PrintHP notebook PCs are designed for use in typical office, school or home environments. Under these conditions and following the guidelines in this document, your HP notebook should present no risk to you or its surroundings. However, normal notebook usage generates heat and uses electricity, so proper precautions should be taken into consideration to prevent personal or property injury. This document outlines basic guidelines for proper use of a notebook computer. For more detailed information, please read the Safety and Comfort guide provided with the product and at
www.hp.com/ergo
.
While safety is an important concern, you also want to get the most out of your notebook and avoid costly repairs. Following the guidelines and precautions in this document, your HP notebook can provide years of trouble-free operation.
WARNING:To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
Environmental tips
You can significantly reduce risks to the notebook by paying attention to the environment around it. Taking simple precautions, such as placing the notebook on a hard surface during use, keeping it in a dust-free environment, and using a cooling pad or an external fan, helps it function as designed.
Do not use the notebook on your lap or let its warm surfaces make direct contact with your skin. If you want to use it on your lap, rest it on a hard, flat surface, such as a lap tray specifically designed for notebooks.
Do not use the notebook on soft surfaces, such as a bed comforters, cushions and pillows, clothing, or carpet. Such surfaces can block the air flow through the vents, which can cause heat to build up within the notebook's enclosure.
Keep the LCD display out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
The notebook is designed to automatically throttle its activity when its internal temperature exceeds predefined levels. If its temperature rises too high, the notebook is designed to shut itself down to protect its internal components.
For detailed information regarding heat-related performance, refer to
Fan Runs Constantly, the PC Operates Slower than Expected and Generates Heat
.
Do not leave the notebook in a hot enclosure, such as a parked car, or in direct sunlight. Either of these can cause heat damage and warping.
For detailed information regarding heat and how it can affect the notebook battery, refer to
Battery Charging Delayed When Operating Notebook in High Ambient Temperatures
.
The typical Lithium-Ion battery used in HP notebook PCs cannot charge properly at temperatures of 30 to 50 degrees F (0 to 10 C). At these temperatures, the battery charges extremely slowly and cannot acquire a full charge before the charging cycle times out.
For proper operation, move the notebook to a warmer environment where the internal temperature of the battery can rise above 50 degrees F (10 degree C).
If the battery is left in a low temperature environment for 12 hours or more, you must warm the notebook and battery and then perform a hard reset of the notebook. To perform a hard reset, unplug the AC adapter, remove the battery, and then press and hold the power button
for 15 seconds. Next, reinstall the battery, plug in the AC adapter, and press the power button
again to turn the notebook on.
For detailed information on performing a hard reset, refer to
Use Hard Reset to Resolve Hardware and Software Issues
.
Do not use or store the computer in an environment characterized by high humidity, dust, grit, or smoky conditions.
Notebooks often have vents on the bottom and sides to allow air to flow through the inside and cool the internal parts. If these vents become clogged or the heat generating parts get covered in dust, the fan cannot cool the internal components properly. Blow compressed air into the outlet vents to remove the dust that has accumulated and keep the air circulating through the device.
For detailed information regarding keeping the vents clear, refer to
Reducing Heat and Fan Noise by Cleaning Air Vents
.
Do not use the keyboard with sticky, dirty, or greasy fingers. This can leave debris behind, which can easily contaminate the computer's internal components. Debris on the keyboard can also scratch and stain the notebook display when the lid is closed.
Do not eat or drink while using a notebook.
Do not use the computer in any wet environment, such as a swimming pool or shower, and protect the components from liquid sources, including rain and lawn sprinklers.
Do not store a notebook at the bottom of a locker, in a bag full of books, or under anything that can exert enough stress to crack the case or the display.
Do not use a pen, pencil, or other object to input data to the screen. For TouchSmart notebooks, use only a finger.
Electrical tips
Proper maintenance of the notebook's electrical components, such as the power adapter and power cord, can keep both you and the notebook safe from potential harm. Do not do anything with the notebook or its components that you would not do with other kinds of electrical devices.
For detailed information regarding battery performance, refer to
How to Improve the Performance of the Battery
.
For Windows 7, refer to
Power Management for Windows 7 Notebooks
.
For Windows Vista, refer to
Power Management for Windows Vista Notebooks
.
For other Windows versions, refer to
Power Management for Notebooks Running Window 98, ME, XP and 2000
.
Most HP notebooks utilize smart power adapter technology. They can use power adapters from other HP notebooks that may have different wattage requirements. Your power adapter's wattage information is printed on the bottom of the adapter itself.
If you use a power adapter that has a lower wattage than your notebook requires, there may be some trade-offs. The CPU clock rate may be reduced to save power, which may cause programs to run slower, the battery may charge more slowly or not at all, or the power adapter itself may become warm to the touch.
For detailed information regarding battery safety, refer to
AC Adapter Makes Hissing or Crackling Noise, and May Feel Warm to Touch
.
For detailed information regarding performance issues, refer to
Performance Problems When Using a Non-Standard AC Power Adapter
.
For detailed information about verifying whether the power adapter is working correctly, refer to
Testing an AC Power Adapter
.
If you do not use a grounded outlet, you may notice an electrical tingling sensation where the palms of your hands touch the notebook during use.
When a high number of applications are running or when the battery is recharging, the power adapter may be warm to the touch when it reaches its power limit.
All power adapter certification tests for HP notebook PCs are performed using a grounded power adapter. Damage can occur if an ungrounded power adapter is subjected to power surges or electrostatic discharge.
Transportation tips
Most notebooks are designed for easy portability, but that does not make them immune to transportation mishaps. If you exercise care with how you handle the notebook, you can reduce the risk of accidents.
Do not put the notebook in a carrying case, bag, or backpack while the power is on or the notebook is in Standby or Sleep mode; all LED lights should be dark. This may cause heat to build up inside of the notebook's enclosure.
Do not throw, drop, or strike an object with the carrying container or notebook.
For detailed information regarding protecting your notebook, refer to
Use ProtectSmart to Prevent Hard Drive Damage
.
Do not put objects, such as pens and paper, between the keyboard and screen and then attempt to carry the partially closed notebook.
If the objects move, they can scratch or damage the LCD screen. If pressure is applied to the case and cover, the objects can damage the LCD.
Remove the packing material from between the keyboard and display when you first take the notebook out of its box.
For detailed information regarding notebook displays, refer to
Common Issues with Notebook Displays
.
Verify that the battery is locked into place when using an extended or external battery in order to prevent it from coming loose during transport.
Do not carry the notebook with the lid open, or by the hinges.
Never pick up or carry the notebook by the LCD screen or lid. Whenever possible, lift the notebook by the lower case with the lid closed.
The hinges are not designed to handle the full weight of the notebook. Carrying the notebook while it is open leaves the notebook vulnerable to damage if you drop it as a result of carrying it in such a manner.
Do not leave accessories or power adapters connected to a notebook while moving it.
Pulling, twisting, or jamming these cords can break the connectors.
Do not leave a notebook unattended.
For detailed information regarding security devices, refer to
Using a Kensington Lock
.
Battery tips
It is important to be aware of ways that you can care for the battery in your notebook PC. Certain conditions may reduce battery run time and life span.
The duration of a standard internal battery charge depends on the specific notebook model, usage profile, and type of external battery (if any).
Do not keep a notebook plugged in with its batteries in place for extended periods. This may cause the battery to lose its calibration and ability to charge correctly.
The HP-recommended power management options can reduce drain on the battery and minimize the power load to the CPU. This conserves the battery's overall life span and reduces heat buildup inside the notebook.
Decrease screen brightness in the power settings window, put the notebook into sleep or hibernation mode, or turn the notebook off when it is not needed.
For detailed information regarding batteries, refer to
How to Improve the Performance of the Battery
.
Cleaning tips
Dust, dirt, ash, pet hair, and other contaminants can accumulate on or inside your notebook, causing scratches or overheating. You can extend the life of your notebook by removing potentially damaging buildup. Clean your notebook on a regular basis.
HP recommends the following cleaning materials:
- Compressed air spray, which is available from most computer retailers.For detailed information about keeping your notebook clean, refer to Cleaning your Notebook PC .
- Cleaning solution or monitor wipes intended for use on LCD screens, which are available from most computer retailers.
- A clean, soft cotton cloth; the type of cleaning towel used for eyeglasses is preferable. For cleaning parts such as the HP webcam lens, use a micro fiber screen dusting cloth.For detailed information about webcam lens care, refer to How to Clean the HP Webcam Lens .
