SPLASHING out on a new laptop for the school term is a big outlay for any parent.
And you don’t want to face replacement costs in just a couple of years.
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Small tweaks to the way we use computers can extend their lifespan and help your investment go the distance.
Here’s how . . .
HARDEN UP: Despite the name, using your laptop propped on your legs isn’t a great idea.
Thomas Epps, IT product specialist from LG, says: “Soft surfaces can cover the air vents and prevent a laptop’s fan from functioning properly, which leads to overheating and reduces battery life.”
Instead pop your laptop on a solid surface to keep it functioning better for longer.
UNPLUG WHEN CHARGED: Leaving your laptop on charge when the battery is full shortens the lifespan.
Thomas says: “Fully charging a laptop to 100 per cent can also have the same effect.
“The ideal charge rate for laptop batteries is to charge to 80 per cent, then let it drain to 40 per cent. This can prolong the life of your battery.”
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KEEP IT COOL: Heat is an enemy for tech and regular overheating will mean your laptop won’t be around as long.
If you’re working for a long period of time or are in sunlight, it’s worth using a cooling pad. You can buy a cooling stand from Amazon for around £15.
DELETE DEMANDING APPS: Some programmes running in the background on your laptop could be acting as a drag.
Thomas says you can use the Task Manager tool on Windows laptops to find any apps that are putting undue demands on the processor or memory.
CLOSE THE PAGE: Shut tabs on an open web browser when you’re not using them.
Thomas says: “This can be a real drag on a laptop’s memory and further hinder its lifespan.”
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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