I know building use them but im not sure if regular houses do.
Try rubber grib pads. These things are designed to open tough jars. Plus there super cheap at the grocery store (as they are only a handsize patch of textured rubber). But if that doesn't work, then just trash the jar and get some more applesauce. And this time, make sure to wipe the lip of the jar after you use it. Darn, that stuff is like glue.
depending on how old the laptop is, it may just have poor cooling capabilities. IMO i would just go to best buy and pick up a cooling mat for 20 bucks and you would probably be fine with that
