This

Residual heat in the trunk while the laptop is off wont do anything unless it gets incredibly hot and melts the plastic.

 

If you keep the top up, you will notice a sort of "package tray" behind the front seats that might be wide enough to accommodate the laptop. I've used the area before to transport small, light Christmas presents.

Just make sure not to forget and try to put the top down.

 

Top up? What's that?

Yes, I forgot about that space. OTOH, I once put my digital camera in that spot in my Miata for a moment. Did I mention I have a new digital camera?

 

I've had my laptop and dslr in the recessed part of the trunk for 4 hour drives during summer and they were always fine. It does get hot in the trunk but unless you're pulling milk in the trunk you'd be fine transporting most stuff in there for 4-6 hrs

 

I believe you shouldn't have any heating issues as far as where you place your laptop in the car. I've stored my laptop in my car for hours in 90+ weather. My only recommendation is do not turn your laptop on right away. I say let it cool down to room temperature first before turning it on. This will help dissipate all the heat build up and help your laptop run a little cooler and not fry anything that might've gotten extremely hot. Anyways, enjoy your trip.

 

Ive been there, done that. I actually almost lost something down the sides.

Anyway, if you're traveling and you have AAA, why not dump the spare tire and stuff a box in its place? (I carry fix a flat and a AAA card ). Most times people don't ever check that spare tire and keep it inflated to its proper 75PSI so its USELESS anyway.

but, if you're gonna keep it, make sure its inflated

 

Hey man,
Two things I would share. I am always traveling for work and sometimes I drive the S and sometimes I take it to the airport. I have never had a problem with the laptop in my bag in the trunk along with my suitcase. Your laptop should be fine in the trunk. By the way I keep my laptop in standby mode so it isn't even off. I did a trip last year where I started in DC, met a client in Baltimore, stopped in Richmond to have dinner with a friend, and then drove to Virginia Beach. No problems what so ever.

The second point would be to encourage you NOT to put it behind the seat no matter how short your wife is (mine is 4'10). There was a post on here somewhere of a guy who stored his iPad behind the seat and ended up pushing his seat all the way back. He cracked the screen of the iPad. I'd be much more nervous about it behind the seat then in the trunk.

 

6 hours? Sounds like paranoia to me. Your computer went through much worse on whatever delivery truck brought it to the store or your home. And the flight from China was probably pretty chilly.

FWIW, I've done 2k mile trips with two laptops in the trunk and never even thought of this. I keep them off while traveling and allow them to adjust to room temperature before turning them on.

 

x2

i don't know why you are even considering that that might be a problem

 

and hey if your super worried you can always leave it on your top plenty of airflow there.