[header] How to keep your laptop from overheating [title] Elevate the laptop. [step] Put a small book or item (like the docking station for your ipod) under your computer's battery when sitting at your desk. This slight tilt allows a lot more air to flow under the laptop, keeping it significantly cooler. 
Ensure that the book is not blocking the bottom fan hole. [substeps] If a book doesn't help, you can try something more uneven.