Summertime, and the Song of the Livin’ Is Easy is the first song that comes to mind when I think about summer. Summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors, weather, travel, and technology can go with you almost anywhere. You should be aware of the safety issues when you take your device with you on summer trips. Here are some tips.
Heat protection
Last summer, I left my iPhone in my car for 30 minutes. Even though the parking spot was not very sunny, I returned to my car and saw a message and temperature gauge on my screen advising me that my iPhone needed to cool down. Only emergency calls were possible. Apple has provided protection and warning systems to protect electronics from heat damage. Extreme heat can cause batteries to explode so keep them as cool as you can. A cooling fan can be used to cool laptops. These fans can be used wherever there is a USB port. If your device is overheated, do not place it in the freezer. Condensation can cause even more damage.
Protection against liquids
Electronics are also susceptible to liquid damage. We get many clients who bring in laptops that have been accidentally “baptized” with Coke, wine, and water every year. Even worse is a sugary coffee latte. You should unplug your power cord first and then turn off the laptop to prevent any spillage. Next, turn the device upside-down so that the liquid can drain. You should remove the keyboard and ensure that all liquid traces are absorbed. It is possible for corrosion to occur if the liquid is allowed to dry on its own. Your device might need professional cleaning depending on how much liquid was used. Even if your laptop has been damaged, you can still retrieve data by taking it out and connecting it to another computer using adapters.
Protection from the sand
It’s great to relax under a shaded umbrella on the beach while you play a game on your tablet or phone. Be careful not to get sand on your laptop keyboard and other devices. While it won’t cause any harm to your system, it could make keys malfunction or clog power and plugs. A waterproof case is a good option to protect your phone from water and liquid damage.
Don’t lose power
The battery life of a smartphone is not very long these days. It is a good idea to have an additional fully charged battery pack on hand for when you are out and about, whether you’re at the beach or in the city. These packs are quite affordable. This summer, I’m trying out a solar charger that I can attach to my backpack. You can also find beach chairs that have a built in solar panel charger.
Don’t forget your devices at home
Turn off your devices if they are not being used and disconnect the power and Ethernet cables. Summer thunderstorms are common. A power surge or lightning strike can cause serious damage to electronics, and even set off a fire.
Backup before going
It doesn’t matter if you take your device with you on vacation or leave it at home, you should first create a backup. This way, if you lose or break a device you are covered. Your data is not replaceable. We wish you a wonderful summer vacation, technology or not.
