"Hot" Laptop Computer

[Kitty]

I'm issuing a call for help from the MyHattiesburg "Geek Squad." :)

My daughter has a Dell Inspiron 1000 laptop computer.

She says it gets very hot. When she has it at home (she is a college student) I've noticed the "heat" as well, and I've cautioned her about leaving it on her bed because I'm concerned it could cause a fire.

The battery is not one that was part of the recent recall.

I have a newer Dell laptop, and it does not get nearly as hot as this Inspiron 1000.

Are there settings she can change on the computer that will help? Or, does she need to remove the battery and just run it on AC to see if that cools it down? Or, does she need to get a replacement battery?

Or, anything else?

[Expat in Korea]

I have a 2200 and it heats up pretty well too. I am sure someone may have some better advice, but you can purchase a cooling system for that model I believe. It is like a dock that you place an ipod in with an extra fan to keep it cool.


Edit see Aaron's post below!!

[aaron]

All laptops will do this if you keep them in your lap (or on a bed or any kind of cloth). It's because the fan cannot get air in and out to cool the insides. I doubt it will ever start a fire, because I doubt it gets much hotter than your drier.

I used to have this problem and I wasn't concerned about the laptop as much as my lap. So, I bought one of these (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Targus-Tornado-Chill-Mat-PA248U/sem/rpsm/oid/81511/catOid/-13022/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) and it works just fine. Of course, you can just buy a small piece of wood or any hard smooth surface to set it on and it will be fine. To be totally sure, you can download this small program (http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php) to tell you exactly what temp your laptop is at. Anything above 50C is a problem to me and it shouldn't get that higher than that. (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Targus-Tornado-Chill-Mat-PA248U/sem/rpsm/oid/81511/catOid/-13022/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do)

[Expat in Korea]

noway thought this thread had an entirely different title altogether.

And Kitty, I have no idea how to cool down a "hot" laptop.

the first thing I thought was that she had picked up a stolen lap top...but Doc I think you are right. I am sure that Noway thought of something else

[Kitty]

All laptops will do this if you keep them in your lap (or on a bed or any kind of cloth). It's because the fan cannot get air in and out to cool the insides. I doubt it will ever start a fire, because I doubt it gets much hotter than your drier.

I used to have this problem and I wasn't concerned about the laptop as much as my lap. So, I bought one of these (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Targus-Tornado-Chill-Mat-PA248U/sem/rpsm/oid/81511/catOid/-13022/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) and it works just fine. Of course, you can just buy a small piece of wood or any hard smooth surface to set it on and it will be fine. To be totally sure, you can download this small program (http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php) to tell you exactly what temp your laptop is at. Anything above 50C is a problem to me and it shouldn't get that higher than that.

Thank you. I will tell her to download the program, and to buy a chill mat.

[Bahlk]

My inspiron 1150 runs pretty warm.

[Kitty]

Before I started this thread, I did a Google search of hot laptops, laptops running hot, etc., and came across this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/11/22/man_burns_penis_with_laptop/) article.

All I can say is "ouch." :smt119

[No-Halo]

Before I started this thread, I did a Google search of hot laptops, laptops running hot, etc., and came across this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2002/11/22/man_burns_penis_with_laptop/) article.

All I can say is "ouch." :smt119
Double ouch Kitty!!

[carsalesguy]

I'm issuing a call for help from the MyHattiesburg "Geek Squad." :)

My daughter has a Dell Inspiron 1000 laptop computer.

There's your first problem. the dell inspiron 1000 series all ran hot. dad had one from the university that got so hot that it would cause hardware problems......other computer techs out there know what overheating will do to a machine....


She says it gets very hot. When she has it at home (she is a college student) I've noticed the "heat" as well, and I've cautioned her about leaving it on her bed because I'm concerned it could cause a fire.

The battery is not one that was part of the recent recall.

I have a newer Dell laptop, and it does not get nearly as hot as this Inspiron 1000.

Are there settings she can change on the computer that will help? Or, does she need to remove the battery and just run it on AC to see if that cools it down? Or, does she need to get a replacement battery?

Or, anything else?


The cooling mats as aaron and a few other have mentioned helped a few folks about the heat problem. the older pentium and previous laptops didn't have this problem- the heat generated was much less.....

just make sure you keep the fans clear, and the A/C power block in a safe place- not on any type of fabric----that way the have a way to dissipate the heat.

most anything with electricity running through it is going to generate some heat. you have to remember with a computer, especially a laptop, that all those components inside the case are squished together.... and don't have very much room to breathe....

[wilebill]

I've got an HP Pavilion with a P4 3.0ghz and that thing gets really hot. It's a real wienie roaster. :smt118

[Kitty]

All laptops will do this if you keep them in your lap (or on a bed or any kind of cloth). It's because the fan cannot get air in and out to cool the insides. I doubt it will ever start a fire, because I doubt it gets much hotter than your drier.

I used to have this problem and I wasn't concerned about the laptop as much as my lap. So, I bought one of these (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Targus-Tornado-Chill-Mat-PA248U/sem/rpsm/oid/81511/catOid/-13022/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) and it works just fine. Of course, you can just buy a small piece of wood or any hard smooth surface to set it on and it will be fine. To be totally sure, you can download this small program (http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php) to tell you exactly what temp your laptop is at. Anything above 50C is a problem to me and it shouldn't get that higher than that.

Thank you. I will tell her to download the program, and to buy a chill mat.

Aaron, she bought the chill mat you recommended, and she says it has made a big difference. The laptop is not so "hot" anymore.

Thank you! :smt038

[carsalesguy]

I've got an HP Pavilion with a P4 3.0ghz and that thing gets really hot. It's a real wienie roaster. :smt118

you have to have a wienie in order to have a wienie roast

[aaron]

Aaron, she bought the chill mat you recommended, and she says it has made a big difference. The laptop is not so "hot" anymore.

Thank you! :smt038

No problem, glad to help.

[Wayward]

Glad you found a solution, Kitty. For folks following this thread, here's another Targus lap desk option that works very well (http://www.targus.com/us/CategorySearch.asp?SearchedTerms=lapdesk&Action=Go).

It does not have powered fans but elevates the notebook and allows the heat to dissipate. It folds to easily fit in a carrying case. When unfolded, it is wide enough to also serve as a mouse pad.

I use this one and there is no noticeable "lap heat." Available at most office supply stores.

:smt006

[daisy]

I have A Dell Inspiron 1200 and usually sit on the corner of the couch and it would almost burn my legs at first. Then, it would shut down and show a blue screen and I would start it back up nd it would do this about every 20 minutes. Also, it would slow down and not respond to keys or the click key.

I had the warranty along with the spywre and anti-virus. I took it in and Burton's sent it off. The problem was the fan. It was overheating and they fixed it. The computer would slow down and shut itself off due to overheating to save itself.

I now sit with the laptop balanced on the arm of the couch and other side on crossed leg. this gives the little, vent, round thing under it.