Extreme slowdown

I don't see anything problematic. Can you provide make/model of your laptop and more specifics regarding the slowdowns?

Dell Inspiron 5150
512 MB RAM
2.79 GHz
NVidia Geforce FX Go5200

Tends to run at 100% for any game, even when it shouldn't require it. I'm afraid it could be a heating issue, but the fan is open and the computer doesn't seem to get too hot. Slowdowns tend to occur (after starting, which is usually after running a game for about 2 minutes or so) about every 5-10 seconds, for 2-3 seconds apiece. Normal, slideshow, normal, slideshow, etc.
If the game is minimized for awhile, as said before, it takes about 30 seconds to a minute before the slowdown starts again.

Thanks,
odinblade

Improved, not fixed, by ramping up virtual memory something awful and keeping windows explorer closed. Even so, it only delays the problem. I'm afraid it's a heating issue; any ideas on keeping laptops cool? The fan is unblocked.

-odinblade

Over at MacWorldNews, Peter Kastner of Aberdeen had this to say about the desktop replacements: "The simple issue is there's not enough space in the laptop form factor to easily remove all the heat generated by the desktop microprocessor," he said. "As a result, it's quite possible the microprocessor will either shut down, if it overheats, or slow down due to automatic lowering of the core voltage."