Can you keep the new M1/2 MacBook Pros in your lap?

[257Loner]

I've been marveling at my dad's new M2 MacBook Air. Because that laptop is so cool and light, it's perfect for keeping on your lap for extended periods of time. Meanwhile, my Retina MacBook Pro is cooking my lap and belly as I type this. Ouch!

I was wondering if people have been experiencing good results with their M1/2 MacBook Pro, either the Pro or Max model? Can you keep the latest MacBook Pro on your lap for extended periods of time without pain?

 

[iMacDragon]

Depends what you're doing with it, but for normal everyday use, sure.

 

[headlessmike]

My M1 Pro 14" MacBook Pro stays cool unless I push it hard, much cooler than any Intel-based laptop I've ever used. So, in short, yes.

But most (all?) manufacturers recommend never using a laptop in your lap. That's why the term notebook is used instead most of the time. Everyone does it though so, ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

 

[257Loner]

My M1 Pro 14" MacBook Pro stays cool unless I push it hard, much cooler than any Intel-based laptop I've ever used. So, in short, yes.

But most (all?) manufacturers recommend never using a laptop in your lap. That's why the term notebook is used instead most of the time. Everyone does it though so, ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

But that M2 MacBook Air stays so cool, you can leave it in your lap indefinitely. I was wondering if you could do that with your M1 Pro 14" MacBook Pro?

 

[unrigestered]

as has been said before: it depends on what you're doing
normal office work, viewing Youtube or rendering scenes for Avatar 3 in 8K?
generally speaking though, the M-series should remain much cooler than the intels for most duties.
CPU/GPU overloading tasks will bring all of them close their security shut offs, regardless of brand

 

[headlessmike]

But that M2 MacBook Air stays so cool, you can leave it in your lap indefinitely. I was wondering if you could do that with your M1 Pro 14" MacBook Pro?

I already said yes, for most work that I do with it it stays cool to the touch. If an M2 Air stays cool in your lap then a MacBook Pro doing the same work should stay cool as well. For the exact same work it might even stay cooler since it has a fan that blows away some of the hot air, which the MacBook Air (ironically in this case since it has the word Air in its name) doesn't have.

I brought the laptop vs. notebook thing up mostly as a tongue-in-cheek remark, but in general it's a bad idea keep warm objects around ones groin for prolonged periods as it can have a damaging effect on the reproductive system, in particular for men. Another reason is ergonomics as looking down on a laptop screen causes neck-strain.