As the workday concludes, individuals often face a choice: do they simply close their laptop and place it in their bag, or do they opt to power it down completely? Many people have developed a routine of leaving their devices on, either to save time on booting up later or to seize the opportunity for a little extra productivity.
Despite advancements in technology that help laptops conserve battery and remain cool when idle, prolonged use of sleep mode may still put undue stress on the device over time.
For those who won’t be using their laptops during their commute, experts recommend shutting them down entirely. Peter Zaluzny, a technology specialist at Choice, emphasizes, “Keeping the laptop in sleep mode adds unnecessary strain on its components since it is still partially operational. If you don’t intend to use it, there’s no benefit in leaving it on.” He advises, “Before you leave your workspace, power it down and allow it to sit for about 30 seconds to a minute to ensure everything has completely shut off.”
Although sleep mode allows for quicker access, Zaluzny points out that the machine’s internal components continue to function at a basic level. Another consideration when transporting a laptop is its hard drive type. There are primarily three: hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and hybrid drives. “If your laptop is equipped with an HDD, moving it during stand-by mode can heighten the risk of data loss due to its mechanical parts needing a stable position,” he explains. In contrast, SSDs are less susceptible to such risks since they lack moving parts, while hybrid drives may present similar concerns depending on their configuration.
While modern laptops are increasingly utilizing SSDs, Zaluzny notes that older devices, particularly those over five years, may still contain HDDs.
Regarding battery consumption during sleep mode, Andrew Cunningham, an Associate Professor specializing in Human-Computer Interaction at Adelaide University, remarks that contemporary laptops generally excel in energy conservation, allowing them to remain on during commutes. However, he cautions that continuous battery usage, albeit minimal, could affect its longevity. “Having the battery active, even for sleep mode, can influence its overall lifespan,” he notes. Zaluzny adds that the extent of the impact on modern laptops left in stand-by mode remains uncertain. “Batteries benefit from regular use, yet they also degrade with use, creating a delicate balance,” he states.
If a laptop’s battery drains during a commute, it might not be configured correctly to enter stand-by mode when the lid is closed. Zaluzny suggests searching online for guidance on checking battery settings or consulting an IT professional.
When it comes to transporting a laptop in a bag or backpack, potential bumps and impacts can affect battery performance. Cunningham stresses that using a well-padded backpack with a suspended laptop pocket can provide better protection against shocks. “This design ensures that if the bag is dropped or placed on the ground, the laptop is cushioned and less likely to sustain damage,” he explains. Keeping the laptop separate from other items in the bag also reduces the risk of physical harm, such as liquid spills from a drink container, according to Zaluzny.
Generally, carrying a laptop should not pose any significant risk, unless it is not well-maintained or not set to enter a low power state when closed, he adds.
For those who prefer to work while commuting on public transport, it is essential to consider the security implications of using public Wi-Fi networks. Zaluzny warns that these networks can attract cyber criminals due to the large number of connections they support. “It’s advisable to avoid using public access points for work-related tasks whenever possible,” he cautions. Although legitimate public Wi-Fi networks tend to be more secure nowadays, Cunningham recommends relying on a portable mobile data connection with a SIM card or tethering from a smartphone, ensuring sufficient data allowance. Alternatively, if internet access is not required for the tasks at hand, it may be wise to disable Wi-Fi settings.
