[frownyfrank]

So last night it reached around 101 degrees, maybe more in my non air-conditioned apartment on the 7th floor.

While doing some work, suddenly my iPod stopped playing, iTunes froze, then iChat froze, then the Finder froze, until I just had to hit the power button to do a hard shutdown.

Is this heat, and lack of a decent Powerbook cooling solution, going to cause any 'permanent' damage, as in file corruption, loss of data, etc, or is it just going to freeze apps if I let the Powerbook get too hot? (Beyond losing files from them being open while an app freezes).

If I had my choice, I'd just not turn it on and not risk it, but I have serious work to do, and that isn't an option.

For the time being, I'm going to move my "office" into the refridgerator. Surely the processor could use a nice drink of water about now?

[AssassyN]

Hmmm, well, if it locks up and you haven't saved what you're working on, clearly a hard reset will basically abandon all the work you've done since your last save, so be sure to save often!

[NewOldbie]

I didn't realize Apple made molecular computers

Seriously, why would you be worried about your powerbook because it's 100 degrees? Or more appropriately, should we be buying a computer that must be put into a refrigerator when it gets hot?

I say use it whenever you need it. If it dies, then we got a problem on our hands. I was using my 17 AL and it was 95 degrees, no problems yet.

[Tomster]

Which Powerbook did you have? Did the fan kick in? Did it have enough airflow?

[Nebrie]

I keep my Powerbook on 24/7/356. When I need to burn a cd or dvd, I need to put an ice pack under the superdrive otherwise I get an error before it starts burning. Should I call Apple about this?

[AssassyN]

Originally posted by Nebrie:
I keep my Powerbook on 24/7/356. When I need to burn a cd or dvd, I need to put an ice pack under the superdrive otherwise I get an error before it starts burning. Should I call Apple about this?

If you're being serious, you should most DEFINITELY call Apple; that's not acceptable.

[shabbasuraj]

batteries are most effected by heat when considering the longterm....

thus when storing always store in a cool dry place, i.e. never leave the battery in a hot car etc....

if no ac is a reality how about a nice fat fan pointed at the keboard, as a short term solution with something under the battery compartment to keep it off the desktop....

lates...

[wulf]

Originally posted by shabbasuraj:
if no ac is a reality how about a nice fat fan pointed at the keboard, as a short term solution with something under the battery compartment to keep it off the desktop...

Yeah, if you can raise the powerbook up with small supports so there is better airflow under the base, that can help.

The big fat fan idea couldn't hurt either

[The Placid Casual]

I had the same thought as I am using my 867 in a badly ventilated room, and it is hot hot hot outside...

Then I remembered that this is the UK afterall, and it will probably be raining by tonight.

[mism]

My 12" gets very hot at home in my stuffy flat, I have it raised up on four improvised supports, about an inch off the desk. If I am doing anything intensive, like burning a DVD I'll stick a fan on it.

Most of this stems from paranoia though, its easy enough to keep it cool but I'd like to know if it getting too hot to comfortably touch could cause any real damage?

[m@]

My PBG4 500 used to have the fan kick in all the time when the room went above 30°C however since I have a big desk fan it hasn't kicked in at all. However when doing something very processor intensive (100% for 4 hours) the case just got hot.

[Link]

Realistically, you shouldn't get a failure until the laptop reaches ~160-170ºf....

If it shuts down in 100 degree weather I'd be wondering if it's cooling system is working properly... of course.

You should be able to run a laptop safely up until around 110-120.. you wouldn't cause any real damage tho if it shut down due to an overheat.