What to Know Before Using Your Laptop, TV or Speakers Outside
That warm weather is just too good to ignore! And if you’re caught between catching some rays or streaming your fave shows on your smart TV, it’s all the more tempting to take your electronics outside. After all, why not enjoy good weather while doing other things?
But before you bust out the lounge chairs, you should know that exposure to the elements can harm your electronics. Here are a few things you need to know about taking your electronics outside and how to protect them.
Laptops
Laptop batteries are vulnerable to overheating. In turn, when a laptop heats up, the battery life suffers. Batteries that are frequently exposed to heat or exposed for extended periods can sustain permanent damage!
If your current laptop isn’t working like it used to, consider a new, brand-name laptop, like the HP 14′ AMD 3050U Laptop, which offers up to seven hours of battery life on a single charge. Here are a few tips on how to use a laptop outdoors.
How to Help Protect Your Laptop Outside
1. Avoid outdoor laptop use in extreme heat and humidity
The best way to protect your laptop from the elements is knowing when NOT to take it outside. ApartmentTherapy reports that “most laptops are good to go in heat up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.” However, erring on the side of caution is always preferable.
Additionally, Twin State Technical Services recommends against outdoor laptop use during high humidity days, as water damage from condensation can occur. You can also prevent overheating by properly cleaning your laptop on a regular basis which will help keep dirt and dust from clogging up its internal fans.
2. Put it on a protective surface
Whether it’s a table or a laptop holder with a built-in fan, keeping your laptop off your lap can help prevent overheating of the device and your thighs!
3. Don’t overcharge your laptop
Try to work without the charge cord whenever you can. If you have to work while it’s charging, unplug it as soon as the battery is full to prevent the computer from overheating.
4. Sit in the shade
Though sunbathing while streaming may sound divine, it’s your laptop’s worst nightmare. Not only can it make your computer overheat faster, but it can also result in the dreaded glare that makes it hard to see the screen! If you don’t have any natural shade, get an awning or an umbrella to help protect you and your device from the sun’s rays.
Smart TV
Can you use a TV outside? It depends. Some TVs are made for outdoor use, but most are not. If you choose to take your traditional Skyworth UHD smart TV outdoors, you may need a specialized setup to care for it.
How to Help Protect Your Smart TV Outdoors
1. Place it in shelter and shade
Sunshine and UV rays can hurt your TV — affecting visibility and resulting in heat-related damage. Shade and shelter will help combat both. Additionally, as the seasons change, this can also help protect your smart TV from rain, dust, wind, and more.
2. Invest in a weatherproof cover and accessories
A heavy-duty weatherproof cover can also help protect your TV when it’s not in use. Depending on the conditions in your area, investing in a TV mount that is wind-proof and easy to disassemble can make it easier to keep your TV anchored when you want it outside, but also easy to cart indoors when the weather forecast calls for it.
3. Clean it regularly
Having your TV outside means greater risk of dirt and other oddities getting in. So, clean it at least once a week, and don’t forget to give the remote a good wipe as well!
4. Check the weather rating
Many TVs will have individual weather ratings, which give you a range of temperatures and conditions they can withstand. Make sure to always abide by the conditions outlined in the ratings and manual to help your TV live its best life for as long as possible.
Speakers
When it comes to installing speakers outside, you’ll need to make sure you have proper gear that’s rated for outdoor use. If you’re looking at a special speaker system like the Sony Shake X3 High Power Shelf System, here are a few tips on taking care of them outside:
1. Protect the cables
If you have wired speakers, never leave the wires and cords exposed. Insulating them with electric tape can help lower the risk of trip hazards and fraying.
2. Avoid direct sunlight
If you have speakers outside, try to cover them whenever possible. Heat can damage the electromagnetic coils that maintain the electric connection in your speakers.
3. Clean them regularly
Any dust that gets into the speakers can add noise to the overall sound quality of the speakers. You can dust them off with a dry towel or use compressed air to get debris out of the tough-to-reach areas.
Upgrade Your Summer with Savings
Your local Rent-A-Center makes it easy to upgrade your entertainment experience with electronics such as the HP 14′ AMD 3050U Laptop, Sony Shake X3 High Power Shelf System, and Skyworth UHD Smart TVs. Avoid the headache of your old electronics and start your online order today. You can even get same-day delivery on qualifying purchases in select areas!