The new iPod is hot. Apple reports the new tablet sold three million units in its first three days on the market.
But the tablet is hot in more ways than one.
According to Consumer Reports, the new table can run 13 degrees warmer than an iPod 2 when certain apps are running.
Testers at Consumer Reports found that the latest iPad could hit 116 degrees when running games. “When it was at its hottest, it felt very warm but not especially uncomfortable if held for a brief period, wrote Consumer Reports’ Donna Tapellini, who held the iPad in her hands during testing.
The new iPad is safe but close to the 120-degree point at which laptops are too hot and could cause burns if in contact with bare skin for a long period, says CR electronics editor Paul Reynolds. CR plans to continue testing the new iPad.
Apple responded early Tuesday to reports of problems but declined to comment after the CR test results.
“The new iPad delivers a stunning Retina display, A5X chip, support for 4G LTE plus 10 hours of battery life, all while operating well within our thermal specifications,” Apple spokeswoman Natalie Harrison said. “If customers have any concerns, they should contact AppleCare.”
CR tested Apple’s new iPad by running the game Infinity Blade II for 45 minutes while plugged in. The consumer watchdog used a thermal-imaging camera to find the new iPad recorded a temperature of 116 degrees when plugged in and 113 degrees when unplugged.
The likely culprit is the high-resolution screen and its increased demand for processing power, Forrester analyst Frank Gillett says.
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