One common problem that many laptops seem to suffer from is overheating. I guess that is an inevitable result of cramming so much into a confined space and often relying on one poor little fan to maintain the circulation of cooling air over the components. Add to that the fact that overtime, besides cooling air, your laptop fan is also quite adept at sucking in dust, hair and the other detritus of life which makes it’s job that bit more difficult, and you have the recipe for problems.
I recently had to strip down a Toshiba Satellite L200-11P whose owner was complaining of the fact that it was getting so hot that he was in danger of getting second degree burns on his upper thighs! When I finally unearthed the fan housing from the bowels of the machine, it was literally clogged solid with dust etc. Not surprising the laptop was getting hot, more astonishing was the fact that it was still working at all!
Heat is the enemy of laptops, so keep aware of the fact that a correctly working fan is a critical element. Try not to block the vents (either on the side or underneath or both) that allow air to enter and leave the laptop internals and remember that using your laptop for prolonged periods of time on a soft surface, such as the top of a bed or sofa cushion, is not ideal simply because those air vents can easily get blocked.