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If you just got yourself a laptop, there are a lot of problems that you could run into that may affect the lifespan and functionality of your purchase. Because of their portability, these computers are more prone to abuse: spilt liquids, dropping and impact damage, and changes in environment that may cause errors.

"Portability" doesn't necessarily equate to "durability." Most of these machines have delicate components, and while manufacturers are continuously trying to make these components tougher, you'll still have to do your part in taking care of them and keeping your comp in good condition.

A common source of laptop trouble is liquids. Very hot ones (such as coffee) can steam up your portable, causing moisture to condense inside. Cold ones with a lot of ice can cause the same problem, especially sodas. These are especially bad for your unit, as even if you get it dry, there will be a sticky residue that can attract dust and dirt.

The weather in your area may also damage your laptop. In places with high humidity like Los Angeles or Florida, the moist air can introduce moisture in your portable's components. This becomes worse if you tend to move your laptop in and out of very cold and then very hot areas (like from an air-conditioned workplace to an outside table in a coffeeshop). Invest in a moisture-proof case, and wipe down any dampness if you notice any. If you do find dampness, move your laptop to a drier area and wait for it to dry before using.

Your laptop also has a hard drive that takes a lot of punishment. Hard drives deal with a lot of wear and tear, because it is continually spinning. Moving around your comp can interfere with this spinning, causing your hard drive to crash. If you can't shut down before moving it, at least put your portable on sleep or hibernate: this stops your hard drive from spinning, and protects it from damage while in transit.

Lastly, don't leave your laptop running while it's on a bed. Putting it on the bed can prevent the heat from escaping from under the unit, letting heat build up. This heat in turn can cause the silicon components to overheat. Do this often enough, and you may shorten the lifespan of your computer by several years.