Tips for Protecting Tech Gadgets from the Cold

Each year new gadgets hit the tech scene with millions spent marketing all the new and exciting features and what makes the new technology vastly superior over last years model. One key component that is paramount that is often over looked is protecting that new gadget from the environment in which the typical consumer subject's the product. Environmental conditions can deteriorate your new gadget and more often than not it's just after the warranty period has ended. We're going to take a look at one specific environmental factor that can affect your favorite new tech product. Here are a few simple tips to help with protecting tech products from the cold.

Use the included carrying case, pouch, protective gear

Many times we receive our new tech gadget and in the excitement of it all throw that protective case or carrying pouch back in the box to collect dust for years to come. Often, new tech gadgets are sensitive to lower temperatures, most importantly those below freezing. Make sure your new camera, camcorder, mp3 player, phone, tablet PC, or other new tech gadget in the protective gear provided by the manufacturer. Each product goes through extensive testing for environmental conditions and the provided gear is provided based upon the results of the test. Even if the cold temperatures aren't a concern for your product, sand and other daily debris can become lodged in the tiny cracks and crevices causing damage to the product.

Store your cellphone in a warm place

Cold weather does affect cell phones in several ways. Cold weather can reduce the visibility of your display screen and make the cover brittle and easily chipped. The battery can also drain more rapidly when left in cold temperatures and can lead to reduced battery capacity if frequently left in cold temperatures. If your stuck in cold weather with car issues such as a flat tire, use the provided car charger to keep the battery charged until you get back on the road.

Don't leave your new tech product in your vehicle

Although many of us do it, leaving your new gadget whether its a cell phone, pocket cam, or other tech in your car can damage the product or even render it useless. Leaving a cell phone in the sun on your dash with the windows closed can not only damage the built in camera lens or video capturing device, it can even melt or do lasting damage to other parts of the phone. Extreme cold temperatures aren't as big of a concern, but if you live in extreme northern climates they can and will do damage to things such as hard drives and other temperature sensitive parts you may leave in the car while contiuing your shopping. When you can, read the box of any new product to find the acceptable temperature ranges before leaving it in the car at the next store. If you can, leave the tech shopping for the last place you visit before returning home and you won't need to worry about it at all.

Buy a traveling case for your new laptop

Laptop cases can be purchased nearly at any big box retailer or electronic super-store and protect from nearly all enviornmental factors. The case protects against the cold, sun damage, sand, wet weather and more. For the cost, they are a extremely important extra that could save you hundreds of dollars in repair bills. Depending upon the warranty, some may not guard against certain weather related issues. It's your job to make sure you read the warranty to determine what is covered, and better yet, protect your new investment with a simple solution such as a case.

Let your Hard Drive warm up before turning on

Laptop and mobile PC's have operational hard drives which pose a great concern in cold temperatures. Hard Drives and other key components are relatively fine in extreme weather while in a non-operational state. However, when using a laptop or mobile PC in extremely cold weather you can damage internal components that are made to operate in near room temperature conditions. When a gadget like this is turned on after being subjected to extreme cold, the abrupt change in temperature can damage the read/write ability of the drive and produce unintended errors.