I will only deal with one part of this, mixed in below...

From: "Julie"
> but I'd feel a lot 
> better if she wasn't using a battery at all,I worry about fire and all 
> and she doesn't need a battery anyway,she got the computer so she could 
> use it in bed and not for mobility.

Things above are contradictory, or at lease too vague.
Having a laptop "in bed" is NOT safe.
They get hot easily, and have been known to burn the laps of
"normal people" in "regular use" when placed on their laps...
That would be a "normal use" considering it is part of the name...
Note that old people have sensitive skin sometimes and burn
easily, or it becomes damaged quicker, etc...

IF the laptop was always on a hard surface, like a table that hangs
over the bed, I would see no problem... (Other than falls, etc.)
It has to have at least some air flow across the bottom, and NOT be
insulated there by sitting on blankets etc.. or have any vents blocked, etc...

I am looking forward to seeing other, more complete answers, as I have
a very old laptop with a very old battery...

                                                 Rick Glazier


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