Is it ok to rest mac on cloth towel?

It shouldn't be a problem depending on what you are doing, but I wouldn't recommend it. A gap between the bottom of the case and the table is preferred.

The bottom of the case has a tendency to get very warm around the hard drive (as well as other areas). Since the metal case tends to act as a heat sink, you really should keep some gap underneath it to let air circulate across the bottom.

Jpope06 wrote:

Would it be ok to have a cloth towel on a table and then placing your macbook pro on top of it?

Here's what my MBP User Guide says under "Important Safety Information":

• Set up your MacBook Pro on a stable work surface that allows for adequate air circulation under and around the computer.
• Do not operate your MacBook Pro on a pillow, blanket, or other soft material, because the material can block the airflow vents.

I think it's conclusive.

Only when its upside down and you are replacing RAM and/or the HDD.

Ciao.

Not for normal operation...the case of the MBP is the heat sink. If you place it on towel or any such padded surface you will significantly reduce the heat transfer and cause the temperature of the MBP to rise.

It is best operated on a solid surface.