I have a MacBook Pro in transit to me and it’s likely going to be delayed due to harsh freezing and snow in our area. It’s been below freezing the last several days, and getting down to single digits at night.
I’m concerned the laptop will sit in extreme cold temps and will cause damage. Is this a valid concern?
It will be fine. It is rated for -25° C storage temperatures. When it arrives, take it out of the box and let it warm up. But don't open it as that will turn it on. The minimum operating temperature is 10° C. It may take a while inside to warm up to that.
Thanks, I hadn’t even considered condensation... that freaks me out. What do you suppose is the best way to prevent that?
Edit: I know to let it sit until it reaches room temp, but I mean anything else? IE- should I try to warm it up very gradually, or just put in the warmest room? Keep in box or open up and set on table to warm?
I wouldn’t be as paranoid if this thing weren’t 1800 dollars. Lol
I know it may make you crazy, but DON'T open the display, as that will start it up.
Instead, just connect the power adapter and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Once it attains room temperature, it will be charged and ready to go.
Exposure to cold is simply not an issue. The Mac is rated for storage at quite cold temperatures.
The possible issue is exposure to warm, moist air while the metal parts inside are still very cold. This can cause condensation inside, and that is a large enough threat that Apple will void your warranty if its internal liquid-detectors have encountered liquid water from condensation.
Allow your computer to warm to room temperature before operating. it might be a good idea to connect the charger and allow it to sit for several hours before opening the display (which will start it up).
Not necessarily, especially if it is powered-off. Batteries tend to not function well, if at all, when temperatures are extremely cold.
Depending on the exact model of your MacBook Pro, the following are both the operating and storage temperature ranges from Apple:
In this case, note the -13ºF low temperature for storage. At "single digits," as you predict, it should be fine.
Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:
Instead, just connect the power adapter
I wouldn't connect it to power until it warms up.
Etresoft-
I defer to your judgement.
MacBook exposed to extreme cold - problem?
