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

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

I’m not doubting the infertility due to heat thing because I read about that, too.

But I can’t really imagine a position where the laptop would actually be in that area to cause damage.
When I use it away from a desk it sits on (or very close to) my knees.

Of course, my 13” MBP vents toward the back, away from my body. I’ve had Windows laptops that vented directly out the bottom in various places. I imagine the risk would be greater that way.

 

[ian87w]

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.

I don't think you should read TheVerge for reviews.

 

[GrandeLatte]

This is the funniest thread I've read in a long time. ?

 

[ian87w]

For intel laptops, not a good idea, especially for guys. Simple, they can overheat too easily. Even on a desk, I would probably get those laptop stands to allow better airflow at the bottom. Most laptops have their vents on the bottom. Putting them on your lap will practically cover those, and you can guess what happen next. Imo intel macbooks are probably worse as they are aluminum and the lower part will easily transfer the heat to your lap. And for guys, guess where your seeds are...

Getting a tablet+keyboard or Surface Pro-like form factor is better in terms of heat as the parts heating up won't be on your lap. But they are top heavy and can be challenging on your lap.

I don't have Apple Silicon Macbooks, but if they are as cool-running as many people are saying, then they are definitely okay. This is why I really want an Apple Silicon Macbook Air. Less heat, no fans.

 

[ian87w]

I’m not doubting the infertility due to heat thing because I read about that, too.

But I can’t really imagine a position where the laptop would actually be in that area to cause damage.
When I use it away from a desk it sits on (or very close to) my knees.

Try watching youtube or netflix (and nothing else) on an intel laptop (any) for a few minutes, and feel how hot the bottom part. Macs are probably worse with the aluminum body.

 

[entatlrg]

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.

I’m the same, can’t get work done at a desk, more productive with a laptop in the couch.

Not a fan of laptop trays either. I do have one of those table-mate tables I use occasionally when I’m on the couch.

For years I’ve used the 13”, 15” and now the 16” on my lap with no problems.

 

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

Try watching youtube or netflix (and nothing else) on an intel laptop (any) for a few minutes, and feel how hot the bottom part. Macs are probably worse with the aluminum body.

Yeah, I get that. Right after booting, mine is at 50 degrees already.

It’s uncomfortable on the legs but my point was that in the sitting position I described it’s not near the testicles. At least for me.

 

[ignatius345]

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.

Common sense goes a long way here. My old polycarbonite MacBook got so hot I ended up buying a bamboo cutting board and using that to shield my thighs from the heat. But my current M1 MacBook Air barely seems to ever get above body temperature no matter what I do with it.

As for your neck, again, common sense. If you're reading a few emails or whatever on the couch, that's probably not gonna cause the kinds of problems you'd see if you hunch over the thing for hours on end.

If you're actually wanting a really good ergonomic setup with a laptop, you need to either use an external display or elevate the laptop itself to eye level, using separate mouse/keyboard down closer to waist level.

 

[Nhwhazup]

That’s kind of up to you if you are comfortable working on the couch. When I was working, I had to do a lot of comparisons so always needed a 2nd monitor to be efficient. Worked at a desk with everything at my finger tips.

 

[UBS28]

I guess the iPad Pro could be something to consider if your computer usage allows it.

 

[jenelemond]

Common sense goes a long way here. My old polycarbonite MacBook got so hot I ended up buying a bamboo cutting board and using that to shield my thighs from the heat. But my current M1 MacBook Air barely seems to ever get above body temperature no matter what I do with it.

As for your neck, again, common sense. If you're reading a few emails or whatever on the couch, that's probably not gonna cause the kinds of problems you'd see if you hunch over the thing for hours on end.

If you're actually wanting a really good ergonomic setup with a laptop, you need to either use an external display or elevate the laptop itself to eye level, using separate mouse/keyboard down closer to waist level.

View attachment 1969286

Yes agreed but who does these extra things while working! And so many tech people/freelancers out there who are using laptops not for hours and mail checking rather hour after hours and there must have some negative impacts!!

 

[Radiomarko]

Gonad Protector. I'm old so they suit me.

 

[TinyMito]

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.

I put a throw pillow on top of my lap.