Taking Care of Your Macbook Over the Holidays
Keep it out of sight
Just as you wouldn’t leave your wallet, iPod or cell phone sitting exposed in your parked car, take the extra precaution to hide your Macbook computer. Take it with you if you can, or lock it in your trunk, if there is no chance of it freezing. Laptop thefts have been growing each year as more and more users are going mobile. According to current statistics electronic are the #1 stolen product accounting for 21% of all thefts, a laptop is stolen every 53 seconds and only 2% of these are ever returned.
Careful Storage
Never leave a laptop, even in a well-padded and insulated laptop case in the trunk of vehicle in cold weather. The laptop could freeze and you lose all data contained in it. Night time cold is one of your laptop’s worst enemies, as it can cause parts such as monitors to actually freeze (and possibly crack). It can also damage the unit’s battery and reduce its lifespan.
Let It Warm Up
If your Macbook was left in the cold, bring it inside and allow it to warm up to room temperature before booting. The same is true when you go outdoors - allow the laptop to acclimatize to the outside temperature before booting up.
Incorrect Warming Methods
Do not use devices such as mug warmers or pocket warmers to heat or keep a laptop warm. They are not designed for this purpose and can create problems as they will not heat or keep a laptop warm in the right way. They could heat the wrong parts of a laptop or cause it to generate too much heat and melt internal components.
Shut down your computer when it won't be used for an extended duration
Putting your computer to sleep and not using it for several days may drain the battery to a point where it can no longer accept a charge.
Wait until the sleep light on the front of the computer pulses before moving it
When you put your laptop to sleep by closing the display the hard drive continues to spin briefly while saving data. Moving the computer abruptly before the sleep light pulses may damage the hard drive and cause data loss.
Use and store your computer in a safe place
To avoid spill damage never eat or drink while using your laptop. When not in use keep it in it's protective case. Don't leave it on the floor where it might be stepped on, or within reach of small children or pets. Don't leave it in a car or anywhere it might be exposed to extreme temperatures. Protect your cords and chargers the same way you would protect your computer.
Soft Spots
It's a wise idea not to use any soft material as a buffer between you and your laptop. Always operate your laptop on a hard surface, preferably one that allows ventilation. Soft materials can block the airflow vents and cause it to overheat.
Unplug Accessories
Whenever your laptop will not be in use, even for short periods of time remember to unplug any accessories. Not only do they use power but they could cause the laptop to overheat. It's especially important to unplug any accessories before packing your laptop in its carrying case. While you may believe it will make it quicker to use, it could damage your laptop, the accessory and/or your laptop bag.
Be sure to follow proper cleaning procedures to keep your screen looking new
Never use cleaning products with harsh chemicals like acetone or ammonia. Use a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with water or screen cleaning solution and use very gentle pressure on the display surface.
Macbook carrying bag
Take time over the winter break to clean out your laptop bag, removing items that can scratch the exterior of your laptop or put pressure on the top of your computer. Put a sheet of Bounce inside your bag to help reduce static electricity in the cold, dry winter months and help it smell fresher. Always use your Macbook bag when transporting your Macbook.
