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Storing a laptop in a HOT parked car. How bad is it?

post #1 of 8
2/13/06 at 12:03am
Thread Starter 
How much effect will heat have on a laptop kept in a parked vehicle all day in South Florida? I will use a laptop only occasionally at work, but I want to have it available when I do need it. Keeping it on a construction site will be more likely to invite damage, or theft, than keeping it in my truck. It's cool out now, but the summers are long, and hot here.

I have read that "heat is the enemy", but that seems to refer to a running computer. I'm concerned with long term effects of heat on a turned-off laptop.

I bought the $499 Toshiba (A105-S101) at Best Buy today. Are there any particular components I should look out for, or is there any reason that particular computer would be a poor choice with the heat issue?

I do try to keep the truck cool with a windshield sunscreen, cracking the windows open a bit, etc.

I'm new to laptops, so any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
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post #2 of 8
2/13/06 at 12:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Roma
How much effect will heat have on a laptop kept in a parked vehicle all day in South Florida? I will use a laptop only occasionally at work, but I want to have it available when I do need it. Keeping it on a construction site will be more likely to invite damage, or theft, than keeping it in my truck. It's cool out now, but the summers are long, and hot here.

I have read that "heat is the enemy", but that seems to refer to a running computer. I'm concerned with long term effects of heat on a turned-off laptop.
Keep the laptop in the bag. Don't leave it out exposed to sunlight. I've had several cell phone chargers melt after a hot day. And do NOT leave the laptop on in there.
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post #3 of 8
2/13/06 at 12:16am
Most of the laptop components should be okay even in the extreme heat. After all, most laptop processors can hit 150 F on their own through ordinary operation. The main component that might be affected by the heat is the battery; batteries tend to age faster when they're kept in a hot environment (hence the advice to store your battery in a cool, dry place). You might want to keep that in mind, and either anticipate replacing your battery after a year or two, or find a cooler place for the laptop.

I think for the rest of the laptop, humidity is more of an issue, but only if it's humid enough to create condensation inside the system. But even in Florida I doubt it'll get that muggy.

Oh, and labmouse is right. Keep the laptop out of direct sunlight; the laptop's external casing might not be able to withstand high temperatures applied directly.
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post #4 of 8
2/13/06 at 12:30am
if you are going to keep it in a car at keast buy a bag to put it in
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post #5 of 8
2/13/06 at 1:00am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the replies.

I did buy a (black leather) bag, which I will cover with a white towel, or something to reflect sunlight.

I guess I'll deal with replacing the battery when that time comes.

I'll also stay aware of the humidity issue. It can get steamy after a rain in summer. Would it be a good idea to "seal up" the whole laptop bag in a plastic bag or something, if it's going to be a steamy day? Or does it need to "breath" for some reason? I would not leave it turned on in my truck unless I was actively using it.

Any worries about bringing it in from the hot truck to an air conditioned space and turning it on?
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post #6 of 8
2/13/06 at 1:12am
I'll pop in and plug my aluminum case I got off Ebay for 40 bucks. Super build quality (for forty buck...) and it's reflective. You could than almost "toss" the thing behind the seat of your truck, out of the sun, but with no fear of whacking or squishing it accidently.
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post #7 of 8
2/13/06 at 2:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Roma
Any worries about bringing it in from the hot truck to an air conditioned space and turning it on?

Your biggest concern with changing temps quickly will be condensation. If your laptop is in a cold area and you bring it into a warm one, you'll see basically what happens to a cold drink in the summer, though not to the same extent. If possible, allow it to change temps slowly and dont turn it on right away, because you might short out some component and ruin your computer. Just use common sense!
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post #8 of 8
2/13/06 at 4:36am
I don't know about the computer itself, but the heat is not going to do good things to your battery. It might sound stupid, but you could take the battery out of the car and leave the computer. If that matters to you.

About the humidity/condensation issue, you might look into the roadwired active protection sleeve (cheaper at ebags). I don't know personally if it works, but I think it's worth checking out, especially if you're going to leave the computer in your car consistently.
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