Taking care of your new laptop is very important, if you intend to extend its lifespan and preserve its functions. The portability of these computers are their main asset, but it also causes many potential problems: moisture, liquid spillage, and being dropped are only a few of the dangers out here for your computer.

Now, just because your comp is portable, that doesn't mean it's made to withstand a lot of abuse from being moved around and used in different conditions. It still has parts that experience not only wear and tear from continuous use, but from threats that you can avoid to keep them in running condition.

First off, avoid using your laptop near liquids, especially very hot or very cold ones. High temperature liquids may be steaming, and some of that steam may find its way into your comp's casing. It's the same deal with very cold beverages: it may cause condensation. Be especially wary of sodas: these drinks are pretty toxic to your portable if you manage to get any on it. Sodas are especially destructive: they're acidic, which may corrode connections, and even when they dry, they leave a sticky residue, which attracts dust.

Speaking of condensation, the environment where you use your laptop can also affect its lifespan. Areas with high humidity and heat like Los Angeles or Florida can be punishing - wipe down your comp before putting it away if you've been using it in a humid area, and to store it in a moisture-proof case. Don't bring it out from an extremely cold place (like your air-conditioned office) to a very hot and humid one- condensation can form on the inside. Wait for a while for it to dry before using, as condensed moisture can cause short circuits.

The hard drive of your laptop can also be damaged from wear and tear- when it's turned on, it spins up. Moving it around while it's on can cause your hard drive to crash- if you can't turn off your comp before putting it away and moving it around, at least put it in sleep mode, or even better, in hibernate. In these modes, the hard drive is powered down, and is safe from damage from excessive motion.

Lastly, don't leave your laptop running while it's on a bed. Putting it on the bed can prevent the heat from escaping from under the unit, letting heat build up. This heat in turn can cause the silicon components to overheat. Do this often enough, and you may shorten the lifespan of your computer by several years.

A laptop might not be as durable as you think. While they were designed to be used in most places, they still have some components that are sensitive to things like liquid and moisture, and humidity in places like los angeles or florida. Also, improper handling of the computer without shutting it down and overheating it can cause serious reductions in its lifespan.