Is your New iPad Overheating?
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Recently, there has been a bit of clamor around the Internet regarding the new iPad’s tendency to warm up while in use. While Apple has not come forward with an official comment on the issue, many are wondering if the device’s new battery, or processor chip may be to blame.
Will it ever get so hot that we have to worry about meltdowns or skin damage? Probably not, but don’t be surprised if your new iPad gives you an overheating warning.
Apple’s first and second-generation iPads also experienced issues with warming up too much for their delicate senses. Both model iPad owners experienced overheating when exposed to direct sunlight. However, it appears that the new iPad’s overheating issue is unrelated to external temperatures.
According to ZDNet, the area that is being complained about the most as getting warm, the lower left side when held in portrait mode is precisely where the A5X processor sits. The revved up new chip seems to be working overtime on apps that demand extra speed, like graphics-heavy 3-D games.
The new iPad also warms up faster when it is plugged in. I like to keep my device plugged in whenever possible, but lately I find myself unplugging it because, not only does the back of my tablet heat up, but the wall adapter feels like it has been sitting in direct sunlight in the middle of August in Palm Springs.
A few new iPad owners have reported that excessive heat, especially when using it on a sunny day in March, has caused the annoying “overheating” warning on their tablet.
Users are complaining about their iPad being “uncomfortably warm.” However, I think the real issue is fear that this unusual increase in temperature might have an adverse effect. The heat is not likely to cause damage to the new iPad, nor your sensitive skin. Apple’s tablet operates between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 35 degrees Celsius) and will automatically go into cool down mode if it reaches temperatures above or below.
Apparently, different iPad owners are experiencing a varying level of heat. While mine warms up enough to make my palms sweat, I couldn’t even call it “uncomfortably warm.” However, Padgadget founders dag and Bill noticed that their iPad felt “pretty warm” when using CPU/GPU-demanding apps, such as 3D games.
One surefire way to combat the uncomfortable warmness is with a back cover or case. Sitting in my ClamCase, I couldn’t feel the heat at all because the iPad doesn’t touch any part of me. Based on the level of heat that emanates from the device, a simple back cover will ease any comfort issues you may have.
Have you noticed that your new iPad warms up more than previous models? How hot does it get (on a scale of one to 10)? Have you experienced the dreaded cool down mode that is used to keep the iPad from being damaged by overheating? Let us know how your tablet is doing and what you were doing when it got too hot to handle.
