Top Tips for Maintaining Your Detachable Laptop

Detachable laptops, like the Dell Latitude 7350, are the ultimate multitaskers for today’s professionals and tech-savvy users. They can transform from a full-fledged laptop to a portable, lightweight tablet with touchscreen functionality, making them perfect for switching between on-the-go and stationary work. Recording inventory, taking notes, registering event attendees, or snapping real estate photos—the versatility of these devices is hard to beat.

However, the mobility that makes detachable laptops so appealing exposes them to dust, grime, and risk of physical damage. So, how can you ensure a long laptop life to get the most out of your investment?

This article dives into five essential tips (plus some don’ts) to help you care for your detachable laptop. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a busy executive, these practical pointers will keep your device looking sharp and working smoothly.

#1: Carry Your Laptop with Care

Weighing just around 1.5 pounds, the Dell Latitude 7350 is designed for portability, but improper handling can lead to costly damage. Before you carry your device, always unplug external accessories like USB drives or AC adapters to avoid damaging the ports. Do not pick up your device by the screen or the edges of the palm rest, as this can put unnecessary pressure on the touchpad!

If using a backpack, choose one with a dedicated padded laptop compartment. Carefully position the laptop to avoid accidental pressure on the chassis or LCD. Most importantly, keep your carrying case free of items that could press against the laptop—overpacking can damage the screen without warning.

For maximum safety, consider buying a high-quality case. For example, the Dell EcoLoop Protective Case for Latitude 7350 comes with corner bumpers, a built-in kickstand, an elastic pen holder, and hand/shoulder straps for safe lifting with ergonomic use.

#2: Carry Your Laptop with Care

Cleaning your laptop screen is a good start, but don’t stop there—your cooling system needs attention too! The Dell Latitude 7350 features a sophisticated cooling system, including dual fans, a vapor chamber to dissipate heat, and strategically placed kickstand vents to optimize airflow. These components work together to prevent overheating, but dust and debris can block airflow and hinder performance. Cleaning the cooling system is crucial to keep your laptop running efficiently.

Begin by removing the back panel of your laptop (consult your device’s manual for instructions). Use a can of compressed air to gently blow dust out of the vents and cooling fan. Hold the laptop at an angle to allow dust to escape freely, or use a soft microfibre cloth for stubborn areas. 

Pay special attention to exhaust vents—Direct airflow to clean them out, but be prepared for a dust cloud. Consider wearing a face mask to avoid inhaling particles, especially if it’s been a while since your last cleaning. 

Important – proceed with caution!

• Avoid applying excessive pressure, which could damage the delicate fan blades.
• Always maintain a safe distance between the nozzle and the components when using compressed air. 
• Keep the can upright while spraying to avoid releasing water vapor. Otherwise, condensation could cause moisture to form inside your laptop.
• If the can becomes too cold, pause for a few minutes before resuming.

Proper care of your cooling system not only extends your laptop’s lifespan but also ensures optimal performance when you need it most.

#3: Clean your detachable keyboard

The Dell Latitude 7350’s optional magnetic Detachable Collaboration Keyboard is a game-changer for switching between tablet and laptop modes. However, its versatility can lead to neglect when it comes to cleaning. Over time, crumbs, grease, hair, and even dead skin can accumulate between the keys, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Regularly cleaning your keyboard isn’t just about keyboard performance—it’s about protecting your health, too.

You can use the compressed air to clean the keyboard, too. Hold it at an angle and work row by row, beginning with the bottom keys. Use short, controlled bursts to dislodge debris and approach stubborn spots from different angles. For more challenging debris, like sticky crumbs or pet hair, soft bristle dental cleaners can help.

Avoid forcing the brush under the keys or applying excessive pressure—Mild scrubbing along the edges should suffice for most stubborn particles. If pet hair is an issue, guide the bristles carefully to pull out the strands without scratching the surface.

#4 Take care of your power sources

The Dell Latitude 7350 boasts a robust 46.5Whr battery, 16% larger than its predecessor and offering 10 hours of continuous use without recharge. However, to ensure the performance lasts, proper care and protection of your power sources—including the AC adapter, cables, and battery—is essential.

Always use the Dell-provided AC adapter designed specifically for your Latitude 7350 or docking station. For added protection, consider using a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to shield your laptop from sudden voltage fluctuations.

When connecting or disconnecting the power cable, ensure the connector aligns perfectly with the laptop’s power port. Pulling or twisting the laptop while cables are attached can damage it. Always unplug the power cord by gripping the plug directly—never tug on the cable itself, as this weakens the connection over time.

Once your battery is fully charged, unplug the AC adapter and allow the laptop to run on battery power until the charge drops below 50%. Avoid both—overcharging and completely draining the battery to 0. Make a habit of shutting down the laptop when not in use to conserve battery power.

#5 Update your software and drivers regularly

Your Dell Latitude 7350 has advanced hardware designed to deliver optimal performance, but even the best hardware needs the proper software support. If you are in the habit of ignoring software update notifications, think again. Operating system updates often patch security flaws that could expose your laptop to malware and data theft. Updated drivers ensure your hardware components function as intended without glitches or lag.

The Dell Latitude 7350 has built-in utilities like Dell Command Update, which can automatically detect and install the latest system updates. Ensure settings are turned on where possible, but you may have to double-check compatibility with any critical software you rely on.

 By dedicating a few minutes to daily routine updates, you can keep your laptop secure, efficient, and ready to support your daily tasks.

Final words

The Dell Latitude 7350 is your ultimate portable productivity companion. With its stunning 13” Full HD touchscreen, 3 K resolution, and responsive touch capabilities, every task feels immersive, whether creating presentations, editing documents, or catching up on the latest shows. The advanced HDR-enabled 8 MP camera captures several pictures rapidly and blends them so you look your best in every call. 

Plus, AI-accelerated apps and Copilot in Windows allow you to find smarter answers, develop new skills, and streamline workflows with ease. AI-powered optimization features like adaptive performance tuning ensure the Latitude 7350 keeps pace with your demands—you’ll find this device works as hard as you do, wherever you are.

While we’ve covered key maintenance tips, here are a few more ways to keep your Latitude 7350 in top shape:

• When in laptop mode, ensure your device is on a flat, hard surface to avoid blocking the cooling vents.
• Maintain moderate ambient temperature to prevent heat/cold damage.
• If you take a break from your device, store it in a safe, dry place with a 50% charge.

Take a moment now and then to check for loose hinges, worn cables, or anything else that seems off. The Dell Latitude 7350 is built to support your dynamic lifestyle, and a little extra care will ensure it keeps up with you for the long haul!