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Dave Hagan · Oct 12, 2003, 08:15 PM

We have learned that the PowerBook is better on battery using Panther. But does anyone know if Panther cause the PowerBooks to run cooler and emit less heat?

bgordon · Oct 12, 2003, 08:50 PM

I would love to know the answer to this as well. For some reason, my new PB 1 Ghz 15" gets incredibly hot on the underside when I have it plugged into the wall, between 20 and 80 percent charged. 100 percent charged, it drops back down....hopefully Panther will help.

iDaver · Oct 12, 2003, 09:32 PM

PowerBooks always run hotter while charging.

One would think, if the battery drains slower with Panther, less heat would be generated as well.

Dave Hagan · Oct 13, 2003, 05:58 PM

Originally posted by iDaver:
PowerBooks always run hotter while charging.

Reading the manual today:

When using your PowerBook or when charging the battery, it is normal for the bottom of the case to get warm. For prolonged use, place your PowerBook on a flat, stable surface. The bottom of the PowerBook case functions as a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the computer to the cooler air outside. The bottom of the case is raised slightly to allow airflow that keeps the unit within normal operating temperatures. In addition, the computer vents warm air from the back of the case.

LfGrdMike · Oct 13, 2003, 07:26 PM

The Panthers hot breath hehe

David Hagan · Oct 13, 2003, 09:13 PM

I am almost too embarrased to admit this one, but I think I'm going to return my 17-inch because I cannot take the heat. I know they get warm, but the Temperature Monitor app says most times 123-127�+ and becomes too uncomfortable for my taste. I have a Ti867 that indeed gets warm at times, mostly on the bottom, rarely on the top. This 17-inch gets warm ALL over. I don't like it. I don't like resting my wrists on the heat and typing on very warm keys. The bottom gets hotter (obviously). Since I used my 17-inch on my lap yesterday morning on battery, the tops of my legs still feel like they've been sunburned. I still want to be able to have kids someday. Am I whacked?

iDaver · Oct 13, 2003, 09:44 PM

Originally posted by David Hagan:
Since I used my 17-inch on my lap yesterday morning on battery, the tops of my legs still feel like they've been sunburned. I still want to be able to have kids someday. Am I whacked?

No, you're not whacked. I too use my PowerBook on my lap. For both my TiBook and now my 17" lapzilla I've made a platform of plexiglass with big holes in it. On top of the plexiglass I stuck some quarter inch rubber "feet." The PowerBook goes on the feet. This allows a quarter inch of breathing space between the plexiglass and the computer and except when I'm really working the computer, it and the plexiglass stay cool enough to be comfortable. Now who do you think is whacked? The plexiglass platform goes with the PowerBook whenever I move it. It actually keeps the bottom from getting scratched, which is an added bonus.

David Hagan · Oct 13, 2003, 10:14 PM

That seems to be the antithesis of having a portable. I am not going to build a platform. I shouldn't have to.

iDaver · Oct 13, 2003, 10:27 PM

Originally posted by David Hagan:
That seems to be the antithesis of having a portable. I am not going to build a platform. I shouldn't have to.

I agree but until they make them water cooled or something, most notebook computers will be too hot to use on your lap (for long) comfortably. The iBook is quite comfortable actually, but it's a G3. So, I do whatever it takes.

Perhaps Panther will help a little but I'm not counting on it.

danbrew · Oct 13, 2003, 10:42 PM

Come on, how in the world will a new OS reduce the heat? Unless it does something like tell the processor to work @ 1/2 the speed?

I'm no rocket scientest, but I think your reaching if you think that a new OS will impact heat exchange.

The debat about whether you should use a platform/podium/something upon which you rest your powerbook really comes down to whether or not you want convective cooling underneath your laptop. Putting your laptop on a bed or on top of a pair of bluejeans that are radiating heat from your legs isn't the smartist idea.

Know what I meen?

t_hah · Oct 13, 2003, 10:51 PM

Originally posted by danbrew:
Come on, how in the world will a new OS reduce the heat? Unless it does something like tell the processor to work @ 1/2 the speed?

I'm no rocket scientest, but I think your reaching if you think that a new OS will impact heat exchange.

The debat about whether you should use a platform/podium/something upon which you rest your powerbook really comes down to whether or not you want convective cooling underneath your laptop. Putting your laptop on a bed or on top of a pair of bluejeans that are radiating heat from your legs isn't the smartist idea.

Know what I meen?

If Panther is smarter with using its resources, thus making the Mac work less for the same task, that would reduce heat in a laptop. I guess we will have to wait and see in a week and a half what effects will Panther have for us, portable users.

t

iDaver · Oct 13, 2003, 10:59 PM

Originally posted by danbrew:
Come on, how in the world will a new OS reduce the heat? Unless it does something like tell the processor to work @ 1/2 the speed?

I don't know. I have heard that Panther will drain the battery more slowly. I merely translate that to less heat produced. I'm probably wrong. I expect my homemade cooling platform will still be in use after Panther.

nobitacu · Oct 14, 2003, 09:10 AM

As long as it gives me more battery life, than I'll be one happy guy. As for the temp part, if it stays in the 130 F to 135 F, than I won't mind.

Ming