Health Issues

Laptops are prone to overheating, which is a result of the market’s competitive demand for the thinnest form factor and greater processing power.

In December 2004, the BBC reported that prolonged use of laptops could damage male fertility.

According to the article, the proximity of this mobile computer to the lap significantly raises the temperature of the scrotum, which is known to have a negative effect on sperm production.

Lead researcher Dr Yefim Sheynkin, from the State University of New York maintains that any changes might be reversible, but that repetitive use of a laptop might cause permanent damage.

Based on a separate research conducted by LapWorks, Inc, two-thirds of all laptop owners reported using their laptops while mobile more often than stationary.

This implies that laptop owners prefer 2 to 1 using their laptop in their easy chair watching TV, in airline terminals, in hotel lobbies or in bed surfing the Internet, as opposed to desktop use.

Keeping a pillow does not pass as a good choice as the pillow acts as an insulator and contains the heat within the laptop, accelerating overheating.

Although further work is needed to see if regular laptop use is a risk factor in male fertility, researchers warn that until further studies provide more information on this type of thermal exposure, teenage boys and young men should consider limiting their use of laptop computers on their laps.