Tech Spot: The Dreaded Ghost of Laptops Past
Obviously, the Internet is useless to you if you don't have equipment that is functioning correctly. If you plan on making money with Internet marketing, you need equipment that is in top shape. If you lose access to the Internet because your computer broke down, then you're losing valuable time and money.
One of the best things you can do to keep your hardware in excellent condition is to make sure that it is being properly cooled. Overheating destroys your computer's parts over time. In the short term, this can mean crashes, lock-ups or programs that hang. In the long term, it can mean physical melting or burning of your hardware.
All computers require some manner of cooling method, usually in the form of fans, though water-cooling systems are also available. Desktop PCs usually have multiple fans built into their cases, and you can easily add more fans to your case with a few snips of some wires and some tape. Making sure your desktop PC's components are well-spaced inside the case will also help ensure that it stays cool.
Laptops are a different story, however - they are much smaller than a desktop PC's case ia and there is a huge difference in the amount of space that its components have to breathe in. Laptops can overheat easily, due to the location of the cooling mechanisms. Resting your laptop on your lap, for example, can block the fans from doing their work, causing overheating to occur. This can also cause injury to your legs if you are not careful. Even letting a laptop rest on a desk or table for extended periods of time can lead to overheating.
Obviously, you can't conveniently install extra fans on a laptop. There's just no room inside a laptop's case. But what do you do if your laptop is running too hot and you can't install an extra fan?
The answer? Get a cooling bed.
A cooling bed is an external component that acts as a base for your laptop to sit on, whether you're holding it in your lap or on top of your desk. The bed protects your computer from harm when it comes to overheating, and it also protects your lap and furniture.They are relatively inexpensive, especially when you consider what it would cost to replace a burnt laptop. Cooling beds generally start off in price at about 12 to 15 dollars and go up from there.
There are many different types of cooling beds to choose from, and the price will correspond to the features you want the cooling bed to have. You can buy kinds that are just plastic or metal stands that allow air to circulate underneath your laptop more efficiently.
Your best bet, though, is to purchase a cooling bed that contains fans. This type of bed is usually USB-powered, meaning you only need to plug it into one of your laptop's available USB ports. Some models include a pass-through, so you're not losing a much-needed USB port. Others include several more built-in USB ports, allowing the cooling bed to do double-duty as a hub and a cooling system.
So, what should you look for in a cooling bed?
First, price - while there are many inexpensive models available, they are often not reliable. Construction may be poor and you don't want to pay for something that is just going to break in a month.
Second, materials - do not purchase a cooling bed that is entirely made of plastic. The plastic will not be strong enough to consistently withstand the heat your laptop generates and will break sooner than you think. Instead, look for a cooling bed with an aluminum top. The rest of the bed can, and probably will, be plastic, but the top is what's important, since it's what comes into direct contact with your laptop.
Third, fans - You should have at least two fans in the cooling bed. Some models offer three fans, but you don't want less than 2. Make sure the fans are ball-bearing based, as fans with ball bearings last longer than other types.
You might also want to consider the noise-factor. Some fans can be very noisy, and if loud fans make you feel like you're trapped in a wind tunnel, you are going to want something that is quiet. Compare the decibel listing on the product specs to find the quietest one, if noise is going to be an issue for you.
Those are the basic things to look for when shopping for an effective cooling bed for your laptop. These items are especially handy in the hot summer months when everything is limping along due to the heat - and it's even worse for your laptop, since it has to contend with the climate as well as the heat it generates just doing its job.
My personal cooling bed is an Antec NoteBook Cooler that was purchased at Staples for $39.99USD.
If you want a little more bang for your buck, you can consider a model like the Vantec LapCool, which includes built in USB ports.
So, in closing, remember: having equipment that is running in peak condition is essential to the success of your online (and offline) business. Not taking special care with your hardware will come back to haunt you when it unexpectedly gives up the ghost.