Travel and cold weather storage

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ssmith · #1 Post by **ssmith** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 12:24 pm

I'm travelling with my T42 this weekend and unfortunately I will be forced to store it in the trunk of the car (long story). The low is supposed to be 25 degrees fahrenheit (-4 degrees celcius). I am concerned that this temperature may damage it, since it is below freezing.

Of course, I know to bring it back up to room temperature before using it again, but my main concern is that it will be frozen overnight.

Will this affect the screen or other sensitive components? Has anyone had cold weather storage experience?

Thanks for the advice in advance.

#2 Post by **jdhurst** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:20 pm

I don't think you will damage the laptop at just below freezing. The non-operating range in the Specifications for that machine is lower than -4 IIRC. The operating range according to my manual is +5 to +35. Just let it warm up naturally and thoroughly before you start it.
... JD Hurst

#3 Post by **JaneL** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:23 pm

I had a manager who left her ThinkPad in the trunk of her car overnight in freezing temperatures. The screen had to be replaced.

As with most things, YMMV, but I wouldn't recommend letting it freeze. And if you do it anyway, be sure to follow JD's advice about letting it warm up.

#4 Post by **jdhurst** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 5:23 pm

IBM used to be more generous with specifications - I find them harder and harder to come by. Also, if IBM is silent on something, they don't offer it. That said, and also to echo nonny's advice to use care, I found the following about my old T23:

Air temperature for shipping and storage
-20 degrees to 60 degrees C (-4 degrees to 140 degrees F)

I am not suggesting to test your machine by freezing it, but if you have no other alternative, perhaps wrap it in a blanket before you pop it in the trunk.

... JD Hurst

Champ · #5 Post by **Champ** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 6:45 pm

why not get one of those cooler style things to keep it insulated

WilsonF · #6 Post by **WilsonF** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 7:23 pm

A colleague of mine let his TP get cold and then brought it inside to warm up. Humidity condensed inside the system and shorted something, requiring a trip to EZ Serve for a new system board. The lesson I learned is "don't let it get too cold, and if you do, let it warm up very gradually or seal it in plastic before you bring it in."

beeblebrox · #7 Post by **beeblebrox** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 4:40 pm

The only problem is condensed humidity, therefore I would seal the thinkpad in an air tight plastic bag.

There are even stories on Thinkpads being used in the Antartica and on Mount Everest (somewhere on IBMs web sites).

#8 Post by **carbon_unit** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 5:58 pm

So if you live in the north now would not be a good time to ship a Thinkpad to EZServe? I doubt if DHL has heated trucks and planes.

brewt · #9 Post by **brewt** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 6:22 pm

carbon_unit wrote:So if you live in the north now would not be a good time to ship a Thinkpad to EZServe? I doubt if DHL has heated trucks and planes.

You just need to give it adequate time (a few hours?) to return to normal temperatures and for any condensation to dry up.

gengar · #10 Post by **gengar** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 8:28 pm

carbon_unit wrote:So if you live in the north now would not be a good time to ship a Thinkpad to EZServe? I doubt if DHL has heated trucks and planes.

The temperatures outside the plane at cruising altitute (say, 35000ft) would already be much colder than at ground level. So I don't think it's an issue.

As a side note, my T42p came via HK (very high cruising altitude usually for these long transpacifics), and via Anchorage, no less. Pretty cold

ssmith · #11 Post by **ssmith** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 2:35 am

Thanks all for the great advice. I ended up sealing it in a plastic bag and using a friend's thermal insulation bag for added protection. It worked like a charm. I appreciate everyone's input.

Travel and cold weather storage

Travel and cold weather storage

Thanks everyone

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