The Mother of Invention
By alaskanray
@alaskanray (4636)
United States
December 12, 2010 2:55am CST
Okay, here I am with my laptop...my precioussssss laptop. I don't know for sure but I suspect that the fan is no longer working because the bottom of the laptop gets so hot, it burns my tummy when I have it laying on myself. I have tried many things...I put a book under the laptop to insulate my tummy from the heat...I have used a pillow...the heat eventually sank right through all of the above. Tonight I had a brainstorm.
You see, a while back I had some sort of surgery or injury or some such thing...at any rate, somehow I ended up with one of those gelpaks that they put in the freezer to use as an icepak. I had totally forgotten all about it until tonight. So I put that under my computer. Not only does it insulate my tummy, but it helps cool my computer so that the circuits don't completely fry before I can get it into the computer doctor. Brilliant, eh? 
What little moments of brilliancy have you had lately? What ideas have you come up with because you had a need that you couldn't fill the conventional way? Don't be shy. I won't laugh...much. heeheeheeeee (furby laugh)
What little moments of brilliancy have you had lately? What ideas have you come up with because you had a need that you couldn't fill the conventional way? Don't be shy. I won't laugh...much. heeheeheeeee (furby laugh)6 responses
@Lore2009 (7378)
• United States
12 Dec 10
Yesterday, I made a little box for all my flashcards. I had a box already handy and it had a top but I wanted them together, so I got paper and glued it together so that the lid opens like a treasure box. It's really cute and I drew pictures all over the paper, and now it's a cute box. Finding solutions always stimulates the brain and helps you be creative and smarter, and a whole lot of fun.
1 person likes this
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
12 Dec 10
True. Doesn't it feel great when you find a solution? I'm always coming up with innovative ways to make things work around my house.
One of my most recent acquisitions that I am thrilled about is a shopping cart. Our local grocery store just recently replaced all their shopping carts and had not yet hauled the old ones away for scrap. I asked the manager if I could have one and he said help myself. These babies are not cheap, either. I tried to find one to buy in a store supply catalog and a small one (not full size) was over $100! I couldn't even find a full size cart.
I use the shopping cart for my cans and bottles that I turn in for cash at the store. Since I live just around the corner, I really don't want to be starting up my car for every trip. Since I am disabled, walking is difficult for me, too. The shopping cart is just the right height for me to lean on when I take the recycling to the store. In the meantime I have a handy bin to toss all my bottles and cans into without worrying about transferring them when the time comes to haul them away.
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
14 Dec 10
I love my shopping cart...my preciousssss. 
Of course, I have a ramp up to my porch so it's very convenient to push up and bring in whatever from the car. It holds a lot more than my wheelchair ever did, too. 
Of course, I have a ramp up to my porch so it's very convenient to push up and bring in whatever from the car. It holds a lot more than my wheelchair ever did, too. 
@haxorfreek (524)
• Philippines
13 Dec 10
Hi there, good day to you.
Well i gotta say thats a clever idea, you can now prevent your laptop from overheating and also a comfort on your tummy.
Well once, i have tried mounting fans on all vents on my room to act as an exhaust to expel the hot air out. Dunno if its brilliant though. hehe. Have a nice day.
1 person likes this
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
13 Dec 10
Well, it'll do in a pinch and like I said before, it is a DRY icepack so there's no condensation to fret about. And hopefully I'll be able to have something permanent soon.
@joedollarhuat (580)
• Philippines
12 Dec 10
Greetings
First of all, Let me be the first one to tell you that your question is not related to the topic you assigned it too. Your question is more of a "Questions & Answer category".
Second, you shouldn't put ice packs on your laptop. The liquid could short circuit it remember : laptops though unplugged still produce electricity.
Third, putting pillows under your laptop is even worse than putting a book. Putting a pillow heats the laptop even more.
Fourth, the solution to your problem is to buy a "fan" for your laptop. They sell those in computer shops. Ask for "laptop fans". You basically put your laptop on the fan and you plug cord from the fan to your USB port and there you have it : a fan to cool your laptop. So, leave your ice packs in your fridge before you electrocute yourself.
Fifth, I key chained my USBs and Keys to my ID lace since, I easily freak out if I forget them at home.
1 person likes this
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
12 Dec 10
Okay, first and foremost, this is not an ice pack. It is a gelpak which is dry. It is wrapped in a sleeve which also keeps it dry. There is no liquid.
Second, you obviously didn't read my post very well because if you had you would know that this is a temporary fix until I have the MONEY to get my fan replaced. I don't have the money. So save your scolding for someone who deserves it, thank you very much.
@asyria51 (2861)
• United States
12 Dec 10
I took a long piece of fabric and fashioned it into a harness to keep my child in her seat at dinner time. We left the high chair at a friends, and were not able to run and get it. I wanted to be able to eat without my child on my lap, and spilling on me. It worked well for one meal. Not something i want to do on a regular basis.
As for you computer, I would get it looked at. If it is getting that hot, you are going to fry your motherboard, and then it will be a very expensive paper weight.
1 person likes this
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
12 Dec 10
Yes, I know that the heat can fry my circuits. I will get it looked at as soon as I can but until then this bandaid will help. As mentioned before, money is a big issue for someone living on less than $10k per year. I realize that replacing my computer would cost more but in the meantime I have to gimp along as best I can with what I have.
@TommieJ (10)
• United States
12 Dec 10
If you look on the bottom of your laptop you will see vents. These have to breathe. You can buy little lap tables that are meant for your to put your laptop on so it vents properly. It will most likely still get hot if you keep it on all the time or for several hours at a time but listen for the fan to come on to find out if it needs a new one. It probably isn't over heating from a burned out fan unless it shuts the computer off when it get's hot. If you keep doing the same things you have been doing you will kill your laptop.
1 person likes this
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
12 Dec 10
Again something that costs money. I have put a table on my wish list but don't have any money at the moment...nor will I have it for several months to come. Living on a disability stipend precludes any little luxuries like computer repairs or furniture purchases.
@aodoerfer (113)
• United States
12 Dec 10
Although the name would suggest otherwise, you really shouldn't put your laptop on your lap. It's very bad for the system. They make little stands you can use for them that you can get for maybe $15-20 at places like Staples. There's enough space that you could easily fit an icepack in between the stand so that you could use an icepack without risking damage to your computer. :)
@alaskanray (4636)
• United States
12 Dec 10
Okay, here goes...I am disabled and bedridden. There is no way to avoid putting my laptop in my lap. Also, I am broke and have shopped for a stand that would work for my situation...try $100...which I cannot in any way afford. Also, I have my ice pack wrapped in a dry sleeve...there is no damage to my computer...there is no moisture. As I said before, I'm not stupid.
Also, this is a temporary fix, folks. I never suggested it was permanent.
