Question: I plan to take my MP3 player, digital camera and cellphone to the beach this summer. How can I protect them from damage?
Answer: If you follow a few common-sense tips, you can hit the sand and surf with most of your portable electronics and still bring them home in one piece.
Waterproof cases from companies like Otterbox, Pelican and Anvil will protect your devices not only from moisture, but also sand and dust, according to Jennifer Boone of the Consumer Electronics Association.
With "shoot-through" cases that feature thinner plastic, you can still snap pictures or spin the wheel on your iPod, she said. But keep electronics out of the sun because the cases don't protect from heat damage.
If you plan to relax poolside or near the surf, slip a piece of foam inside the case so your device will float if you drop it in the water, she said.
Any gadget with an open port, such as a headphone jack or DVD drive, is vulnerable, so make sure to close port flaps to keep sand out, Boone said. Take extra care with camcorders, she said.
For more serious beachgoers, electronics designed for more rugged conditions are available, such as underwater cameras, said David Carnoy, an executive editor at the technology Web site CNET.com.
Store all your devices in one place, like a cooler with no ice, to protect them, he said.
Wipe your hands clean of sunblock or tanning lotion before handling your electronics, especially those with rubberized skins that can become discolored, he said.
Allow devices to reach room temperature before using them again; bringing warm gadgets into an air-conditioned room can create condensation, Boone said.
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