How-to Protect your Laptop Guide
August 14, 2007 at 06:25:00 PM, by
Read about the ways to protect, maintain and extend the life of your laptops.
Introduction
Buying a new or used car is never an easy experience. Whereas being on the lot and test driving models to your heart's content might be part of the fun for some shoppers, having to finally negotiate on a price for a new automobile and then figuring out how you plan to pay it off in the next decade or so is a reality all drivers have to face. Luckily for consumers there are many steps one can take to help ensure that their new (or used) car stays looking like and performing as it did the day they drove it off the lot. That new toy may have been a costly investment initially but with enough proper care and maintenance one could potentially extend the lifetime and condition of their vehicle well beyond its years, and additionally, increase the resale value and appeal of said vehicle.
Laptop computers are a similar investment that, while not as expensive as most cars (excluding Alienware of course), can have their working lifetime increased by following a few simple care guidelines as well as buying the necessary items to prevent damage and cosmetic problems from occurring. Especially for mobile professionals who find themselves constantly on the move with their notebook, protecting your asset is an invaluable and often overlooked aspect to laptop ownership. Granted laptops, as well as automobiles, are subject to mechanical failures just as much as they're susceptible to scratches, blemishes, spills, gravity, and other unexpected hazards of day to day life but ensuring the safety and security of your machine will help increase its life expectancy as well as maintain its physical condition.
Bags and Cases
Having the proper carrying solution for your notebook computer could make all the difference when it comes to keeping your laptop looking and feeling like it just came from out of the box. This is especially true if you find yourself lugging your equipment from home to the office, classroom, local café, or on an airplane. Putting a layer of padding between your machine and the other contents of your bag, will significantly cut down on the amount of scratches, marks, and other cosmetic damages that your machine might incur during everyday commutes. Luckily there are a multitude of solutions for taking your laptop with you that span a variety of price ranges. Depending on how often you're on the move with your equipment one of the following bags or laptop cases might just be right for you.
Case Logic Neoprene Sleeve
Cheap and effective, the Case Logic Neoprene Sleeve is a great solution for anyone who lugs their laptop around with them all day. There are many advantages to using a simple sleeve instead of investing in a more expensive laptop bag or backpack. Firstly, the smooth but grippy neoprene full cover casing provides superior cushioning and cosmetic protection for a low price. Secondly, these handy sleeves aren't as bulky as a messenger sling or backpack and can be kept in any suitably sized bag, whether it's 'laptop-ready' or not. Be careful not to stick it between any textbooks or other awkwardly heavy items though since this could mean extra weight and pressure will be applied to your precious notebook while you carry it around. The Case Logic Neoprene Sleeve can be found on eBags.com for $20.99.
Ogio Daily Grind
From snowboard bags to fanny packs, Ogio makes high quality and stylish gear for transporting your essentials in. The Daily Grind is Ogio's take on the classic work attach' is complete with a few extra features you wouldn't find on your dad's briefcase, not to mention it's a great value. Along with its cushy laptop compartment, the Daily Grind sports 900 cubic inches of storage space as well as pockets for your cell phone, water bottle, business cards, and other miscellaneous bits. The brief also comes with a comfortable hand strap if you prefer the classic carry style over the included padded shoulder strap. The Ogio Daily Grind sports a variety of excellent features with a price that won't force you to give up your latte habit for a month, not to mention an included lifetime warranty against all defects. The Ogio Daily Grind can be found on eBags.com for $49.99.
Oxio Freedomer Messenger Laptop Bag
For the more trendy at heart, Oxio has begun to offer their brand new Freedomer shoulder bag series which sports a stylish two tone stripe on a durable and tear resistant nylon exterior. With the ability to hold up to a 15' laptop in a special built-in zippered compartment as well as multiple document pockets, it's clear that the Freedomer means business. Metal buttons, buckles, and other accents give the laptop sling a more professional feel as well as maximizing ruggedness. In terms of protection and style the Oxio Freedomer provides both to an exceptional degree. The Oxio Freedomer Messenger Laptop Bag can be found on eBags.com for $84.99.
Tekstyl Tekmod Laptop Wearable
Hackers and business men alike, take heed. In the past it was necessary to have to unplug your laptop from your workspace, close the lid, open your bag, insert the laptop into that bag, and then close that same bag once again in order to take your machine with you from place to place. And if you want to use your laptop on the road? That's right, even more steps to remove your machine from its bag in order to use it. Now however, having to extract your laptop from your bag is a thing of the past. Since 2004, Tekstyl has been producing trendy and functional laptop accessories which integrate your notebook into the bag itself. Unzip and open the sides of this bag and you'll be greeted by your laptop, open and ready for use. The Tekmod Laptop Wearable supports many different sized laptops and leaves a little extra space for accessories, documents, and other small odds and ends. The bag can also convert to a 'top loading' messenger in seconds thanks to Tekmod's innovative and ergonomic design. The Tekstyl Tekmod Laptop Wearable XL, which can hold a 17' widescreen laptop, can be found on eBags.com for $79.99.
CompuCase Aluminum Computer Case
Finally, for the user who favors sturdy metal over flexible nylon or neoprene, comes the CompuCase Aluminum Attach'. With similar cases from Halliburton (yes, that Halliburton) and Rimowa ranging from $450-$1100 the CompuCase is an attractive and affordable alternative that will serve all of your laptop traveling needs. Under the attach's durable aluminum and vinyl exterior lies a well laid out and roomy padded gray interior that sports enough space for your notebook computer, file folders, pens, business cards, a PDA or phone, and other important documents and accessories one would need on the go. With an optional padded shoulder strap, exterior key locks, and a rugged casing, the CompuCase Aluminum Attach' is all business. Hand cuffs for securing the briefcase to your arm not included. The CompuCase Aluminum Attach' can be found on eBags.com for $59.99.
Care Solutions
Keeping your keyboard clean
J. Angelo Racoma of Racoma.com has a great deal to say about laptop maintenance and cleaning on his personal blog. As far as his tips for keeping your keyboard cleaned are concerned, J. Angelo recommends using ArmorAll, used for cleaning car dashboards, and a soft cleaning cloth, the kind that won't leave fuzzy bits behind, to polish up those dull keyboard keys. For the more DIY-conscious of us, a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water or dish soap and water be used and will do just as effective a job at getting grease, grime, and other gunk off your home row.
As for keeping the spaces between your keyboard keys clean, compressed air does wonders. Depending on what model laptop you own, spraying a liberal amount of compressed air through your typing surface will help aerate those little bits of dust, food, and other junk out of your laptop. For the most effective cleaning, work from one side of the keyboard to the other, don't just spray indefinitely between the keys. This will help corral the majority of the nasty bits stuck in the keyboard for easy cleaning later.
Screen Protection
Lifehacker.com has hundreds of simple tips on getting the most from your machine, whether it be a laptop or desktop. One such tip helps users maintain the quality of their LCD screen without having to spend money on expensive products, such as the iSkin. By using a form fitted piece of rubberized shelf liner, sold at most home improvement stores, you can prevent a surprising amount of scratches and other blemishes from occurring. Just lay the rubberized mat across your keyboard before closing your machine's lid. In the meanwhile you can think of how to spend that extra $20 you saved.'
Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning LCD Screen
Let's face it. Your laptop's LCD screen takes a lot of abuse. When they're not attracting dust particles or dander they're getting smudged, spilled, or sneezed on and at some point giving your screen a good cleaning becomes inevitable. Be warned though. Using household cleaners and other chemically enriched abrasive liquids can lead to all sorts of damage and corrosion on your precious display. Instead of using Windex or 409 (yes, people actually clean their electronics with these things) use a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol (not rubbing alcohol since it might contain oil) and water. If available, a spray bottle will come in handy for applying the cleaning solution, but pouring some of the concoction on an old t-shirt or other fabric that won't leave behind lint works fine. Avoid using paper towels or dish rags as these may leave behind more debris than they've cleaned off.
Cleaning excess dust
Compressed air is your friend. In order to keep your computer in tip-top shape one should get into the habit of banishing excess dust and other build up from inside their machine. Depending on your model getting to the guts of your laptop shouldn't be too much of a challenge. Most manufactures have engineered their notebooks so that if you remove the keyboard you'll have instant access to the motherboard and other core components of your computer. Depending on your model this exercise might also void your warranty so check with your manufacturer before attempting to open your machine.
Once inside it should become clear to you which parts need a dusting and which do not. Give any heatsink or component with a fan attached to it a good burst or two of compressed air. These ducts, which are engineered to pull air across your computer's innards and out of the machine, are the first causalities of the dusty buildup. When the airflow is restricted by such build up a machine can run hotter and more sluggishly, impacting performance and the overall health of your laptop. Other areas one should check for dust build up are the PCMCIA bay and around the back of your machine where the LCD screen meets the base of the laptop. When using compressed air it's a good idea to only use short bursts of air instead of a steady stream. This will help conserve your can of air and it prevents damage to your laptop's delicate components. In a pinch Q-Tips also come in handy for cleaning in such tight spaces. Conclusion
To keep your laptop's motor running smoothly and to keep your chassis looking like new a few simple upkeep tasks are all that stands between you and the condition of your machine. Granted these few tasks don't need to be performed that often but neglecting your computer's look and physical performance doesn't just slow your browsing down but it also brings down the value of your laptop, and if you invested a significant amount of money in your machine you'd be foolish to let that all go to waste. Giving yourself the proper tools and facilities to keep your computer looking and acting like new will not only benefit the machine itself but also the resale value and the personal value one puts on their electronics. The better it performs and the shinier it looks the less likely you are to put the money forward for a new piece of expensive electronic equipment, and who doesn't like saving a bit of money these days?
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