Using MacBook Pro in the sun

[jawee]

Hey.

Summer's getting close and I started to get curious on how safe it is to use my macbook pro 2011 (15" low-end) in direct sunlight. I understand that it will become quite hot, but not sure if it could damage the computer in some way.

Of course I could just sit in the shadow, but then I could pretty much just sit inside. So anyone has any good information about this? Tried to search the forum and google but couldn't find any good threads about this topic. (Could be that my search skills aren't as good as I thought)..

Thanks in advance.

 

[kalsta]

Direct sunlight has a way of destroying most things given enough time. Sorry, I don't have any scientific research for you specific to MacBook Pros, but I would point out that viewing your screen is going to be pretty near impossible in direct sunlight. I think the shady option is the way to go. Why don't you take it outside and experiment?

 

[jawee]

Actually the screen is very possible to see things on (on full brightness). And the screen isn't facing the sunlight, I believe it would be harder to see things then I'm sitting outside right now, but I started to get concerned about if it would be bad for it to be in direct sunlight for a couple of hours straight, after like half an hour of music and browsing the CPU is up at 58C and fans running at 2.5k rpm, which doesn't really concern me since it breaks 80C while watching youtube. Just that the whole computer is probably running hotter when the aluminium becomes warmer from the sun.

 

[kalsta]

I say, let your MBP live dangerously! The mere fact that you're working outside in the fresh air instead of some stuffy air-conditioned office is probably adding years to your own life!

In fact, you've inspired me. I think I'm going to take my MBP outside this week.

 

[jawee]

Studying for exams outside is awesome.

http://piclair.com/iu4nz picture

 

[rockinrocker]

I think it would have to be awfully dern hot to do any damage.
If you're able to sit comfortably with I'd think it would be fine.

Now, leaving it in the sun in a locked car all day when it's over 90 degrees or something would be a different story....

 

[Resqu2]

If your MBP gets too hot it will shut off to prevent damage, I don't remember the exact number though. Guess you would know if it happened though.

 

[dusk007]

Except for just letting it lie around in your car or for hours in the sun there is really no harm to it.
If you use it heavily the battery will die before anything else. If you use it lightly and you battery last a few hours it usually is no problem with temps in the sun.
Just cover it when it is just lying somewhere. Especially cars can be a dangerous thing as it can get really hot in there and the battery doesn't like that too much.