Harmful to laptop?

[stumpy]

Does anyone know if it is harmful to a laptop to be carried around while it is on? I sometimes leave my laptop on in my backpack when just walking over to get a drink or walking inbetween buildings, and I just wanted to know if i should take the time to shut it off, or if it's fine to leave it on during "transportation". I'm not sure how it would be harmful to the laptop... but..

thanks.

 

[TheCzar]

I don't believe so

 

[eriqesque]

If it's not in hibernation or standby then yes you can harm it.
The heat build up is no good also the HD could be damaged.

 

[NecessaryEvil]

new IBMs should be ok, as they have the ability to stop the hdds until vibration stops.

 

[brom42]

I use to work at a school that all the students got laptops (expensive private high school) I saw 2 thing kill more that a few laptops; using the laptop on a bed and leaving it on in a backpack. If I was you I would suspend it if you are just going in-between buildings or other short trips. But if there is any chance that you may get held up at all, place it in hibernation.