How cold should a Macbook get?

[stone315]

I'm in college, and I usually go straight from class to practice, which means my Macbook is sitting outside in the lovely New Hampshire weather for a good 2-3 hours, and it's been turning back on at about 18 celsius. How cold is too cold? Like when should I start dropping it off at the dorm instead of bringing it to practice?

[Yr Blues]

I'm in college, and I usually go straight from class to practice, which means my Macbook is sitting outside in the lovely New Hampshire weather for a good 2-3 hours, and it's been turning back on at about 18 celsius. How cold is too cold? Like when should I start dropping it off at the dorm instead of bringing it to practice?

Free State!

Anyway, put it in a backpack or nifty AppleSac. Cold is better than hot for computers, so I wouldn't worry too much.

[Eidorian]

http://support.apple.com/kb/SP5

Electrical and operating requirements

* Line voltage: 100V to 240V AC
* Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz
* Operating temperature: 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)
* Storage temperature: -13° to 113° F (-24° to 45° C)
* Relative humidity: 0% to 90% noncondensing
* Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet
* Maximum storage altitude: 15,000 feet
* Maximum shipping altitude: 35,000 feet

[silverblack]

The most harm of cool temp (likewise hot temp) is done to the battery. It can shorten the life time and charge capacity.

10° to 35° C was the operating temp. Aside from the battery, it should be OK if you let the unit warms back up before turning it on.

EDIT: I was wrong. Lithium based batteries like cool storage temp.
http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm

[Big-TDI-Guy]

Just do NOT bring in your cold macbook from the car into a warm environment and fire it right up. If you can feel moisture building up on the outside of the case - it needs to be powered down until it comes back to temp and dries off. (I would even pull the battery out if I felt it getting moist)

That whole "non-condensing" thing.