Info Advantage Blog

Laptop touchpads can be difficult to work with. If you’ve ever been stuck in a frustrating situation where your touchpad isn’t working properly, you know what this feels like. In a worst-case scenario, touchpad problems can cause data loss and a loss of productivity, leading to downtime that directly affects your ability to work properly. If you’re having touchpad problems, try these five troubleshooting tips.

Keep in mind that some touchpads are more prone to difficulties than others. Some devices will have better quality or more calibrated touchpads, and if your device has been bothering you and preventing you from getting work done, reach out to us. We might be able to offer you our assistance.

What’s Your Hand Placement Like?
If you’re having problems with your touchpad, perhaps the way you use it might be an issue. If you’re not careful, it’s easy for your hand to brush against it as you type, which might make the cursor jump around and mess up your document. If you have large hands, you probably know all too well about this problem. If you’re sitting in a strange position, like on a hammock or a couch, you might also experience a similar effect. You can usually fix this problem just by changing your hand placement, but if the problem continues, you might need the attention of a professional.

Can You Remember the Last Time You Cleaned Your Touchpad?
It’s natural for your hands to accumulate particulates that will undoubtedly find their way onto your touchpad. Skin, oil, dirt, and other particles collect on your touchpad, making it difficult to use. Plus, if you consider the fact that keyboards are less sanitary than toilet seats, you really do have a reason to clean it once in a while to ensure proper hygiene and functionality. Wiping your touchpad down can help the touchpad read your finger strokes, and may resolve problems with how it works.

Are You Using Other External Input Devices?
If you’re using an external input device like a wireless mouse, graphics tablet, or a keyboard, you might be experiencing problems with your touchpad. Sometimes, depending on the device, even having a laptop plugged into an electric outlet or a docking station can cause complications with your laptop’s touchpad. Before assuming the worst, try unplugging your external hardware and see if your touchpad returns to normal.

Have You Updated Your Drivers?
If you’re using an older laptop, you might need to update the driver that controls the touchpad interface. Check with your laptop’s manufacturer to see if you’re using the latest drivers. You can do so by visiting the manufacturer’s website, calling their support hotline, or giving Info Advantage a call at (585) 254-8710.

Replace the Touchpad
If these troubleshooting tips don’t help your touchpad return to normal, you may need to replace your touchpad. However, this process shouldn’t be attempted by just anyone. Info Advantage’s professional technicians can handle this job for you, as well as troubleshoot other computer-related issues and annoyances that might be complicating your user experience.

If All Else Fails, Use a Wireless Mouse
If you don’t like your clumsy touchpad, you can avoid using it all together by switching to a wireless mouse. If your laptop supports Bluetooth, there are plenty of options available for your wireless mouse. Even if it doesn’t support Bluetooth, you can just use one that connects via wireless USB, or get a USB Bluetooth adapter.

Are you experiencing annoying touchpad issues? Simply try these troubleshooting tips and see how you fare. For more great tips, be sure to subscribe to Info Advantage’s blog.

If you’re constantly on the go, you are going to need a laptop that can keep up with your busy schedule. Many business professionals find themselves in need mobile computing to accommodate with busy travel; to check their emails, go over notes, or even finish up sales presentations. However, laptop batteries can only last so long without needing a charge, and that isn’t always a readily available option. Here are some times on how to extend your laptop’s battery life so you don’t have to worry whether or not it’s going to run out while you’re out doing business.

Adjust your Display and System Settings

There are a multitude of display and system settings that can be adjusted to lengthen the life of your laptop’s battery. For example, you can reduce the display brightness, turn off the screensaver, and set the laptop to hibernate rather than just go to sleep. Hibernation mode will make sure that the computer is not consuming any power while it is not in use. You can also turn off the WiFi or Bluetooth setting when not in use to give yourself a few more minutes of battery life.

Check Your Power Settings

Today, many laptops come equipped with an option of power settings to help optimize the laptop’s life and performance. In Windows, the Power Plan setting allows you to choose between standard settings or customized plans. MacOS systems use what’s known as “Energy Saver,” which will automatically adjust display or other system controls.

Don’t Overload Your Laptop

When you’re in a rush, it can be easy to leave up multiple tabs and applications for easy use. However, the time you save not closing out your apps will cost you in battery life. Having too many tabs open on your laptop’s browser can drain its power and slow down your productivity. Make sure you close all browser tabs and applications after you’re finished using them to save yourself more battery time.

Need an on-the-go laptop, but aren’t sure what features and specifications you want included? Contact the Info Advantage technology specialists at (585) 254-8710 today to talk about which model would be best for you and your business.

Face it, your laptop isn’t indestructible. There are only so many times you can throw your laptop in a cramped bag or have it drop from your hands before you see some damage. While many laptops can be saved with something as simple as a sturdy case, many modern professionals work in conditions that make it very difficult to protect the technological equipment needed for businesses to run smoothly. That is why many manufacturers are creating lines of ‘rugged laptops,’ which can withstand even the harshest of work conditions.

What Are Rugged Laptops?

A “rugged’’ laptop is a PC that has been designed to withstand very harsh environments and conditions, such as heavy traveling or factory work. These laptops are built to withstand just about anything, including drops, spills, extreme temperatures, and much more. There are a variety of different types of rugged laptops, each built for a specific purpose. Many rugged laptop vendors offer an assortment of rugged laptops that are classified into three ‘levels’ of ruggedness; semi-rugged, fully-rugged, and ultra-rugged. Semi-rugged laptops are typically enhanced versions of commercialized laptops with more protection, where an ultra-rugged laptop is built from the inside-out to resist even the harshest environments.

What Classifies a Laptop as Rugged?

Most rugged PC manufacturers use the MIL-STD-810 environmental durability standards to test how rugged their laptops are. The MIL-STD-810 was originally created in the 1960s by the US Department of Defense as a guideline for designing military-grade technology that can be used in high combat areas. The standard provides a variety of different test methods which can be used to ensure equipment is suitable enough to be used on the field of combat. This includes tests for temperature, vibration, impact, water resistance, altitude, sand or dust, and more. Manufacturers are also known to reference the Ingress Protection Code, which classifies the degrees of sealing protection of electrical equipment, and the NEMA classification, which describes different electrical enclosures and how they hold up in different environments.

Who Should Be Using Rugged Laptops?

While rugged laptops are typically designed for people who work in extreme conditions, just about any business professional can find value in a rugged laptop. While you may not be using your laptop underground or at sea, your personal computer may be taking on more damage than you think. Laptops are often shoved in bags or airplane compartments, or left in places they could potentially get damage, such as a bathroom or kitchen. Therefore, just about anyone who takes their business on-the-go can find benefits from ruggedized laptops.

If you’re interested in a more rugged laptop but don’t know what level of protection you need? Contact the technology experts at Info Advantage today at (585) 254-8710 to talk about what technology solutions will best fit your business.

[Photo: DoD]