These days, the laptop computer has become an everyday companion for many of us. It slips into our bag and travels to the office, the coffee shop and the conference room. It rests on airplane trays, arms of couches, desks and even our knees.
With all that mobility, your laptop is particularly vulnerable to accidents and mishaps. So, whether you’re traveling around the world or just commuting between home and the office, here are some tips for how to protect your laptop.
1. Get a reliable bag to carry your laptop
Laptops are meant to be easy to bring with you. So, it makes sense that your first priority in taking care of your device should be purchasing a protective way of carrying it.
A good laptop bag will have padded compartments specifically designed for a laptop of the right size. You don’t want your laptop jostling around in a compartment that is too big for it. You can choose from a number of styles, including backpacks, messenger bags and briefcases.
The best bags will also include a separate compartment for the power supply and a strong, water-resistant (or waterproof) fabric. If you want to be extra cautious, you can also purchase a laptop sleeve that will help protect your device even if your laptop bag is less than ideal.
2. Invest in a keyboard cover
Have you noticed dust accumulating around your keyboard keys? What about crumbs from the snacks you enjoy while working on the go? Contaminates can get into your laptop through your keyboard and build up inside. So a simple cover can make a huge difference in the long-term functionality of your device.
Also, while most keyboard covers are not designed to protect against significant spills, they can help prevent small splashes from getting in between the keys. And they can keep the keys from wearing down with use.
3. Use a hard case
How often do you set your coffee or tea right next to your laptop? What about those times you find yourself balancing your laptop in a precarious position for a moment? For many, these everyday risks have eventually led to that unfortunate drop or spill.
That’s when you’ll wish you had a hard case for your laptop. These cases will attach to and remain on the laptop to protect it against impact. Many of them also include keyboard protection and create a wall of defense against liquid spills, dust and other contaminates.
4. Carry insurance
If you’re worried about breaking your laptop or concerned someone might steal it, you may want to carry insurance. This is particularly important for high-end laptops that are expensive to replace.
When choosing insurance, make sure you read and understand everything included (and not included). You don’t want to be surprised by new information if you have to make a claim. Keep a printed or PDF copy of the insurance coverage description as proof of what you bought and save the information you have about your laptop’s value.
5. Don’t leave your laptop plugged in all the time
It might sound strange that constantly leaving your laptop plugged in will wear down your battery over time, but it’s true. Constant charging will create heat within the laptop and diminish the battery’s life. So, it’s best only to plug in your laptop when it needs charging.
Some newer laptops also offer a battery-saving feature, which, if turned on, will protect the battery by preventing it from reaching 100% charge when plugged in.
