Forgot to add -- in relation to HDs failing due to heat, it's because some forget to leave at least a portion of space in between the bottom of their laptops and the surface their gear's are resting
Rule of thumbs: Always leave one inch space between your laptop and the flat resting surface, in order to have sufficient airflow
For a quick measure if you don't want to reach for a ruler -- just do a 'thumbs-up' gesture;
the distance from the tip of your extended thumb to the closed fist is roughly two inches
What can one use to make the space? Anything -- a couple of pocket books, bottle caps, empty match boxes
Do I need to buy those laptop cooler pads (
like those sold with portable fans and doohickeys? ) Nah, I say 'go frugal' ( a.k.a. cheap ) and just get a simple electric fan and direct it to you and to the space in between the flat surface and the laptop
What if I use it on my lap? Same thing -- as long there's a good airflow (
in this case, the said electric fan or an open window with a moderately strong breeze ) and that you're not blocking the vents underneath your laptop (
yes, there are vents -- just look underneath later )