Extending The Life Of A Refurbished Laptop Computer

How to extend the life of a Refurbished Laptop computer or a computer of any vintage is a common question, and one that doesn't have an easy answer. There is one factor that will have the most impact on extending the life of your laptop and that is minimizing operating temperature. The life of the CPU, memory, and other electronic components is affected by temperature more than by any other factor. That doesn't mean you have to worry every minute about the temperature, but it does mean that if you use common sense and keep in mind that heat is the killer of electronic components you will be fine. Operate the laptop on a flat surface when using it, don't leave it in the rear window of a vehicle on a hot day. If you are in a colder climate let the laptop warm up before you turn it on. Thermal cycling caused from power cycling components on and off is also a factor in laptop life. There is a school of thought that says you are better off leaving the laptop on rather that subjecting it to the thermal cycling that occurs from power on and off cycles. Extending battery life can be accomplished by periodically discharging the battery and charging it to full charge. Removing the fully charged battery if you are operating the laptop on AC for an extended period of time is also a good idea. Mechanical shock is also a killer of electronic components, which means dropping and banging your laptop around in a laptop bag also will take it's toll on the ultimate life of your laptop.. In summary, if you keep the laptop cool, avoid power cycling your laptop every few minutes, and avoid rough treatment you will find your laptop will last 6 to 8 years and beyond.

Originally posted 2009-02-22 21:58:36.