Laptop tips and tricks for cold weather

Tips for cold weather

Regular laptops were designed to be used in a controlled environment, at a “normal” temperature and in a dry (read again normal) place. There are things you should take into consideration when using your laptop. Let's call these things tips and tricks.

Tip1: Careful laptop storage

Always put your laptop in a safe place when moving it from place to place. The best is to use a laptop bag and keep it with you. There are many types of laptop bags (see my article about laptop bags here on my site)

So don't ever put it in the trunk of your car and leave it there while driving. First because of the mechanical problems : bad road may make things there to “jump” around your trunk and this is not a proper way to carry a laptop, and second because of the low temperature in cold weather. Your laptop should not be kept at a temperature under 10 degrees C.

Tip2: Let your laptop warm up by itself

Before booting your laptop computer, let it accommodate with the temperature in the room. Never start it that very moment. One of the problems is that when bring it at a higher temperature water drops appear on it and it is not wise to start it in that very moment. Let it 10 minutes to warm up…

Tip 3: Never use your laptop in his carrying bag

An other common problem for laptop users is that when starting up their computer, just to perform some fast tasks, to keep it in the carrying bag. No way, please don't do this. The laptop bag is a warm environment where your laptop can not be ventilated right. So…this is a tip for sure…

Tip 4: Power settings

Now, this is a trade-off more than a laptop tip! Even if for saving battery life you should change your power settings to the most economic settings, for using your laptop in a cold environment it is desired to keep your computer running al the time, meaning that you should let your laptop hard drive running, never stop it after 20 minutes. This way it will still be warm even if it is a cold environment.

Tip 5: Stay out of the cold

I know that this may sound strange as a tip for using your laptop in a cold weather, but it is 100% right. If you have the possibility, go use your laptop inside, where it is warm. Use your laptop in cold only if it is necessary.

Tip 6: Ruggedized Laptops

Ruggedized laptops are the best choice for bad weather. If your work asks it, go with a ruggedized laptop even if it costs a bit more than a regular laptop. On long term, it will earn his money.