The dermatology journal, Pediatrics, recently published a report on a new computer related illness. The medical term for it is “Laptop-Induced Erythema ab igne.” The street term for it is “Toasted Skin Syndrome,” a condition in which excessive laptop heat on the skin causes discolouration or even blistering. (Google it. See for yourself!)
TSS may be more common than you think – not just for gamers
stuck in a marathon raid into a level 80 dungeon with no bio breaks. Anyone who’s
ever video-conferenced from their couch or from a cushy café chair can risk the
unexpected lap tan if their notebook is placed in just the wrong way.
Why does this happen? In general, resource intensive
applications force the computer to consume more power and as a result, generate
more heat. That heat is dissipated from most every major component in your PC:
the processor, the graphics card, even the memory. Of course that heat is vented
from the system by multiple fans to keep things cool and comfortable for you…
that is, until your laptop’s vent is unknowingly blocked by your shirt or arm
or… Wait is it warm in here, or is it
just me?
So, what’s the solution for this? Well, don’t block the PC
vent, for one! You could also leave your
laptop on your desk or support it with a protective heat shield. But there is
something more intuitive and less obtrusive you should consider first: make
sure you have a cooler processor.
Yes, I’m the Intel guy so it stands to reason that Intel
processors would be part of the solution. But it’s true! Intel Core processors actually
have features that recognize periods when processing demands are light, and
automatically reduce the CPU’s energy consumption. This improvement in energy
efficiency can result in lighter, thinner, longer-lasting and cooler laptops for you and me.
I’ve felt the onset of TSS after spending a while with my notebook
in my laps. Have you? Let me know in the comments!
