[SGVLUG] Burning laptop anyone?

[Greg Stark]

Todd,
Do you have a digital photo or two you could share?  One of the melted area,
and one of the rug?

Greg

> -----Original Message-----
> From: sgvlug-bounces at sgvlug.net [mailto:sgvlug-bounces at sgvlug.net] On
> Behalf Of Todd Cranston-Cuebas
> Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 1:54 PM
> To: 'SGVLUG Discussion List.'
> Subject: RE: [SGVLUG] Burning laptop anyone?
> 
> Greg,
> 
> Thanks for the reference to the used machines!
> 
> Todd
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: sgvlug-bounces at sgvlug.net
> > [mailto:sgvlug-bounces at sgvlug.net] On Behalf Of Greg Stark
> > Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 10:31 AM
> > To: 'SGVLUG Discussion List.'
> > Subject: RE: [SGVLUG] Burning laptop anyone?
> >
> > Sean,
> > I would think if the unit is UL approved, UL has liability in
> > this case.
> > They tested the unit in some way.  I would make a claim to
> > both companies.
> >
> > There wasn't a warning sticker on the thing was there? Or
> > something written in the Owners manual?
> >
> > Replacement: http://www.erpcsales.com/  Buy Used, saved money.
> >
> > Greg
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: sgvlug-bounces at sgvlug.net
> > [mailto:sgvlug-bounces at sgvlug.net] On
> > > Behalf Of Sean O'Donnell
> > > Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 12:34 AM
> > > To: SGVLUG Discussion List.
> > > Subject: Re: [SGVLUG] Burning laptop anyone?
> > >
> > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> > > Hash: SHA1
> > >
> > > Todd Cranston-Cuebas wrote:
> > > > I can see why the photos are funny, but in reality it's
> > really not
> > > > that funny.
> > >
> > > The video w/ the japanese guy and the exploding dell was funny, the
> > > one w/ the architect guy whose laptop almost torched the office was
> > > sorta funny, but more scary if anything, but the thought of an
> > > unattended laptop catching fire and burning down an entire
> > house is not funny at all.
> > >
> > > Especially when you hear the company whose product was the cause,
> > > ditch all responsibility of accountability and try to make you feel
> > > ignorant for not knowing something that 'they' claim
> > 'everyone' should know.
> > >
> > > > I tried this on my IBM laptop from work and when placed
> > on a normal
> > > > shag carpet, the heat did really build up fast. I'm not
> > sure that it
> > > would
> > > > burst into flames, or even melt, but I wouldn't want to
> > test it out
> > > again.
> > >
> > > I have a ProStar 3724 Laptop and it gets really hot.
> > >
> > > http://www.pro-star.com/index.cfm?mainpage=productdetail&model=3724
> > >
> > > I've had it for about a year and a half, and have been running it
> > > almost
> > > 24/7 (it rarely leaves my house), and I even leave it
> > running when I'm
> > > not around, but I try to keep the room temperature cool, although a
> > > fan can only do so much in a 2nd story apt. in this heat.
> > >
> > > The laptop itself does get pretty hot, and I'd like to have
> > kids some
> > > day, so I don't dare use it on my lap w/out a pillow, but
> > when I put
> > > it on a pillow, or on my bed even, it traps the heat as they were
> > > saying, and gets 'really' hot.
> > >
> > > This was something I realized by using it, not something
> > that I would
> > > consider 'common knowledge' amongst ALL laptop owners.
> > >
> > > There is an area on the hand rest part where my left hand
> > usually rubs
> > > against when I type, and it is rather discolored. I think
> > it's obvious
> > > that the friction of my hand rubbing against it, ALONG with
> > the heat,
> > > have been the cause, unless it is just from the heat alone,
> > not sure,
> > > but the right-side where my hand usually rubs against, isn't
> > > discolored at all, so it could just be the heat.
> > >
> > > All these recent incidents have made me question whether I should
> > > continue to leave it running when I'm not around. I'm not
> > sure if it
> > > use s a Sony Battery (like the exploding dells) or not, but
> > it may be
> > > about time I looked into that, and started powering-down
> > when I leave
> > > for work or zzZZzz @ night.
> > >
> > > > I now have a nice brown spot on a beautiful pure white
> > carpet and a
> > > melting
> > > > machine. It really could have been a disaster.
> > > >
> > > > Fujitsu's response was less than adequate.
> > > >
> > >
> > > I think these companies need to be held FULLY accountable for such
> > > disasters.
> > >
> > > I've heard of things like: 'don't use it on your lap if you want to
> > > have kids, it will sterilize your sperm from the heat' etc,
> > but never
> > > about floors causing heat traps and fires.
> > >
> > > Although, with the amount of heat my laptop gives off, it doesn't
> > > surprise me. However, I have left it running on my floor
> > for days on
> > > end and have yet to have a prob. *knock on wood*
> > >
> > > Anyhow, sorry to hear, Todd. =/
> > >
> > > I'll be sure to (continue to) not to purchase their products in the
> > > future!
> > >
> > > - --
> > >
> > > Sean O'Donnell
> > > South Pasadena, CA
> > > sean at seanodonnell.com
> > > http://seanodonnell.com
> > >
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