Can you leave a computer in a hot car?

[spinbaby]

Does it do something bad? I have to pick up a computer in the morning and it's the furthest stop for me, so I'd like to leave it in the trunk while I make my stops on the way home. Or should I just drive the extra 60 miles and take it home before heading out again?

[mccoyn]

1. As long as it isn't on.

Computers are pretty resiliant when they aren't on. I wouldn't worry about it. If you are really concerned can look up the spec sheet for the hard drive. I suspect that is the most vulnerable part.

[alarimer]

2. It's probably ok in the trunk

I wouldn't leave it in direct sunlight. I take out my MP3 player if I going to be out of the car for any length of time.

[billyskank]

3. It'll probably be okay

[Benfea]

4. Computers and hot vehicles.... *horrible flashbacks*

Sorry. Don't mind me. I provided support for private investigators for a long time, and the experience scarred me. Move along, nothing to see here.

[MoseyWalker]

5. Only if you put a can of soda on top of it

that's what I would do!

[politicat]

6. Laptop or desktop? LCD, CRT or no monitor?

The monitor is the really big issue. If it's a laptop, don't leave it in the car. That's a good way to fry the LCD and kill the system, on or off. The Liquid in the Liquid Crystal Display can heat up enough to expand and break the LCD.

A tower case and CRT monitor will be fine in the trunk, and a case with no monitor at all will be okay, too. But if you have an LCD, then don't leave it in the trunk.

And on edit: When you do bring it inside, don't plug it in and get cranking right away. Give it an hour to aclimatize before you start it up.