Laptops: To standby or to turnoff?

[ThrillSeeker]

Is it better to put a laptop on standby or to turn off completely when you are going to be away from the laptop? Lets say, up to an hour of standby?

The reason i ask is because sometimes when i leave my laptop i am not certain how long im going to be away so i put it into standby, and occasionally i end up being away from the laptop for upto 45minutes. So im wondering if putting the laptop into standby can harm the system in any way...

Much appreciated,

ThrillSeeker

[Neo]

If the screen shuts off than there is no harm. I leave my on 24/7.

[mbgm8rjh]

does leaving it on 24/7 not mess the battery life up over time?

[Neo]

You can remove the battery.