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How bad is it to use a laptop on your lap?

HappyDude20

HappyDude20

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 13, 2008
3,682
1,474
Los Angeles, Ca
I have the 2019 13 inch MacBook Pro. (Don’t need the 14th inch or 16inch although I do like them a lot)

I heard using these on your lap, say when you’re on the couch isn’t a good thing for the longevity sake of the MBP. Something about the heat.

I went ahead and ordered a laptop tray thing (pictured) on eBay but honestly I’ve had it for a few days and don’t like it that much in regards to my productivity, but at least the MBP doesn’t get warm.

Although I don’t do video editing, I do put my
MBP through its paces and have tons of apps and pages open. It does get warm and only occasionally hot.

I want my MBP to last a long time, but I also want to rest my
MBP on my lap while I’m on the couch under a blanket.
 
skaertus

skaertus

macrumors 601
Feb 23, 2009
4,255
1,411
Brazil
I do not think it is a good idea to have your laptop on your lap while you are on the couch. Apart from not being good for your laptop, you will not be in a comfortable position, leading to posture and neck problems.

Said that, I bought a cheap Chromebook for using on the couch for occasional web surfing while I am doing something else. I will not be too worried if I drop it or if I sleep on it.
 
HappyDude20

HappyDude20

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 13, 2008
3,682
1,474
Los Angeles, Ca
skaertus said:
I do not think it is a good idea to have your laptop on your lap while you are on the couch. Apart from not being good for your laptop, you will not be in a comfortable position, leading to posture and neck problems.

Said that, I bought a cheap Chromebook for using on the couch for occasional web surfing while I am doing something else. I will not be too worried if I drop it or if I sleep on it.
Click to expand...
I hear you on the ergonomics of it, but I feel I most productive when I’m on the couch. I almost never get work done on a desk. Unless it’s a standigg no desk. But that’s me and I’m picky.
 
S

Sanpete

macrumors 68040
Nov 17, 2016
3,695
1,665
Utah
Get a laptop cooling pad. That will put space between you and the laptop, so nothing will be blocked. Don't even need to turn it on usually.
 
Bodhitree

Bodhitree

macrumors 68020
Apr 5, 2021
2,087
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Netherlands
You should read The Verge’s review of the latest Dell XPS 15… fans howling, temps pushing 95 degrees Celsius even under moderate load. They still gave it 8.5/10.
 
S

smithdr

macrumors regular
Aug 17, 2021
212
134
I use mine on a recliner. Laptop at mid-torso with legs crossed and the right knee to the hinge. Hands gliding across the keyboard and my thumb on the trackpad. Oddly enough, it is very comfortable. Been doing this for years.

Don
 
HappyDude20

HappyDude20

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 13, 2008
3,682
1,474
Los Angeles, Ca
smithdr said:
I use mine on a recliner. Laptop at mid-torso with legs crossed and the right knee to the hinge. Hands gliding across the keyboard and my thumb on the trackpad. Oddly enough, it is very comfortable. Been doing this for years.

Don
Click to expand...
Yeah see this is exactly the ideal dream set up. I don’t have a recliner but do have a nice Long sectional couch. I just don’t wanna burn up the laptop. I do have SMCControls or whatever that app
Is called so I can keep an eye on temps. Guess I’ll have to post soon what’s the hottest I’ve seen my Mac get.
 
petvas

petvas

macrumors 603
Jul 20, 2006
5,479
1,808
Munich, Germany
I use a laptop stand and it works great. There is nothing wrong though with using a laptop on your lap, apart from the obvious ergonomics issues.
 
HappyDude20

HappyDude20

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 13, 2008
3,682
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Los Angeles, Ca
I forgot to include the photo of the desk stand that I’ve used before on my couch and bed and although it does prevent the MacBook pro from getting hot, it’s definitely not great for my
Arms and shoulders and hands long term.
 

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Saturn007

Saturn007

macrumors 68000
Jul 18, 2010
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Had several different Mac laptops over the years — I call them *laptops* as opposed to “notebooks” because that’s how I almost always used them. And, on the couch just as you would like to!

Never had a single issue whatsoever with heat, burn out, premature wear, neck ache, etc. Lots of writing and data analysis and nary a complaint — except with keycap lettering wearing off, but that may be due to my touch typing style, hand cream, nails, etc.

A 13” MacBook Pro or Air is a fantastic laptop. Use it the way you want, the way it feels most comfortable, and enjoy it! No need to fret over heat, vents, wear, etc.

Return the contraption if you still can; otherwise, sell it for a small loss.

Laptops are for laps!
 
headlessmike

headlessmike

macrumors 65816
May 16, 2017
1,441
2,847
I once heard that companies no longer use the term laptop, preferring to call them notebooks, because they are “not supposed” to be used on a lap as this negativity affects their cooling. I believe David Pogue made a point about this at some point too.

In terms of ergonomics, the optimal position is to have the top of the display in eye-level when facing straight ahead. In the long term, always facing down when working will likely cause issues to your neck and back.

iHorseHead said:
Not to be rude and English isn't my first language but…
Doesn't it kill sperm for example etc?
Click to expand...

Yes, excess heat in the groin area should be avoided.

When I need to use a computer on my lap I often place a hardbacked book in between as a substitute for a table. It keeps both my lap and computer cooler. I have the perfect book for the job, it’s almost the exact size of a 13” MacBook Pro and not too thick.
 
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P

Pecka

macrumors 6502
Jan 13, 2022
287
252
I use the Macbook Pro on my lap all the time. Zero issues even when the fans are running.
 
jenelemond

jenelemond

macrumors regular
Jan 20, 2022
137
70
The first immediate harmful effect, which is growing ever more common, is burning. According to the experts, it is not recommended to place a laptop directly on your legs for a prolonged time. It is because the long-lasting placement of a laptop on the thighs may result in a thermal build of about 44 degrees of heat. This heat can further cause redness and pigmentation on the skin.

Harmfull effects:

  • Risk of laptop falling from your lap (possibly hitting the floor)
  • Risk of neck injury
  • Risk of strain on your back
  • Potential risk of infertility (men) [thanks to Robert Harvey for pointing this out]
If you develop a rash on your legs or anything, it may be from the computer.
 
Danfango

Danfango

macrumors 65816
Jan 4, 2022
1,294
5,779
London, UK
T'hain Esh Kelch said:
How old are your kids?
Click to expand...
Well the last one was born 15 years after I started cooking my balls if that’s a good data point.

Edit: also spoke to a doctor about this a number of years ago and he didn’t think localised heating was a problem. The body maintains homeostasis well, has excellent insulation and gets rid of excess localised heat fine.

Most fertility problems he suggested came for more direct problems like obesity, smoking and bad luck.
 
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Danfango

Danfango

macrumors 65816
Jan 4, 2022
1,294
5,779
London, UK
Bodhitree said:
You should read The Verge’s review of the latest Dell XPS 15… fans howling, temps pushing 95 degrees Celsius even under moderate load. They still gave it 8.5/10.
Click to expand...
That is in line with my corporate dell. Precision 5500. Total steaming pile of crap.
 
hagjohn

hagjohn

macrumors 68000
Aug 27, 2006
1,869
3,722
Pennsylvania
HappyDude20 said:
I have the 2019 13 inch MacBook Pro. (Don’t need the 14th inch or 16inch although I do like them a lot)

I heard using these on your lap, say when you’re on the couch isn’t a good thing for the longevity sake of the MBP. Something about the heat.

I went ahead and ordered a laptop tray thing (pictured) on eBay but honestly I’ve had it for a few days and don’t like it that much in regards to my productivity, but at least the MBP doesn’t get warm.

Although I don’t do video editing, I do put my
MBP through its paces and have tons of apps and pages open. It does get warm and only occasionally hot.

I want my MBP to last a long time, but I also want to rest my
MBP on my lap while I’m on the couch under a blanket.
Click to expand...
It is bad if it burns your nads. A cooling pad would be good.
 
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