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Measuring Microwave Output From A Laptop?

Posted by Cliff on from the will-our-laps-start-glowing-anytime-soon dept.

bethorphil asks: "I was shopping online for a laptop today, and as I was choosing my processor speed, I noticed that the clock frequency of a decent CPU (2.4 GHz) was about the same frequency as the radiation used in a microwave oven. This got me thinking about recent headlines of laptop heat causing male infertility. If the heat alone is a threat, It would make sense that holding a 40-watt microwave emitter in your lap could cause even more serious problems down the road. I assume (optimistically, perhaps) that laptops are designed to shield the user from radiation, and not just to protect the system from interference. , but what I'd really like is a way to test for myself how much microwave radiation actually comes from my laptop. So far, the most interesting thing my searches have come up with is this quack-tastic low emission PC, but actual tools for an amateur to measure this stuff seem hard to come by. What's the best way to find out if my laptop is nuking the family jewels?"

6 of 108 comments (clear)

  1. Surefire test by secolactico · · Score: 4, Funny

    What's the best way to find out if my laptop is nuking the family jewels?

    Breed. If your kids come out with extra limbs, scales-for-skin or superpowers, then it is.

    --
    No sig
  2. As seen on TV! by Monte · · Score: 5, Funny

    I have a small sticker that when applied to your laptop will block all harmful RF energies!!. But wait! There's more! Apply one to your gas tank and you'll see a 30 horsepower increase!! as well as getting an extra 15 miles per gallon!!

    How much would you pay for this small miracle? Three hundred? Two hundred? NO! Today only I am ready to sell you this modern wonder of technology for a mere six payments of $19.99!!!

    Act now! Operators are standing by!

  3. Just to be on the safe side... by Aldric · · Score: 3, Funny

    Have you considered wrapping your lower body in tinfoil?

  4. Or, a new trend in body piercing... by SteeldrivingJon · · Score: 2, Funny


    The full scrotal Faraday cage.

    --
    September 2011: Looking for Cocoa/iOS work in Boston area Cocoa Programmer Quincy, MA
  5. Re:Don't Discount It So Fast by Solder+Fumes · · Score: 2, Funny

    I guess now we know Geordi posts on Slashdot.

  6. Re:40 watt microwave? by sgant · · Score: 2, Funny

    Also, the entire "Funniest Home Videos" infrastructure would collapse as there would be no more "man getting hit by pinata bat in the groin" or "skateboarder misses rail and falls on his nuts".

    The world as we know it would be very different.

    --

    "Leo Fender was in a 'state of grace' when he designed the Stratocaster." -- Paul Reed Smith