This is where your 2011 MBP 13" core i5 generates and vents heat (new pics)

[zwodubber]

Exactly! And Apple wouldn't give instructions on operating in clamshell mode, but all these facts seem to elude many people. Well done on the most recent pics, by the way! How do you change the focus from radiated heat to vented heat?

Thanks for all your input in the thread, I edited the original post after realizing it wasn't as clear as I thought. If you want any other specific pictures let me know...

The camera allows you to manually set temperature levels and span depending on what you are specifically trying to identify. There are also settings for the material you are photographing, reflectivity, the list goes on and on.

 

[Snesley Wipes]

Exactly! And Apple wouldn't give instructions on operating in clamshell mode, but all these facts seem to elude many people. Well done on the most recent pics, by the way! How do you change the focus from radiated heat to vented heat?

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3131

I found your answer using Mroogle, you can too!

 

[GGJstudios]

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3131

I'm quite familiar with that article and have posted it many times. That's what I was referring to.

 

[joeshaw92]

Surely the one vent at the back can't be enough to cool the laptop?! Other windows laptops Ive had have vents all over the bottom, sides etc, and all need a lot of clearance. I love the clean look of the macbook, but I'm not convinced that the small vent at the back (with little clearance due to the hinge) is enough. Either that or its just overkill on the windows laptops (which somehow got hotter than the MBP)

 

[GGJstudios]

Surely the one vent at the back can't be enough to cool the laptop?!

It's quite sufficient. Apple portables have used this design for years, with excellent results.

 

[mrsir2009]

Surely the one vent at the back can't be enough to cool the laptop?! Other windows laptops Ive had have vents all over the bottom, sides etc, and all need a lot of clearance. I love the clean look of the macbook, but I'm not convinced that the small vent at the back (with little clearance due to the hinge) is enough. Either that or its just overkill on the windows laptops (which somehow got hotter than the MBP)

Its because Windows PC manafactures aren't smart enough to put the vents in a place where nobody can see them, plus the MBPs are made of alu, which draws heat AWAY from the computer and radiates off the metal case.

 

[NickZac]

The location of the vent(s) are irrelevant regarding the amount of heat generated. These levels are WELL within specs, and they can become substantially higher before any cause for concern exists.

And the reason Apple does not have huge vents on these are because:

1) the covered vents keep dust out
2) the unibody gives the computer structural rigidity in which cutting holes in would 'whole-fully' defeat its purpose
3) under normal load, it's hella quiet


I want to take a moment to note just how well these systems keep dust out. If you open up my 2 year old MBP, you will notice that it is almost clean enough to eat off of. Dust accumulation is almost non-existent, which is a major plus in regards to the safe operation and longevity of a laptop.