Component Burn Out

• Running a laptop in cold temperatures will not contribute to component burn out like running a laptop in hot temperatures. Many of the computer's parts are a heat sources and produce a significant amount of heat -- typically around 120 degrees, but sometimes as high as 200 degrees. The computer parts do not need to be that hot to operate, and using the laptop in a colder environment will actually cause those parts to run slower. The hotter computer parts run, the sooner it is that they will inevitably break. Controlled computer cooling is effective at extending the lifespan of a computer, but running a laptop at uncontrolled temperatures can be hazardous to the computer in other ways.
  
  

Temperature Stress

• When you turn on a laptop in temperatures colder than 70 degrees, the computer's temperature will increase 50 to 60 degrees in a matter of minutes. However, if you turn on the same laptop in a 40-degree room, it will increase the an operating temperature of between 70 and 80 degrees instead. While the laptop will run slower, it won't receive a one-to-one cooling ratio with the room temperature. The drastic temperature change for many of the computer parts can cause cracking and other physical damage.
  
  

Frost and Condensation

• Frost and condensation can break a laptop because they can cause water to come in contact with the computer's electronic parts, causing them to short out. Using a laptop in a room with under freezing temperatures creates a risk for the room's humidity accumulating and turning to frost on the computer. If this happens, wipe off all visible frost from the laptop, remove the battery, unplug the power source, and let the computer sit in a moderate temperature environment for at least an hour before using it again.
  
  

Contraction

• Extreme cold temperatures cause many parts of the laptop to contract -- on the same principle that warm temperatures cause things to expand. Contraction can cause the keys on the keyboard to warp and the touch pad to fail.
  
  

LCD Issues

• Almost every commercial laptop uses a form of LCD screen. LCD screens are capable of running under low temperatures, but may look dim or blurry if they are used under low temperatures.