All in-Store MBP 13" laptops hot to the touch

[AlexJRC]

Looking to replace my 2011 MBP 15" (10.10.5) as its been crashing and causing problems I cant diagnose. I've finally settled on the 13" rather than 15" but went into my local store (Kingston Upon Thames in the UK) to clarify my thoughts regarding the size/screen etc.

Whilst doing some final checks for peace of mind (checking the new keyboard, seeing that the 13" size sufficient for my purposes) I noticed that every 13", even nTB, were warm to the touch to the left of the trackpad. I checked the 15" and they were all cool and you'd be hard pressed to tell they were on if it werent for the lid open and desktop showing.

My 2011 MBP is presently doing several things - uploading some files, browser open whilst typing this, email app open and its not as warm as the 13" MBPs.

Considering all the laptops are just sitting there and not doing anything demanding I found this a little disconcerting and its making me question my 13" decision.

Anyone else noticed this or can explain it? Or am i overworrying?

(Its telling that all my previous purchases have been one of excitement and this time around I'm nervous as hell about price, build quality, longevity and lack of repairability).

 

[leman]

You have a test period of two weeks. If the MBP is not up to your expectations, you can always return it.

 

[AlexJRC]

You have a test period of two weeks. If the MBP is not up to your expectations, you can always return it.

Even for custom orders? i want 16gb RAM and 512GB SSD. The top 15 is way too dear at £3050 / USD4014 (w Applecare).

But its not so much how it feels to me in a 2 week period but more about the longevity of a machine thats running warm to the touch when its not even doing anything.

 

[pubmsu]

when its not even doing anything.

Maybe people are leaving apps running and a store app also runs in store units. Trickle-charging of battery could be another reason. I will check this in an Apple Store soon.

 

[AlexJRC]

Maybe people are leaving apps running and a store app also runs in store units. Trickle-charging of battery could be another reason. I will check this in an Apple Store soon.

On the one i specifically paid attention to there was only Notes open. Seems unlikely that the 'sales' program that they have installed (showing the price and spec) could be that demanding - maybe its in constant contact with some central server or security monitor.

 

[Coder007]

I've got a 2018 13" that is completely maxed out (i7, 16gb, 2tb). While it does run warmer than previous generations (due to the 2 extra cpu cores), it is never uncomfortable. Check Notebookcheck.net's review of this model. They have found that while it runs warmer than previous gens, it is still below what they consider uncomfortable.