overheating of MacBook Pro

The Apple article below may help.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1473

Pillow == bed => user manual indicates not to block the cooling vents on the back and to allow air to flow underneath. In other words, don't place on the fluffy bedspread, use it on a hard surface and/or get a laptop pad or stand underneath to enhance cooling. Decoding a DVD implies enough work to get the computer toasty if inadequately ventilated.

Is it a 13" model? Those tend to run a tad toastier, since they have a single fan in comparison to the 15" and 17" two.

When I want to Mac in bed, I use a hard notebook, on top of which I place a Roadtech CoolPad, then the Mac. Never had temp problems, unless I'm running a game.

The link stedman1 provided above suggests using Application Monitor - this may help identify whether some unexpected process is contributing to the heat. Also, have you installed the recent update, which claims to address "increased CPU power consumption"?

EDIT: I see you have already run Application Monitor, so ignore that part of my post.

Message was edited by: mr da

Might take it to your local friendly Apple Store, or call AppleCare.

Any CPU usage over 10% can sometimes heat up your macbook.

Why don't you highlight anything over 10% and hit quit process.

If that doesn't help bring your temp down, try doing a SMC RESET.

good luck..

Since it is approaching the end of its natural 12 month base warranty, a trip to the Store would be prudent. They don't charge for checking and if anything were to be awry, the warranty should take care. You should also do the numbers and consider whether or not to purchase the 2-year AppleCare warranty extension if you haven't already. It has to be activated before the base warranty runs out.

Since you are fortunately quite aware of the value of all the goodies you keep in your Mac, should also consider getting an external backup device. Buspowered external drives of massive capacity can be had for a song and can save your stuff should the worst come to pass. Holler back if you need guidance on how to get a proper backup done.

Edit: when having a browser running, be sure there are no hidden popup windows lurking in the back. Many shady sites do that and Flash content running in an unattended window or tab can really push the CPU into the hot zone. Same can be said of Dashboard widgets, since they're full fledged applications too; disable all that you don't use.

My bad - the update is for June 2012 on notebooks.

Weeellllll, if it now runs cool, don your Sherlock Holmes Deerstalker and go a-sleuthing. As soon as you start up an app and the thermometer pops thru the roof, you'll have the culprit in custody.