I’m a long-time PC gamer but first time gaming laptop (“notebook?”) owner. I’m traveling at the moment, so I had to ditch my desktop for the laptop. Mine is still fairly portable so I’m often tempted to use it on my lap… but I’m always afraid to cover those vents so I’m left scrambling looking for something in my hotel room or AirBNB that would approximate a lap desk. 😅
I’ve been baffled by this design decision. Thanks for the context. It makes a bit more sense now.
I can assure you the laptop will not incinerate itself if you cover those vents for a while. I have used my laptop in a bed as it was charging and blocking those vents made it a bit slower but that’s about it.
There’s definitely a market for mobile PC gaming which is why the Steam Deck sells so well, as well as the new market of competitor products (Asus Rog Ally, for example).
That said, the vent location is a bit bizarre. Perhaps the manufacturer intended the laptop to be mounted or something… ?
Perhaps if it’s not too late, you can return the laptop when you get back from traveling.
What laptop is it? I have an MSI GS66 and there’s a “cooler boost” button to throw the fans into overdrive which keeps it cool even on my lap. Does yours have something similar?
I’m a long-time PC gamer but first time gaming laptop (“notebook?”) owner. I’m traveling at the moment, so I had to ditch my desktop for the laptop. Mine is still fairly portable so I’m often tempted to use it on my lap… but I’m always afraid to cover those vents so I’m left scrambling looking for something in my hotel room or AirBNB that would approximate a lap desk. 😅
I’ve been baffled by this design decision. Thanks for the context. It makes a bit more sense now.
I can assure you the laptop will not incinerate itself if you cover those vents for a while. I have used my laptop in a bed as it was charging and blocking those vents made it a bit slower but that’s about it.
Yeah worst case scenario is the thing shuts itself off to cool off
There’s definitely a market for mobile PC gaming which is why the Steam Deck sells so well, as well as the new market of competitor products (Asus Rog Ally, for example).
That said, the vent location is a bit bizarre. Perhaps the manufacturer intended the laptop to be mounted or something… ?
Perhaps if it’s not too late, you can return the laptop when you get back from traveling.
It’ll just thermal throttle. If it keeps getting hotter then once it hits the limit it’ll just shut off.
What laptop is it? I have an MSI GS66 and there’s a “cooler boost” button to throw the fans into overdrive which keeps it cool even on my lap. Does yours have something similar?
It’s a 2023 Lenovo Legion 7i. I’m not aware of a feature like this on it, but maybe I just haven’t discovered it yet.
Chop up a sturdy cardboard box to make a panel the size of the laptop. Barely noticeable addition to your luggage.