Will a skin for MBP M1 Max cause any problems?

I think the issue of insulating effects is a great question for the maker of that kind of shell. If they cannot provide an answer including any actual temp change results, I would be nervous, but I doubt it is a big concern today.

In pre-Unibody MBPs (like pre-2009) the case bottom was part of the heat dissipation system, acting as helper for the heat sink. In Unibody Macs the logic board "hangs" from the chassis (deck) and does not touch the bottom plate. Contact cooling is not the concern it used to be with the old "silver-key" models:

This is what Apple says about keeping their notebook computers cool:

Keep your Mac notebook within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support

By the way, that is some gorgeous wood in those skins!

HokaHey wrote:

I have put skins on MBPs before without ill effects that I could measure. I like the protection from scratches and dings.

I'm thinking of putting this "wooden" skin on my new MBP M1 Max.

https://us.cover-up.com/products/macbook-pro-16-m1-woodback-bottom-skin-blackened-ash

Is there any reason not to put this type skin on an MBP M1 Max?

Well it is your computer and your choice....

I see no warning here about skins—Using a camera cover, palm rest, or keyboard cover on a Mac ...

I have serious concerns with ventilation and how skins/case affect cooling. Too many skin/cover makers play fast and loose with Apples's placement of cooling vents. Because air intake location and type vary with sub-models, some cases and skins sold as covering multiple models may block a critical air path in some Macs. That can be lethal to a computer.

Apple's images of the 2021 14- and 16-inch MBPs clear show intake vents on the lower section of the side at the junction between the bottom plate and the chassis:

The other critical area in all MacBook Pros is the hinge. It is the exhaust point for hot air on all MBPs and the air intake on some 13-inch models.

NOTHING must occlude or restrain any of these vents. If you opt to use a cover, find out if the seller and/or manufacturer will guarantee replacement of your computer should the skign causes damage. If not, walk away.

HokaHey wrote:

Thanks.

After reviewing the article that you referenced, it is about interior covers and clearances; camera cover, palm rest, or keyboard cover. It does not address the issue of external covers. So, I don't think that the failure to provide a warning about exterior covers in this context can be seen as an endorsement of such.

The M1 is not prone to heat issues like are known with the Intel Macs.

Since the overheating article you cite does not mention skins, at least Apple hasn't warned against them and since they sell skins on their store,

Not sure if that will hold up in a warranty squabble as Apple has always placed fine print about their not warranting third-party things they sell. I checked that article because I could not remember if it discussed skin and cases. It only says not to use keyboard covers.

I see the appeal of a computer that looks like the dash panel from a Bentley or Rolls. As long as the skin's adhesive or whatever they use to hold it doesn't damage the anodized aluminum in the case , I guess its OK.