In the immortal words of The Tick: “Gravity is a harsh mistress.”
When using a flip phone, laptop, or any other device with a hinge, the closed position is always safest during a fall.
The more compact, closed position will almost always take a fall better than the open position. This has to do with a number of factors including:
Smaller surface area – there is less exposed that can break.
Screen exposure – it is less likely that the screen will crack if it isn’t stuck directly.
Self-reinforcement – the more compact, closed position will typically allow the devices parts to reinforce themselves a bit more.
The bottom-line – Keep your laptop or phone closed when you aren’t using it. Especially if it is in a precarious position.
This won’t necessarily save your device, but it will increase the odds of it surviving a fall.
If you drop you device in water, follow these instructions:
https://geekwhisperin.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/saving-a-drowning-cellphone/
Practice safe computing by not dropping the delicate electronics!
The Geek Whisperer 