Laptop cleaning accessories?

Hi,

I whipped out cold hard cash for this laptop (paid off already) and I want to take care it of this time. I used to treat all my older computers like trash, and so they performed as treated.

I -love- the way this M4400 looks and feels. So I found myself obsessing lately over keeping it clean.

Things like microfiber cloths, keyboard cleaners like condensed air, etc. Just throw the ideas out to me and I'll debit-card them away .

There was also this real neat putty I once saw on TV that you roll over the keyboard and when you peel it off, ALL the dirt inside comes out.

Found it: http://www.geekologie.com/2008/08/cyber_clean_cleans_electronics.php - funny video. Watch what he says at the end.

 

Hmmm,

I do the usual compressed air and microfiber cleaning rituals. I don't think any chemicals or cleaners are advisable. I've found my wife's Crest Spinbrush useful for cleaning the keyboard when it gets crusty in the hard to reach places.

 

do you clean the screen? i wonder if the screen coating will wear off after some time with cleaning...

 

You have to clean the screen, lint and smudges occasionally get on. But you don't clean all the time, maybe bi-weekly or every three weeks to keep the hygiene top notch.

Screen, keyboard, I/O ports, palm rest, speaker grills. Gotta clean 'em all! lol

 

For me...I always use Microfiber cloths = FTW (my opinion)
and a can of compressed air..(use very gently)

Other than that..I keep food and drink far and away from my lappy ~ It helps in the *keep the lappy clean and safe* category! LOL



Cin

 

With this accidental coverage, I can't wait to spill some spaghetti in the keyboards

I keep hearing about magical microfiber cloths. I wanna try some! Any links or suggestions?

 

What about cleaning the inside? There's dust on the fans, inside the fins, on everything, which heats up the machine. What do you guys use, mini-vac's, canned air, an air compressor?

 

I use duster brush to remove any loose dust/dirt and if that no good, out comes the microfiber cloth!

 

www.shaggymac.com

I've purchased a keyboard/screen protector for each of my laptops. They do a great job of keeping the keyboard from contacting directly with the screen when closed. It's made out of this great material that you can use to wipe the screen down, AND the screen protector can be used as a mousepad when you're on the road.

http://www.shaggymac.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3&zenid=f75cca7b516593d7435256ff756a5de4

I also purchased a bottle of the Optimist cleaner from them, which I have not had the chance to use yet. At the time, they were offering a package deal when you also purchased a screen protector.

http://www.shaggymac.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=73

 

i just use eyeglass wipes and compressed air.

it really helps if u have a laptop sleeve to keep dust from coming in the first place when ur not using your laptop. lol im still a clean freak for all my gadgets and stuff xD

congrats on ur new baby lol.

 

Yeah you know exactly the obsession I feel then with new gadgets. I ordered a real nice waterproof notebook sleeve that matches the color of my laptop lid.

Geek fashion

 

Is this the puty/goop cleaner you wre talking about ...

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/07/22/viscous-keyboardclea.html

Looks - interesting..

 

WOW...I like that. Unfortunately, they don't ship it to the US...yet...


http://www.expertverdict.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product1_12552_-1_21412_11051?httpReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redferret.net%2F&ddkey=httpayPerClickTracker

 

For cleaning the screen I use Eyeglass lens leaner and a soft lint-free cloth. Now that I have a shiny laptop I've been using it on the case, too.

You can buy a small bottle from your local optical and get a lifetime of free refills. Walmart and Sam's Club specifically. If you go to a good one they will also have a supply of microfiber cloths to give away too. Make sure to ask for one each time you get your bottle refilled.

 

I definitely like my microfiber cleaning cloth. I never touch my screen and so my screen just gets a little dusty once in a while and even this isn't so bad. I have found when this happens I just use my microfiber cloth, dry, to pick up the dust. The screen seems to come out the cleanest this way. Sometimes when you use cleaners or even water, it can leave the screen with smudges unless you are very obsessive and make sure there isn't a single streak. This can be more annoying than the dust. I got my microfiber cloth at Walmart. Works great and is cheap and the right size. Just my 2 cents...

BTW - I make a conscious effort not to eat or drink near my laptop, this prevents a lot of issues...

 

...or sneeze.

I have seen some of the most disgusting stuff on some people's screens. The worst is when you can see where they spit on their finger and tried to remove a spot.

Of course, nobody here would do anything like that.

 

Q-tips work nicely for around the edges of keyboard and such
(It's all in the *grip* and being *gentle* w/them)



Cin

 

You could consult the 4 part cleaning guide I did. See sig.

 

Thanks...That is great. I am checking it out now.

 

Sweet! You written some good guides, etc!!!

Thanks!

Cin

 

Been using the ShaggyMac stuff for years...excellent products. Every new laptop gets a Shaggy. Maybe a Shaggy for a new MacBook due out tomorrow??

 

Definitely. Each of my laptops has its own Shaggy, plus I have an extra one I use as a mousepad for the laptop on my glass coffeetable.

Great stuff.

I tried Mac late last year, and now my Macbook is just collecting dust in the corner. I just wasn't feeling it. Though I am interested in seeing if they have anything new (and spectacular) coming out.

 

The ShaggyMac looks like it would really be handy!


Cin