Caring for Your ThinkPad

Transporting Your ThinkPad

  1. Put your laptop in a protective case when you are going to move about. These can be purchased at the Computer Store on campus.
  2. Carrying cases should be large enough to contain all of the cords, cables and storage devices you need.
  3. Use the straps in the carrying case to secure the laptop in place.
  4. Do not load your laptop case with textbooks and other heavy items that may harm the laptop screen or cause other problems with the motherboard. Heavy items stored on top of your computer can cause problems and possibly damage the internal components of your computer.
  5. Don’t carry your laptop by the screen when you are moving about.
  6. Be sure to keep your battery charged; this increases your mobility and avoids the use of the power cords.
  7. Shut down your laptop before placing it in the case so you can conserve the battery.
  8. Treat your laptop as a fragile item to conserve its overall life.
  9. Do not leave laptops in unsupervised areas or visible in cars where strong sunlight and high temperatures could damage your computer.
  10. Be sure to shut your computer down properly. Do not force shut down or close the laptop while the computer is still active because this will only shut off the monitor.

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General Tips

  1. Handle your laptop with care. Do not grip it by the palm rest while the screen is open. Always support the weight of the screen.
  2. Avoid extreme temperatures. Never use your laptop in temperatures below 40ºF (4ºC) or above 95ºF (35ºC). Even if it is turned off, never expose your laptop to temperatures below 20ºF (-7ºC). If it does get very cold, let it warm up to room temperature before you attempt to turn it on.
  3. Do not place anything heavy on your ThinkPad.
  4. Do not scratch, twist or hit the surface of the LCD screen.
  5. Never spray or pour any liquid directly on the keyboard or LCD panel.

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Cleaning Your ThinkPad

Cleaning Your ThinkPad Exterior Cover

  1. Prepare a small mixture of a gentle kitchen-use detergent (one that does not contain abrasive powder or strong chemicals such as an acid or alkaline). Use 5 parts water to 1 part detergent.
  2. Absorb the diluted detergent into a sponge or lint-free, soft cloth.
  3. Squeeze out the excess liquid from the sponge or cloth.
  4. Wipe the cover, using a circular motion and taking care not to let any excess liquid drip.
  5. Wipe the surface to remove the detergent.
  6. Rinse the sponge or cloth with clean running water and squeeze out any excess liquid.
  7. Wipe the cover with the clean sponge or lint-free, soft cloth.
  8. Wipe the surface again with a dry, lint-free, soft cloth.
  9. Wait for the surface to dry completely and then remove any fibers left from the sponge or cloth.

Cleaning Your ThinkPad Keyboard

  1. Put some isopropyl rubbing alcohol on a lint-free, soft cloth. Never spray or pour any liquid cleaner directly on the LCD display or the keyboard.
  2. Wipe the key top surface with the cloth, ensuring no liquid drips on or between the keys.
  3. Allow to dry.
  4. You can also use compressed air to remove any crumbs and dust from beneath the keys.

Cleaning Your ThinkPad LCD Display

  1. Gently wipe the display with a dry, lint-free, soft cloth. Anti-static LCD cleaning cloths and Kim Wipes are also acceptable alternatives.
  2. If you see a scratch-like mark on your display, it might be a stain transferred from the keyboard or the TrackPoint pointer when the cover was pressed from the outside. Wipe or dust the stain gently with a dry, soft cloth.
  3. If a stain remains on the LCD, moisten a lint-free, soft cloth with water or a 50-50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water that does not contain impurities. Wring out as much of the liquid as you can.
    NOTE: Isopropyl Alcohol is a flammable liquid. Do not use this cleaner near an exposed flame or when the system is on.
  4. Wipe the display. Do not let any liquid drip into the computer.
  5. Dry the display before closing the lid.

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