Tech Talk-Protecting Gadgets at the Beach
By: Dan Reynolds
Updated: July 18, 2012
Beach-goers slather on sunscreen to stay safe. But what about protecting your favorite gadget?
"The beach is not a very friendly place to technology. Water is obviously an enemy of it, but also sand can get into the ports of your devices, it can get into the seams between things and make them grind as they move."
There are a variety of cases on the market for smartphones, e-readers and tablets.
But Consumer Reports found that a simple plastic bag with a zipper or seal can also provide protection. Just keep a few things in mind.
--Bag that gadget before you leave home so you're not fumbling with it on the beach.
--Don't remove it until returning home to avoid contact with sand and sunscreen.
--And replace bags regularly so sand doesn't accumulate.
Sand and water aren't the only concerns. Sun and hot temperatures can also damage a device.
"It's a good idea to keep the device out of the sun, keep it somewhere cool, like in a bag -- a little bit insulated even would be good. Don't leave it in the car. Pay attention to that. Ninety-five-degrees to 100-degrees is sort of the max you should be looking at."
And if an unprotected device takes a dip in the water, act fast! Remove the battery and SIM card, and resist the urge to dry it with a heat source like a hair dryer. That can warp what's inside.
"The beach is not a very friendly place to technology. Water is obviously an enemy of it, but also sand can get into the ports of your devices, it can get into the seams between things and make them grind as they move."
There are a variety of cases on the market for smartphones, e-readers and tablets.
But Consumer Reports found that a simple plastic bag with a zipper or seal can also provide protection. Just keep a few things in mind.
--Bag that gadget before you leave home so you're not fumbling with it on the beach.
--Don't remove it until returning home to avoid contact with sand and sunscreen.
--And replace bags regularly so sand doesn't accumulate.
Sand and water aren't the only concerns. Sun and hot temperatures can also damage a device.
"It's a good idea to keep the device out of the sun, keep it somewhere cool, like in a bag -- a little bit insulated even would be good. Don't leave it in the car. Pay attention to that. Ninety-five-degrees to 100-degrees is sort of the max you should be looking at."
And if an unprotected device takes a dip in the water, act fast! Remove the battery and SIM card, and resist the urge to dry it with a heat source like a hair dryer. That can warp what's inside.
