Is cold weather damaging for my HP laptop?

[Codruta]

hi, I have an 5-6 yrold HP laptop 17inche - Compaq 6820s. I am a journalist and need to carry my laptop with me, right now during winter we have even -5 C degrees. I carry my laptop in a laptop bag. 

My question is, I walk to work and back home, since its a small town. Is it damaging to my laptop to carry it in the cold (though it is in a bag) ? Is it better to not take it out of the house to prolong its life? 

[Dragon-Fur]

Codruta,

I found the OPERATING tolerances.

Environmental Parameters

• Environmental standards EPA Energy Star
• Min Operating Temperature 41.0 °F   (5 degrees C)
• Max Operating Temperature 95.0 °F  (35 degrees C)
• Humidity Range Operating 10 - 90% 
  

For frigid conditions, I would suggest you carry the notebook in an insulated bag and perhaps carry it inside your coat against your body.  If you walk to work in less than ideal circumstances (ice, hills or slopes, uneven pavement), it might be better to carry the notebook across the front of your body where you are more likely to be able to protect it should you fall.  (The logic is that one's arms would be used to break a fall forward.)

Suggestions:

• Allow the notebook and peripherals to acclimate to room temperature for a while before using.
  
• Carry the battery in the bag (against your body) or in an inside pocket where it won't freeze.
  
• Same for any battery operated device (ex. external mouse) - keep it from freezing.
  

I hope that helps.