Electronics at the Beach May Not Be the Best Idea

Today, it seems imperative that we have access to our cellphones at all times. In fact, many people also tote their iPads and laptops everywhere they go so that they can continually work, responding to calls and client requests at a moment’s notice. If you are one of these people, or if you just like to Facebook throughout your day or read your kindle, beware of using your electronics at the beach.

Sun and heat can affect the performance, as well as the lifespan of electronics. Computers generate heat on their own. Hard drives contribute heat, especially when copying large files, gaming results in higher temperatures and disc drives generate large amounts of heat when playing DVDs and CDs. Higher temperatures, like those at the beach, can cause your electronics to slow down and quite possibly shut down without warning. In extreme circumstances, this can occur until a new fan is installed. Hard drives are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, so excessive heat can cause them irreparable damage. Even an increase of five degrees Celsius over ambient room temperature can take up to two years off a drive’s life expectancy!

Not all of us are connected to work all the time, but we are attached to our cell phones. Remember that smart phones are mini computers, so if your laptop won’t do well in extreme heat, neither will your phone.

5 tips that will extend the life of your electronics:

• Keep your electronics in the shade if possible.
• Avoid exposing electronics to heat in excess of 80 degrees.
• Don’t leave your laptop or your cell phone in your car.
• Don’t expose your electronics to direct sunlight for extended periods
• And, of course, do not let your electronics get wet