Laptops have come a long way since they became popular in the mid-to-late 2000s. Back then, they were bulky and heavy, with very short battery life. They were also seen as a lesser version of the desktop, with weaker hardware and limited capabilities. Today's laptops are much thinner and lighter, their battery life is far better, and their hardware can go toe to toe with most standard tower PCs.

For that reason, many people now buy a laptop as their main computer and connect it to a regular monitor, keyboard and mouse. Some like to keep the laptop open and use its screen as a second display. Many others prefer to leave the lid closed.

So which approach is better? What are the pros and cons of using your laptop with the lid closed?

Let's start with the bottom line: There's no huge advantage or disadvantage to keeping your laptop open or closed. There are a few small differences, but at the end of the day it's mostly an aesthetic choice. Some people just like the clean look of a desk with nothing on it but the essentials: keyboard, mouse, cup of coffee. The laptop is tucked away and doesn't add to the clutter.

A few small advantages come with that, and they can help your laptop last longer and stay looking new. There's the regular wear and tear of opening and closing the lid, for one. The keyboard stays clean and protected inside the closed lid and, above all, dust doesn't pile up on the screen, the laptop's surface and between the keys.

Source link