Winbook XP5 User Manual page 27

The most important thing to remember is, DON'T DROP IT! Sounds silly and obvious to say,
doesn't it? Nonetheless, many people still tend to treat their notebook computer as if it could take
a lot more punishment than one should reasonably expect. This simple precaution will save you
and everyone else a lot of headaches.
A corollary to this is Don't Check It As Luggage. Always carry-on your computer when you fly.
We can tell you right now, it quite likely will not come out fine if you put it in that hard shell
suitcase. And certainly never check the computer in its carrying case. Commercial baggage
handling equipment, and often bag handlers, are not gentle on luggage, so protect your
investment.
X-Rays, Metal Detectors and Grief
One of the most common hazards facing your travelling notebook is modern-day security
equipment. While the staff at airports and elsewhere will usually assure you that their X-Ray
equipment is safe for your computer, it is difficult to be absolutely sure, especially outside the
USA. If in doubt, the safest bet is not to put your computer through X-Ray inspections and to ask
for a hand inspection. Be prepared for the security staff to ask you to turn the computer on to
prove that it works and isn't hiding something. You may not always be able to do this, and many,
or even most, X-Ray machines are probably safe. You'll have to make your own appraisal of the
risk on a case-by-case basis.
Metal detectors project a powerful magnetic field that can wipe credit and other magnetic cards,
and can damage the information on your hard
[XP5 2-18]
disk (they won't hurt the hardware) as well as any PCMCIA memory or storage devices you
might have installed in your computer (or your pocket). While you wouldn't normally carry your
computer through one in an airport, you might encounter them elsewhere. Never carry or pass
your computer through a metal detector. Pass it around the outside of the detector.
Some Common Sense Precautions
Here are a few additional precautions you should take to ensure the long life of your computer.
Many computer problems can be traced to sources outside the computer rather than to
component malfunction. If you are careful to avoid the things most likely to cause trouble, you
are much less likely to experience problems with your WinBook.
Liquids - Computers don't like them. They don't get thirsty, so don't give them anything to drink.
If you're like many people who like to work with a beverage around, keep it to yourself and well
away from your notebook. It's pretty simple really: if you spill liquid in your computer while it's
turned on, you will quite probably either damage it beyond repair or cost yourself a bundle. It's
your call.
Temperature - Computers, like you, like to be cool. Don't use yours in high heat and humidity if
you can avoid it. And especially do not put your computer someplace where it will be subjected
to extreme heat while it's turned off - the seat or shelf of a car in the sun, for example. You know
what happens to dogs when you do that.