Apple explains MacBook heating issues

Darius Chang | Jun 07, 2006

Heat has always been the bane of mobile computers. From chassis design to hardware engineering, much effort has been made to drop operating temperatures by a matter of degrees. The latest Intel-based MacBooks, however, seem to be taking a step back with reports of unusually high heat signatures.

After some investigation, it seemed the high temperature was due to the plastic film which covers the rear exit vent. Used during manufacture and delivery to prevent dust from entering the system, Apple, in an article on its support site, recommended that users discard this layer to allow hot air to circulate out of the system. Moreover, the Cupertino company explained that "with processor and bus speeds in portable computers often matching, if not exceeding, those of desktop systems, increased operating temperatures in portable computing products are common throughout the industry". In other words, please don't use laptops on your laps anymore, unless receiving third-degree burns on your quadriceps happens to be a hobby of yours.

Filed under: Notebooks
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