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Feeling warm this summer? Don't overheat your lap, or your laptop

Things have changed for laptop users in the Northern Hemisphere this summer. After several cold, wet years, suddenly, the attraction of putting a warm computer on your legs has faded.

It's an opportunity for commerce! And commercial offerings exist. But there are also common-sense steps; and bright ideas.

Here are a few ideas to consider.

First, take care of the computer. The computer can actually be put out of action by over-heating. They need a supply of cool air - in hot weather, quite obviously, the air isn't cool so they need a lot more air than normal.

The obvious thing to do is buy an air-conditioner for the room. This isn't the place to survey domestic aircon plants, but it will have the added benefit of cooling you down, as well. But the rest of the year ... is it worth it?

So the rest of the options are

1) simply increase the supply of air to the computer

2) spend real money, and insulate your lap from the heat of the computer

or

3) put the computer somewhere else.

The third is the obvious one; put it on a desk. But the other two may appeal more ...

And finally, don't take the problem lightly. It's serious! You don't want to end up in The Lancet, do you?