IPAD Overheating!

Question

IPAD Overheating!

The Ipad is a great device with at least one major flaw - it is simply too sensitive to heat. My ipad has shut itself down due to overheating - once while using it for 10 min in the 65 degree sunny spring weather in Boston and the other time without even using it (it was simply sitting in the sun, not even 60 degrees here). We are not talking about extreme heat situations, just a nice sunny day. For some reason, this thing seems to bake. The last time this happened, the case was even closed and the device was OFF! This is in Boston in April! This is going to be a huge problem for Apple once the summer approaches and makes the device all but unusable outside at almost any time you'd want to be outside. For a device that touts itself as an e-reader, this is truly unacceptable.

Unfortunately, I doubt this is addressable in software. A reflective case may help when it's off. In any case, they might as well remove the summer reading selections from the ibooks store since this device will be unusable at the beach or pool for sure!!!

IPAD, iPhone OS 3.1.3, none

Posted on Apr 11, 2010 10:32 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 11, 2010 11:26 AM in response to sdsolomon@earthlink.net

This is indeed troubling to read as it has been reported several times already in this forum and it's only been a week since the iPad went on sale. I expect this to be a recurring topic posting.

The max operating temp is around 95 deg F if I recall correctly. It must be that this temp is easily reached inside the iPad enclosure even at moderate ambient temps of 65 deg F as you've reported.

What is the exact display message when the iPad overheats and shuts itself down ?

If temp inside iPad enclosure while it's off becomes greater than 95 deg F I wonder if it will even power up?

This is sounding like a huge problem in the making -- as you've stated.

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Answer 2

Apr 11, 2010 11:34 AM in response to BarryXSharp

BarryXSharp wrote:
This is sounding like a huge problem in the making -- as you've stated.

Agreed however its going to be practically impossible to 'fix'. Any large glass fronted object with a sealed metal back is going to have significant thermal effects so people who use it in an low ambient temperature but in bright sunlight are going to have problems as the case is in effect, a greenhouse.

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Answer 3

David.

Level 4

2,145 points

Apr 11, 2010 11:44 AM in response to Graham Outterside

If what u said was true, then Apple screwed up royally by not using low-e glass.

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Answer 4

Apr 11, 2010 11:45 AM in response to sdsolomon@earthlink.net

Is this Issue true to all people who have the ipad? Coz if its true to all ipad users then there is a problem with the ipad construction itself BUT if this issue only affects few ipad users then the problem may be limited to type of ipads only

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Answer 5

Apr 11, 2010 12:14 PM in response to sdsolomon@earthlink.net

I have no problem with heat. Of course, certain individuals here, using first grade statistical knowledge, imply that it's a massive problem.

Maybe it's a defective iPad. You know, 750,000 or so iPads sold, 0.1% manufacturing defect gives us 7500 problems. Minor.

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Answer 6

Apr 11, 2010 12:14 PM in response to BarryXSharp

BarryXSharp wrote:
This is sounding like a huge problem in the making -- as you've stated.

Sound conclusion based on....nothing.

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Answer 7

Drizzits

Level 1

0 points

Apr 11, 2010 12:16 PM in response to sdsolomon@earthlink.net

I am in the same boat. Sitting at a Starbucks 70 degrees and in less then 10 minutes shutdown. I bought the Ipad as a beach machine to read books. if it can't survive April how can this be useful in the summer months. I really might have to return this as this seems to be a design flaw. so close very upsetting. I have a laptop in the house the Ipad was meant to be used on the go outside.

This was written inside obviously. please all users try yours outside and see if you have similar results.

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Answer 8

Apr 11, 2010 12:16 PM in response to sdsolomon@earthlink.net

sdsolomon@earthlink.net wrote:
The Ipad is a great device with at least one major flaw - it is simply too sensitive to heat. My ipad has shut itself down due to overheating - once while using it for 10 min in the 65 degree sunny spring weather in Boston and the other time without even using it (it was simply sitting in the sun, not even 60 degrees here). We are not talking about extreme heat situations, just a nice sunny day. For some reason, this thing seems to bake. The last time this happened, the case was even closed and the device was OFF! This is in Boston in April! This is going to be a huge problem for Apple once the summer approaches and makes the device all but unusable outside at almost any time you'd want to be outside. For a device that touts itself as an e-reader, this is truly unacceptable.

Unfortunately, I doubt this is addressable in software. A reflective case may help when it's off. In any case, they might as well remove the summer reading selections from the ibooks store since this device will be unusable at the beach or pool for sure!!!

There are at least 10 Apple Stores in Boston. Why don't you walk to one, take your iPad with you, and find out if you have a defective one. They'll replace it.

Out of 750,000 iPads sold so far, maybe 10 people are complaining about heat issues. My suggestion is it's not software, but some issue with your hardware. Go replace it.

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Answer 9

Apr 11, 2010 12:17 PM in response to Drizzits

Drizzits wrote:
I am in the same boat. Sitting at a Starbucks 70 degrees and in less then 10 minutes shutdown. I bought the Ipad as a beach machine to read books. if it can't survive April how can this be useful in the summer months. I really might have to return this as this seems to be a design flaw. so close very upsetting. I have a laptop in the house the Ipad was meant to be used on the go outside.

This was written inside obviously. please all users try yours outside and see if you have similar results.

Go to the Apple Store. I'm sure you'll find a helpful Genius to diagnose and/or replace your iPad.

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Answer 10

Jerryb

Level 3

870 points

Apr 11, 2010 12:52 PM in response to sdsolomon@earthlink.net

Since the iPad is essentially a black screen when turned off, it might be a good experiment go take a black piece of cloth or something similar, and sit a thermometer on it while it sits in the sun to see just how hot it gets. I would be willing to bet that even on a 60 degree day it exceeds the 95 degree threshold.

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Answer 11

Apr 11, 2010 1:02 PM in response to sdsolomon@earthlink.net

You have to wonder how Apple expected the iPad to not build up temperature? Their are no obvious ways except for the metal back to be a heat sink. Maybe these designs are just finally over stepping the thermal max for the hardware.

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Answer 12

Inachu

Level 1

11 points

Apr 11, 2010 1:14 PM in response to sdsolomon@earthlink.net

I dont know any hardware that is a computing device that says operating in direct sunlight is approved.

Most hardware has operating specifications in which it will work.

I am a hardware junkie and i never put them in direct sunlight.
Even gamboys do not operate nicely in direct sunlight.
Name me one device that works great at 12 noon direct sunlight with no ac hahahaa
The only think i know that can do that is cb radios and car radios.

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Answer 13

Apr 11, 2010 3:36 PM in response to John Scott1

John Scott1 wrote:
You have to wonder how Apple expected the iPad to not build up temperature? Their are no obvious ways except for the metal back to be a heat sink. Maybe these designs are just finally over stepping the thermal max for the hardware.

Except for the vast majority who don't experience this.

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Answer 14

Apr 11, 2010 5:28 PM in response to OrangeMarlin

I will be happy if this problem is an isolated hardware problem (since then they can fix it by giving me another one). Unfortunately, I doubt that is the case. I have read numerous similar reports as mine, including one from a PC mag editor who first reported it, with whom I have been in touch. His happened in NYC after about 10 min outside. I am not talking about baking this in the hot Arizona sun, but sitting in my back yard in Boston on a 60 degree sunny day. Now part of the problem may have been the case. I will experiment with the case off. But my guess is that this thing heats up very fast, even when in idle mode, because of the glass and aluminum construction. It's possible the aluminum back is the primary heat sink and if so, then a black rubberized case around it would probably not be a great idea.

Should this thing be able to be used outside in sun - yes definitely if they want it to succeed as an e-reader. Kindles are fine outside. My Lenovo thinkpad is fine outside as well (and probably generates more heat). I suspect it's not so much heat generation, but heat accumulation, that's the problem.

In any case, I'm not ipad bashing - I think it's fabulous, but would like to be able to use it in good weather.

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Answer 15

David.

Level 4

2,145 points

Apr 11, 2010 7:50 PM in response to Inachu

Inachu wrote:
I dont know any hardware that is a computing device that says operating in direct sunlight is approved.

Most hardware has operating specifications in which it will work.

I am a hardware junkie and i never put them in direct sunlight.
Even gamboys do not operate nicely in direct sunlight.
Name me one device that works great at 12 noon direct sunlight with no ac hahahaa
The only think i know that can do that is cb radios and car radios.

So, in your mind a device such as the iPad should conk out when used for 10 minutes outside, when it's only 65 degrees out. Amazing!

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