Is it OK to Leave Your Gadgets out in the Cold?

At this moment, people in the United States are experiencing one of the most brutally cold winters in recent memory and can't wait for the relief that spring will bring. Cold weather makes humans do crazy things, like leave their technology in freezing temperatures for long periods of time. Is it ok for your gadgets to chill out, or not?

Many adults worldwide own battery-powered mobile technology that allows them to be connected without needing to be bound to an electrical outlet. Mobile devices have also revolutionized productivity potentials; as employees can now get company work done anyplace at any time. However, this means that many people are in the habit of leaving their smartphones, mp3 players, tablets, laptops, and other gadgets out in their cars to save from the extra effort of carrying the devices on their person everywhere they go. However, this isn't the best thing you can do for your technology, especially in regions where temperatures can vary season to season.

How does the cold affect your technology?
While it's true that technology generally runs better in cooler temperatures, it certainly does not favor a slumber in your car over a freezing winter night. Clearly, elapsed exposure to freezing weather negatively affects technology. There are three major side effects of leaving your gadgets out in the cold:

1. Your batteries will drain rapidly in the cold. After a few hours in the cold, your battery will likely be drained completely, rendering your gadget useless until its next charge.
2. Damage is done to screens and monitors when left out in the cold. The more times your technology temperatures reach below freezing, the more likely your screens and monitors will stop working entirely.
3. Cold technology accumulates condensation when quickly warmed. You may have noticed a thin layer of condensation on your gadgets if you brought them inside after spending a few hours in the cold. This condensation is damaging to your technology as it not only accumulates on the outside of your gadgets, but the insides as well, damaging its internal components.

How cold is too cold?
As a general rule, if it's too cold for you outside, it's too cold for your technology. If your gadgets are going to be exposed to temperatures below freezing, you can bet that they're going to be negatively affected.

The solution is extremely intuitive and simple; bring your stuff inside with you. Many of us leave our possessions outside in the car between trips for convenience reasons. This is fine for a pit stop to the grocery store or gas station, but when we leave our technology in the car all day during work, or during a several-hour shopping mall trip, we put it at risk. The worst thing to do is to leave your gadgets in the car overnight, as winter nights bring the chilliest temperatures. You can instead throw the smartphone in your pocket, or invest in a hip laptop bag for your tablet, computer, and other tech. This way, you can even look cool while protecting your technology from the blistering cold.

Note: If you do happen to leave your technology in the cold for several hours in freezing temperatures, don't use it right away. Bring your devices inside and let it gradually warm up before you recharge and use them. This will help keep the internal components functioning as they should in regular operating temperatures.

If you think your technology may be ruined from being neglected in the cold weather, SolutionOne can help. We can fix your gadgets and bring them back to life. Be sure to give us a call at (214) 299-8555 to learn about our solutions for all of your IT needs, and remember to bring your gadgets inside to keep them healthy; you may be lost without them-literally.