Could the Macbook overheat while in a sleeve?

[SteveMobs]

Just a quick question, I searched to no avail.

I am about to pull the trigger on either a booq Taipan Skin S or the Vyper XS2. I have an Aluminum 2.4 Macbook. I usually sleep my MB overnight and when I'm not using it, I usually shut it down about twice a week, but in the mean time it sleeps. Can the MB overheat when it's sleeping in its sleeve?

The only reason I ask that question is because there was a disclaimer on the Booq Vyper XS2 page;

Note: The surface of the MacBook is sensitive and discolors easily. In special cases, when the white MacBook has been left running for an extended time in the Vyper XS2, discoloration can occur. Apple expressly advises that you work on a surface with adequate airflow because the MacBook gets very warm during normal use. When warm, avoid working on dyed surfaces, because of potential discoloration of the lower surface of the MacBook. We do not take responsibility for potential discoloration of your MacBook.

I think they mean specifically for the old white and black MBs, but I was just curious. Has anyone had experience or heard of MBs overheating while sleeping in their sleeves?

And besides that, does anyone have experiences with either of these sleeves? I've heard good things. I'll put it in my backpack, so I'm deciding whether or not the extra $10 is worth it for the Vyper over the Taipan.

Anyways, Thanks for the help,
-Steve

 

[GGJstudios]

I wouldn't sleep my MBP in the sleeve; I'd shut it down. If it's sleeping, I'd leave it out of the sleeve.

 

[SteveMobs]

I wouldn't sleep my MBP in the sleeve; I'd shut it down. If it's sleeping I'd leave it out of the sleeve.

Precisely for the reasons stated above? Overheating?

 

[GGJstudios]

Precisely for the reasons stated above? Overheating?

Yes. When running, even sleeping, the MBP needs proper ventilation.

 

[mrkgoo]

Yes. When running, even sleeping, the MBP needs proper ventilation.

I disagree. The processor is not powered. The only thing that essentially remains powered is the RAM, so no overheating can occur.

 

[SteveMobs]

Yes. When running, even sleeping, the MBP needs proper ventilation.

I disagree. The processor is not powered. The only thing that essentially remains powered is the RAM, so no overheating can occur.

And so the debate I was originally looking to bring to life begins

 

[pirategenes]

Yes. When running, even sleeping, the MBP needs proper ventilation.

I disagree too. Based on my experience with powerbooks and a new macbook, i have never had a problem leaving my machines inside a sleeve while sleeping. In fact, I do this all the time. And they usually aren't just inside a sleeve. They are inside a sleeve that's inside a backpack.

Why do you think the laptop needs ventilation while sleeping?

 

[GGJstudios]

I disagree. The processor is not powered. The only thing that essentially remains powered is the RAM, so no overheating can occur.

That's not true. From the Apple site:

What happens when the computer goes to sleep (not just into idle mode or display sleep)?

On all computers:

• The microprocessor goes into a low-power mode but it is still powered.
• Video output is turned off, and the connected display may turn off as well, or enter its own idle state
• Apple-supplied hard disks spin down
• Third-party hard disks may spin down

On portable Macs:

• The Ethernet port turns off (see Note below)
• Expansion card slots (such as PCMCIA) turn off
• The built-in modem turns off (see Note below)
• An AirPort card, if present, turns off (see Note below)
• The USB connection only responds to the power key on an external keyboard (see Tip below)
• The optical media drive spins down
• Audio input and output turns off
• Keyboard illumination, if a feature of your portable computer, turns off

As you might guess, a computer uses considerable less power when in sleep mode than when awake. The computer will continue to power RAM in sleep mode, so that whatever was in RAM when the computer went to sleep will still be there when the computer wakes. This also means that computers with more RAM use slightly more power in sleep mode.

The bottom line is, while less than during operation, a Mac portable in sleep mode still uses power and still creates heat. If you want to put a sleeping MBP in a sleeve or case, that's up to you. I only stated that I wouldn't do it.