Two Concepts Every Gadget Lover Should Harness
July 15, 2007 by Lauren
Gadgets and electronics don't just belong to those who study them. Nearly everyone has a cellphone in their pocket or and iPod while they jog. If that's you, or if you're the most advanced person within a 100 mile radius, there are things you should know. There are two concepts that are simple but vital. Technology needs to be kept cool and dry, and I'm here to help with that.
So first of all, it is very important to keep gadgets from overheating. This is a concern that a lot of people overlook. However, heat can affect all kinds of things, including battery life. It's important to know what to do in order to keep your things at a reasonable temperature.
1.) Keep your electronics away from heat, duh. It's obvious and might even insult your intelligence a bit, but keep your gadgets away from heat sources like direct sunlight. In fact, the closer to a fan or AC unit, the better. Also, keep in mind that heat does rise; low is good. However, be wary. Ground-level is extreme, and carpet is bad. Make sure your things are raised a bit.
2.) Clear the vents. Do whatever you have to in order to motivate yourself to do this one; it's important. The vents on your electronics need to be clear. Don't set anything on top of the vents, and dust them as often as you can. The vents' whole purpose is to regulate temperature, so help them do their job.
3.) Stacking is a no-no. It's tempting to stack, especially if you're in a tight space. However, don't do it. Electronics get quite hot without any help at all. When you stack them, heat just multiplies and nothing can 'breathe'. This is what shelves and spacers are for, so use them.
4.) Keep them clean. This pretty much goes for anything; things work better when they're clean. Air duster really comes in handy here. Just make sure all the parts are tidy, and keep the vents grime-free, as we talked about. Not only will your devices run better, they'll look great too.
5.) When in doubt, turn it off. If something is overheating or there is any doubt, turn it off and unplug it. This will stop damage from progressing. When the gadget is cool to the touch, you can try again. But before you do, make sure everything else I've listed is done. It should have it's own, breathable space, and it should be clean.
Now that's you're sure they're cool, you should know how to keep things dry; rather, what happens if you get something wet. Drenching a gadget can be an easy mistake to make, but don't just curse and give up. Well, curse if you want, but there is something you can try to save your device.
It sounds a bit crazy, but rice may be your solution. Leave your device, turned off, in a bowl of uncooked rice overnight. The rice will suck up any moisture. If you're skeptical, just remember; you got it wet already, what have you really got to lose. You can also remove the battery as soon as possible after getting something wet. That will increase its chances of living.
Nonetheless, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep your goods dry. If you're really concerned in a particular situation, you can always be sure that everything stays clear of moisture. In fact, you could try this, using condoms and glue:
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