Is My Laptop Dying?

[kcmo]

Guys/Gals,

Perhaps a strange question to ask, but lately my laptop has been exhibiting some strange behavior and I'm wondering if its nearing its life end.....

Firstly, it gets VERY hot underneath after it's been running.....and I'm not talking hours here, as it starts getting warm within 15min of use. I've resorted to having to put a pillow underneath it as I used to get a red rash on my lap from the heat...

Second, it's starting to lose it's wireless signal which is weird. This varies.....usually if I've left it unattended (no activity) for more than 20min and I go back to 'wake' it up, it loses a connection to the net....sometimes it takes 2-3min to get back up, and other times as much as 10-15min! SO annoying!

Third, I don't believe I have any 'sleep' settings on, but if I leave it unattended for say, 30min or so, I have to hit the power button to wake it up again. Don't recall this happening in the past...have always been able to just touch the track pad to wake it up.

I thought about bringing it in to my local computer place to check it out but figured I'd ask you all for your input first

Oh, I should mention that it's a Dell Inspiron 1521....I know it's a discontinued model....have had it about 3 yrs. Luckily I don't rely on it heavily....just do lots of internet surfing! We have a desktop too.

TIA for your help