All Laptops "Operating Temp" 32F?

Are all laptops operating temps from 32F?

I can't seem to find any that have an operating temp below 32F. Wanted to do some stuff with the telescope and it's been getting cold outside.

Found a cheap Dell Latitude E4310 but it also has an operating temp from 32F.

Thoughts?

 

See:
http://www.kendrickastro.com/dew_laptopheaters.html

Scroll down to the Laptop Heaters section.

You'd better love what you're doing - these are expensive (probably more than the computer you just bought).

Don't forget you need a battery to power this too.

 

In the old days, LCDs didn't work properly when very cold. I don't know if this is still an issue but the rugged notebooks such as this are capable of working at well below 32F (-20F). However, the main computer body, if on, will generate some heat and might keep itself above 32F. I would also be thinking of making some form of enclosure to reduce the heat loss.

I would note that the 32F is just a convenient number to use in the specification (like the altitude of 10,000ft) and the computer may well work below that temperature. To me, the bigger issue is using the computer while wearing gloves. Also, it would be prudent to put a very cold notebook into a plastic bag before bringing it indoors to reduce the risk of condensation on the cold surfaces.

You might want to look around for an second or third hand rugged notebook such as the Dell XFR range. It may also be worthwhile checking the specifications of the Panasonic Toughbooks.

John

 

So, I've benched my p770zm in temps of 24F without too much issue. If you have a Clevo and are using CLU, please note that you'll have issues of the component with CLU hangs around or under 10C idling (compromised the CLU into hardening for me)...

As mentioned by others, the dew point for condensation can be an issue ( @tilleroftheearth points to this) and LCDs can be an issue (as @John Ratsey pointed out).

Also remember, many components with zero Celsius limits also have been overclocked at seriously sub-zero temps...

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Below 32F, ruggedized machines a la Panasonic ToughBook full rugged models like CF 30 and CF 31 models tend to be the most likely to work.

 

I also forgot to mention, if you use hdd instead of SSD, it has moving parts and lube can't remember if they use a powder or oil lube). This, because it has moving parts, can be effected by low and sub-zero temps...

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What it really means is that they haven't tested them below 32F. There has to be a cutoff somewhere and that is where most manufacturers quit testing. Also, there is a big difference between taking a laptop from inside a heating building or car into sub-freezing temperatures for short durations and letting a laptop acclimate to those conditions before turning it on. This was a few years ago, but one way of getting data off a dying hard drive (depending on why it was dying), was to stick it in a freezer overnight and then toss it into an external enclosure and try to get as much data as you can off of it before it thaws (I have actually recovered data off a HD this way, blew me away that it worked).

Another thing to consider is that condensation will form when taking that chilly laptop back into a warm environment.

 

Thanks everyone. I've used my Alienware m18x and Dell Precision M4800 over the last few years without issue. Just wasn't comfortable with a $7,000 laptop outdoors below 32F LOL

I think a Dell Precision M4500/4600 or Lenovo W520/530 should hold up fine. Just need to find one at a good price. Or I could use my macbook air LOL

 

Didn't know SF started to get this cold

 

The cops around here use Lenovo Thinkpads in their cruisers. It hit -24F this weekend. Granted, it usually nice and toasty in the cruiser, but there are times when they get left out in the cold for extended periods of time.

 

If it's primarily solid state (i.e. no moving parts) and low humidity, it usually isn't an issue. My piece of crap Dell Lattitude seven year old business issued laptop is always in my car in sub zero temps over winter and usually fire it up without a second thought, and runs fine. If the humidity is higher (which is usually unlikely in cold weather anyhow) where it could create condensation inside the laptop due to temperature difference, is where the issue lies. I don't care if it's a Panasonic Toughbook or otherwise, unless the circuits are sealed from humidity nothing is safe. But unlikely to happen.

 

Agreed it's unlikely, but when it happens it's usually preventable. An indoor environment humid enough to cause condensation (boiler rooms, kitchens, greenhouses, etc) is avoidable and care should be taken to warm the laptop to room temp away from such sources of humidity.

 

Got myself a Lenovo T520. Should hold up nicely in these temps.

 

Left an old HP laptop to cool on a windowpane, as it was 100F outside. The thing froze and didnt turn back on for a few minutes.

 

The T520 hasn't been able to get much action outside since it's been constantly raining but it's been good thus far for when I did need to use it.

Back in the day when Lenovo's T series were good. Their new ones don't look like they are built as well but I could be wrong.

 

Before IBM sold their Thinkpad series you mean?

 

Yup. The original design was pretty good. I remember having the IBM Thinkpad T40 I think it was?

 

Linus at Techquickie also mentioned condensation with keeping operating temperatures low, but not too low that condensation would occur. It shouldn't be that much of a problem since the temperature of most computers while they're on is at least 90°F.

 

The old ThinkPads were awesome... Before IBM sold it to Lenovo who trashed it... Same with the Dell laptops when they were produced in the US.. Outsourcing to China has ruined the quality on these products..

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