Letting a laptop acclimatise?

[bristol86]

I just bought a used MacBook on eBay and the seller has contacted me advising me not to turn it on for 24 hours once I've unpacked it as the courier will have stored it in cold temperatures and it would need to acclimatise before being turned on in case any damage is caused by condensation on the change of temperature.

Is there anything in this?

I've had laptops sent to me in the past and never given it a second thought to be honest and never noticed any ill effects.

Is he just being over protective or is it good advice? Obviously I'm keen to get my grubby mits on it the second it arrives!

 

[bristol86]

It hasn't come yet, it's coming on Wednesday.

It's being shipped in its original retail packaging so I can't see it being too much of an issue myself but thought I'd get some more opinions.

I've never not turned any electronics I've had shipped to me on straight away to be honest!

 

[bristol86]

He could just be overprotective, though like yourself I have rarely given it much thought.

Is there a minimum amount of time it has to be in the cold before it is an issue? I commute most days with my MBP and it's bloody freezing most days. I don't think twice before turn it on upon reaching the office (the aluminium body is usually cold to the touch).

I have left it in the car overnight before now and turned it on with no ill-effects.

Yeah I had a MacBook a few years ago when I did photography and took it out and about with me on shoots and then into warm areas and never had any problems. Think he may just being extra cautious.

The aluminium body always makes it feel cold to be honest!