Summary
We often hear about computers overheating, but what happens if they get too cold?
Modern laptops typically have some throw in ofLiquid Crystal Display(LCD).
As their name implies, LCDs use a layer of liquid crystal to display an image.
Svetlana Lukienko / Shutterstock.com
As the screen gets colder, it becomes more unresponsive because the molecules inside the LCD move slower.
It starts lagging, and you might even noticeghosting.
If that happens, it’ll expand and put pressure on the other layers inside the display.
Tomasz Majchrowicz/Shutterstock.com
If you have a fancier laptop with anOLED screen, the same general principles apply.
The Batteries Can Be Permanently Damaged
Batteries are arguably even more susceptible to temperature swings than displays.
The Circuitry Can Handle Extreme Cold, However…
Condensation can kill your laptop.
If water gets inside the laptop, the worst-case scenario is that the motherboard or CPU/GPU short-circuits and dies.
That’s why it’s not the cold necessarily that causes condensation but rather the fast temperature change.
For instance, don’t leave your laptop in your car when temperatures drop below freezing.
Also, avoid extreme temperature swings.
If your job entails working outdoors in freezing temperatures, an average consumer laptop simply won’t cut it.
You need a rugged laptop designed to handle rough weather and environments, thanks to its thick protective shell.
A great example is theDell Latitude 5424.
It even has a built-in handle for easier carrying.
