Consumers Heated Over iPad Temperatures
Online chat rooms and forums began filling up over the weekend with complaints of overheating problems for the new iPad.
Consumers say the unit became too hot to handle, specifically in the lower left corner. Many have already returned their products for replacement iPads while other say they will be skipping over Apple’s latest product.
“My little boy says it too hot to hold…but seriously it’s not comfortable and I will be returning it to the store," said consumer Amy Tula to Consumer Reports.org.
Since the product was released on March 16th, Apple has already sold over 3 million iPads. However, Apple denied overheating concerns for the new iPad Tuesday, saying that the product operated within their specifications.
“The new iPad delivers a stunning Retina display, A5X chip, support for 4G LTE plus 10 hours of battery life, all while operating well within our thermal specifications. If customers have any concerns they should contact Apple Care,” Apple PR Representative Trudy Miller told All Things D.
Tech and consumer websites conducted their own tests and discovered that the new iPad had reached recorded temperatures over Apple’s projected temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Thermal imaging showed that the new Ipad reached temperatures as high as 116 degrees Fahrenheit while playing video games, according to ConsumerReports.org
The uncomfortable temperature on the new iPad has been attributed to the large lithium polymer battery and graphics chips. The new Retina display on the new iPad displays four times as many pixels than the iPad 2 and calls for a bigger battery to support the high battery consumption.
Consumers also worry that the high temperatures may affect the longevity of the new iPad and could lead to a shorter battery lifespan.
“The real concern is if LiPo batteries are as sensitive to heat as their Li-ion siblings. Not only do high temperatures shorten the battery life of lithium ion cells, but also their lifespan," said consumer Scott B on an Apple Consumer forum for Consumer Reports.org.
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