keeping lid closed - laptop docked running 24h/24h - bad idea?

I think I've read somewhere that keeping a laptop's lid closed when the laptop is running 24h/24h, in a docking station, may not be a good idea. That the heat may damage the screen...

Is that real? Is it really better to keep the laptop lid open, even if the laptop is docked and an external monitor is used?

 

which laptop is it? make sure the screen turns off when you close the lid and it should be ok. how hot does your laptop run? waht are you using it for? regular office and internet or gaming or other graphic/cpu intensive program?

 

It's a Dell Precision M2400. I will use it mainly for programming and Internet/regular office so nothing really intensive, in general.

I would like the screen to turn off when I close the lid but I don't see that option! The only related option I see is:

When I close the lid of my portable computer:
- Do nothing
- Stand by

 

I'm pretty sure the screen will turn off automatically when the lid closes. There is no reason for it to stay on.

 

Fine, but what about the heat? Can it damage the screen?

 

I don't see a problem for it being used 24/7 aslong as it's being put where it's properly ventilated.

 

Heat rise, so if I have to leave the lid closed, I just put my laptop upside down.

 

Heating your screen will not be your main issue. Laptops are designed to be run open as the keyboard area is used for passive cooling on some. If you have a cooling pad, then I would definitely use it. You may also want to use a buffer between the keyboard and screen and the screen off is a definite must.

 

That was a really smart tip! I don't see a single problem having it upside down, so that should definately keep your screen safe.

 

except that the heatsink fins on some heatsinks for various CPU/GPUs may be designed to work more efficiently in the upright position, don't have any proof, just a thought. Also in general heat=bad for electronics. It shortens the lifespan, and wastes electricity.

 

If your laptop tends to get hot, running it with the screen closed is a bad idea.

I would recommend to monitor your temps and check it out yourself.

 

Usualy heatsinks are screwed/bolted on, so they will most likely not move and decrease efficency as they are so light anyways, it's not like some desktop superdupermegacoolers that weighs 500grams or so

But i understand what you mean and had in mind, totally.

And yes, heat is always a bad factor for electronics. That's why that was a good idea as it should/would generate less heat in that position.

 

Dell make docking stations which are designed to hold a closed notebook. It is to be assumed that Dell will have also designed the cooling systems of the notebooks that fit the docks to be able to stay cool when closed. I recall some reports of the cooling fan being more active when the computer is docked.

Some notebooks do rely on being open for effective cooling, either through passive radiation of heat from the keyboard or (as on some Zepto models) drawing in air through vents in the keyboards.

My own tendency would be to leave the display slightly open, if there is room, to provide some ventilation.

John

 

That is not a bad idea except that ejecting the computer from its docking station wouldn't be easy and playing a DVD either.

I could use some kind of a "buffer" between the screen and the computer, as suggested by gengerald, but I'm not sure what kind of material I could use for that?

Anyway, I'll probably let the lid open. I don't want to take any chance with my new baby!

Thanks everybody for the help.

 

You can change the screen settings under the power settings or it might be under your screen saver options. Instead of choosing the screen saver just select turn monitor off after a few minutes.

I support Dell hardware where I work and I've never saw a Dell laptop screen go bad by being docked 24 hours a day. Generally the heat is pushed out the back or side, so as long as you have good airflow it shouldn't be an issue.