Remember our story about the bizarre case of a Swedish scientist who scorched his penis and testicles while writing a report in his armchair? The PowerPage has confirmed that the laptop he was using was a Dell.
—— Original Message
Dr.,
Your letter to The Lancet has been read and appreciated by millions ofmedical practitioners and computer users worldwide. There is one bit ofinformation, however, that was not included. It would be nice to knowthe brand and model of laptop computer involved, and if possible, theprocessor type and speed.
It is well known that certain CPU’s develop more heat than others, andthat certain laptop manufacturers are better than others when it comesto heat management.
—— His Reply
Dear Sir,
I just returned from traveling abroad. Thanks for your interest in myletter to the Lancet. Indeed, the medical story is totally true and I knownow that also other have suffered (however perhaps not reported in amedical journal). As far as I know, the patient used a DELL Latitudenotebook, but I suspect that also other brands may cause similar problems.I have understood from information given to me recently that heat up toover 50 degrees centigrade may build up at the base of the laptop. It islikely that this heat irradiates from certain points, not over the wholesurface, thus allowing for rather concentrated areas of burn. The patientalso stated that the feeling of heat made him move the laptop a little nowand then.
I now also know that you can buy heat protection devices, e.g. from acompany in Lidk?ping Sweden (Dabus Dataprodukter AB).
Best regards,
(name removed)