MBP & MBPr lap heat

[mankar4]

Hey guys,
I currently have a 15" MBP and it gets too hot to keep in my lap comfortably. I'm wondering if those of you with MBP retinas and 13" MBPs have the same problem? Trying to decide on my next computer!
Thanks!

 

[GGJstudios]

Hey guys,
I currently have a 15" MBP and it gets too hot to keep in my lap comfortably. I'm wondering if those of you with MBP retinas and 13" MBPs have the same problem? Trying to decide on my next computer!
Thanks!

This is true for all Mac portables:

Apple Portables: Operating temperature

The bottom of your Apple portable may become warm during normal use. If the computer is on your lap and gets uncomfortably warm, remove it from your lap and place it on a stable surface.

 

[terraphantm]

I find my rMBP gets considerably warmer to the touch than my old air did. Not too surprising considering the extra power and massive battery though. I think the CPU actually runs cooler though - so the warm bottom is basically a sign of the heatsink being quite effective.

 

[mankar4]

This is true for all Mac portables:

Well, my wife's MBA never gets too hot for a lap, no matter what we do with it.

 

[tillsbury]

My Retina gets warm but not too hot playing games or doing video conversions. The highest temperature reported by istat is about 72C

 

[mankar4]

My Retina gets warm but not too hot playing games or doing video conversions. The highest temperature reported by istat is about 72C

Is that CPU temperature?

 

[GGJstudios]

Is that CPU temperature?

Usually, the CPU and GPU are the two primary furnaces, with temps higher than any other component.

 

[Aodhan]

I think laptop is kind of a misnomer. Notebook is a better term, because it sets more realistic expectations. Pretty much any notebook computer, including the Retina, is going to roast your giggleberries if you use it on your lap. They have pads you can use to protect yourself from heat injury, I know I use one (actually it's a cutting board).

 

[flipnap]

my rmbp runs a lot cooler than my classic did. of course if you crank it they all get hot. but basic surfing and file maint. i can rest it on my lap and is only slightly warm, where the same activites would heat up my classic.

 

[Interstella5555]

I can use my late 2011 comfortably on my lap, but just for browsing and light app use. For anything heavy like gaming it's on my coffee table.

 

[espiritujo]

I could literally fry some eggs on my Macbook if I really wanted to. It's become a bit annoying, but I'm learning to have to compromise with such a beautiful machine. I think the design of the vents is pretty crappy if you ask me, but at least the machine looks like a solid piece of art work. I guess there has to be some sort of compromise.

 

[heisenberg123]

my early 2011 is fine for browsing on my lap but im usually wearing jeans not sure how it would feel if i was wearing silk pants

 

[Braniff747SP]

My 2012 13'' MBP runs surprisingly cool, even when doing more than just web browsing. Never hear the fan, either. I've never gotten it to being uncomfortably warm on my lap, and I've had it there for a few hours on occasion.

 

[ixodes]

I use an XPad. It's one of those products that's almost too good to be true.

Simple, high quality, silver to match, inexpensive & ultralight.

Not only does it allow good air circulation, but the grippy non-skid bottom makes using your Mac in your lap, or other uneven surface a breeze.


http://www.xpad4laptop.com/

 

[tillsbury]

It does seem like the Retina runs a lot cooler than MBP's. I use this on my lap on the couch for hours at a time, every evening. Sure is nice and toasty when running games, but not painfully so. Rest of the time it's just warm.

 

[IGregory]

Hey guys,
I currently have a 15" MBP and it gets too hot to keep in my lap comfortably. I'm wondering if those of you with MBP retinas and 13" MBPs have the same problem? Trying to decide on my next computer!
Thanks!

You will also find this on high performing PCs. If you run demanding programs on any computer it will heat up. Desktops you don't notice it as much because it is not sitting on your lap.

 

[iproductsuser]

I had a core 2 duo 15" MBP that scorched my legs and my new 13" ivy bridge i5 runs substantially cooler.

 

[maflynn]

Yeah my rMBP gets quite toasty on my lap. I've not found it unbearably hot but then I don't play games or use it for intensive processing when its on my lap. That is, its hard to do photoshop on my lap

 

[GGJstudios]

That is, its hard to do photoshop on my lap

You photoshopped your lap? Please don't show us!

 

[mankar4]

Does anyone's MBA ever get too hot for their lap, even while running flash or photoshop or gaming?

 

[TLewis]

Does anyone's MBA ever get too hot for their lap, even while running flash or photoshop or gaming?

You really need to ask this in the MBA forum. IIRC, the 11" MBA can get noticeably hotter than the 13" MBA.

 

[mankar4]

You really need to ask this in the MBA forum. .

good point

 

[brand]

Hey guys,
I currently have a 15" MBP and it gets too hot to keep in my lap comfortably. I'm wondering if those of you with MBP retinas and 13" MBPs have the same problem? Trying to decide on my next computer!
Thanks!

Your using it wrong. Apple does not sell laptops.

 

[OnceYouGoMac]

You photoshopped your lap? Please don't show us!

I'd rather not see it.

my early 2011 is fine for browsing on my lap but im usually wearing jeans not sure how it would feel if i was wearing silk pants

Probably would burn a hole through them I'm a girl who lives in jeans and hardly ever wears skirts. Probably just as well, as I'd say using the MacBook on my lap while wearing one might burn my lap.