Doelago

Q: Can my MacBook Pro take damage from low temperatures?

Hello! As someone who uses a MacBook Pro in school every day, I have now begun to worry about whatever or not I am endangering my dear computer, I live in Finland, and as you might suspect, its a bit cold outside at times. I have a half hours walking trip home from the bus every day after school, and at the moment its between -5°C to -10°C when I am going home. I keep the MBP in a laptop case, which in turn is kept inside a laptop bag (for the sake of protection and carrying around my arsenal of adapters/accessories/USB sticks/iPhone, iPad, iPod recharges/similar things). But having just looked at the weather prognostics -20°C is no longer an all that remote concept, and that is starting to worry me as to whatever the exposure to cold air for half an hour could somehow damange my MacBook Pro. As a poor (well, a poor Apple addict still has some disposable money, but yea) student, I dont want to start going trough possibly expensive battery changes or repairs, and want to know if my dear Mac is in danger.

 

So, first off, is it in any sort of danger, and will warranty (from the retailer I bought it or Apple`s) cover any problems the low temperatures might have inflicted? And while we are at it, what about my iOS devices? Are they in any danger?

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)

Posted on Nov 28, 2012 12:01 PM

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Q: Can my MacBook Pro take damage from low temperatures?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,Helpful

    Kappy Kappy Nov 28, 2012 12:04 PM in response to Doelago
    Level 10 (270,952 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 28, 2012 12:04 PM in response to Doelago

    This should answer the question:

     

    1. Operating temperature: 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)
    2. Storage temperature: –13° to 113° F (–24° to 45° C)
    3. Relative humidity: 0% to 90% noncondensing
    4. Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet
    5. Maximum storage altitude: 15,000 feet
    6. Maximum shipping altitude: 35,000 feet
  • by Michael Black,Helpful

    Michael Black Michael Black Nov 28, 2012 12:06 PM in response to Doelago
    Level 7 (24,457 points)
    Nov 28, 2012 12:06 PM in response to Doelago

    The environmental specs for the iPad and iPhone are:

     

    • Operating ambient temperature: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)
    • Nonoperating temperature: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)
    • Relative humidity: 5% to 95% noncondensing
    • Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet (3000 m)

     

    So, if in any doubt or worry, power your iOS devices off when transporting, and I would then let it acclimate to room temperature at home or school before powering it back on.  It should be fine then.

  • by Doelago,

    Doelago Doelago Nov 28, 2012 12:08 PM in response to Michael Black
    Level 1 (61 points)
    Nov 28, 2012 12:08 PM in response to Michael Black

    OK, powering them off and letting them acclimatise sounds like a good idea.

     

    Thanks for the numbers as well.

  • by Michael Black,Solvedanswer

    Michael Black Michael Black Nov 28, 2012 12:14 PM in response to Doelago
    Level 7 (24,457 points)
    Nov 28, 2012 12:14 PM in response to Doelago

    The biggest danger, as I see it, is when bringing them in from the cold, and the potential for condensation.  I think letting them warm back up out in the open with good air circulation around them before powering back on is the best way to avoid that.

     

    Of course, iPhones can just be carried in a pocket inside your coat, so your own body heat avoids any possible problem for them (and they are still ready to use in case you really do need them).

     

    I've transported my Mac laptops in suitcases or backpacks around in Ontario in the winter before, once when it was around -30C outside, and it never seemed to cause any harm.

  • by Doelago,

    Doelago Doelago Nov 28, 2012 12:16 PM in response to Michael Black
    Level 1 (61 points)
    Nov 28, 2012 12:16 PM in response to Michael Black

    Thanks! This really eased my mind. While an actual legit reason to buy a MBP w/ Retina display would be nice, I still would rather keep this machine working.

     

    Thanks again!

  • by Courcoul,

    Courcoul Nov 28, 2012 12:18 PM in response to Doelago
    Level 6 (14,193 points)
    Nov 28, 2012 12:18 PM in response to Doelago

    So, the answer is YES.

     

    Going below the limits helpfully provided by the colleagues, can cause the juices in the battery and inside the display to freeze and damage the component. And Apple would probably rule it as misuse/abuse, thereby voiding any warranty repairs.

     

    Plus an added risk when using electronic gear in low temperatures occurs when you take them into warmer locations. Humidity can condense inside, causing long term corrosion and even immediate shorts. If the temperature change is unavoidable and is going to be extreme, can put the equipment in plastic bags, squeeze all the air out and seal before taking inside, then let reach warm temperature before opening and using.  Or at least power off before moving and let it warm up before using, if not so extreme a temperature shift.