Transport

Before carrying your laptop, it is better to shut it down completely. If you close the screen while it is on, you only put it to sleep. The screen is off, but the motherboard may still be active without proper cooling.

Never place a running computer in a closed bag or sleeve. It could overheat quickly, especially in a car exposed to the sun.

Battery

Current lithium-ion batteries support several hundred, sometimes more than a thousand, charge cycles before gradually losing capacity.

It is therefore no longer necessary to wait until they are completely empty before recharging them.

When you use your computer for several hours at your desk, you can leave it connected to its charger. Once the battery is charged, the computer switches to mains power.

Safety

As much as possible, avoid leaving a computer charging unattended for long periods.

If your battery shows signs of swelling, replace it quickly. A swollen battery can damage the keyboard, the trackpad and represents a risk.

Note: there is no point leaving a charger plugged into the mains when it is not powering any device. Even if consumption is very low, it is still unnecessary consumption and it also wears the charger.