laptops

laptops are for portability

If you're considering purchasing a laptop make sure you're doing it for portability. Laptops are less powerful than a desktop and their hardware is limiting. The easiest parts to upgrade or replace are the hard drive and the memory. Since so many parts are compact and specialized the prices are many times that of a desktop system.

simple cooling

The simplest thing you can do to keep your laptop cool is to raise the back end up. Heat rises so it will naturally travel towards the rear where the vents and fans are usually located. On a flat surface the fans need to do all the work to pull the warm air from the front. Also, cool air will be able to freely travel beneath the laptop.

Prop up the back side with anything you want/have. Several companies sell laptop stands. Buy one where the platform the laptop sits on is open or a metal mesh design. You can also design your own using folder stands sold in office supply stores.

battery life

It is likely your laptop has a lithium-ion (Li-on) battery. There's plenty of debate over what to do to prolong battery life. The short answer is lithium-ion batteries liked to be charged and kept cool. Recharge the battery if it drops to 20%-25% charge and make sure the laptop is running cool.

How to Prolong Lithium-based Batteries

You will need to replace your battery if you charge to 100% and the charge only lasts for a short period of time.