Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Apple: don't worry about hot iPad reports, it's cool]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/apple-dont-worry-about-hot-ipad-reports-its-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/apple-dont-worry-about-hot-ipad-reports-its-cool/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/20/apple-dont-worry-about-hot-ipad-reports-its-cool/#comments All this talk about overheating iPads isn't getting Apple all that excited, apparently. The company issued a fairly noncommittal response on the matter, stating that in spite of the tablet's LTE support, fast processing, battery life and resolutionary display magic, it still "operate[s] well within [Apple's] thermal specifications." That said, if anyone happens to have concern with regards to an overheated lap, "they should contact AppleCare." There may be a chance, after all, that you've been holding it wrong.

Apple: don't worry about hot iPad reports, it's cool originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleheatipadnew ipadNewIpadoverheatingprresponsetabletTue, 20 Mar 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: new iPad burns 10 degrees hotter than its predecessor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/new-ipad-10-degrees-hotter/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/new-ipad-10-degrees-hotter/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/new-ipad-10-degrees-hotter/#comments We wouldn't exactly be going out on a limb by suggesting that the new iPad is Apple's hottest tablet to date -- even before Tim Cook confirmed as much earlier today. But while Apple has plenty of reason to brag about the device's sales figures, it's slightly less motivated to be forthcoming about its tendencies to create more heat. 10 degrees more, in fact, according to infrared camera confirmation obtained by Tweakers.net. After five minutes of running GLBenchmark, the site used its infrared cam to confirm what many of you have already suggested: the new iPad runs a little hot. According to the site's measurements, Cupertino's flagship slab reached 33.6 degrees centigrade (92.5 Fahrenheit), compared to 28.3 centigrade (82.9 Fahrenheit) with the iPad 2. That's certainly not enough heat to cause a tablet to spontaneously combust, but if you happen to be one of those new iPad owners that noticed a difference, you can now rest assured that your internal thermometer hasn't missed a beat.

Visualized: new iPad burns 10 degrees hotter than its predecessor originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleApple Inc.apple ipadapple ipad 3AppleInc.AppleIpadAppleIpad3heathotiOSipadipad 3ipad overheatipad overheatingIpad3IpadOverheatIpadOverheatingnew ipadNewIpadoverheatoverheatingvisualizedMon, 19 Mar 2012 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Is your new iPad heating up?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/is-your-new-ipad-heating-up/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/is-your-new-ipad-heating-up/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/is-your-new-ipad-heating-up/#comments Apple's latest hot ticket seems to be a tad too hot to hold, some users are reporting. New iPad owners on the MacRumors forums and Apple's own support community complain that the slab's lower left corner can get a little warm during extended use. Don't get excited though, reports seem to vary by user -- some are reporting that their tablet becomes too uncomfortable to hold while others say that it only gets "slightly warm" and that it's "expected." How's your new iPad treating you? Click on through to the comments and let us know.

Is your new iPad heating up? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleApple Inc.apple ipadapple ipad 3AppleIpadAppleIpad3iOSipadipad 3Ipad3new ipadNewIpadoverheatingSun, 18 Mar 2012 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Quanta sues AMD, claims it sold defective products]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/quanta-sues-amd-sold-defective-products-nec/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/quanta-sues-amd-sold-defective-products-nec/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/quanta-sues-amd-sold-defective-products-nec/#commentsYikes. Quanta -- also known as the planet's largest contract maker of laptops -- has just slapped a nasty lawsuit on the world's second-largest chipmaker. According to Bloomberg, Quanta is alleging that AMD and ATI sold chips that "didn't meet heat tolerances and were unfit for particular purposes." Those chips were then used in NEC-labeled machines, and caused them to "malfunction" in some regard. No big deal? Hardly. In the complaint, Quanta states that it has "suffered significant injury to prospective revenue and profits," and it's seeking a jury trial and damages for good measure.

As if that weren't harsh enough, the suit also claims "breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentation, civil fraud and interference with a contract." When pinged for comment, AMD's spokesman, Michael Silverman stated: "AMD disputes the allegations in Quanta's complaint and believes they are without merit. AMD is aware of no other customer reports of the alleged issues with the AMD chip that Quanta used, which AMD no longer sells. "In fact, Quanta has itself acknowledged to AMD that it used the identical chip in large volumes in a different computer platform that it manufactured for NEC without such issues." Somewhere, Intel has to be smirking.

Quanta sues AMD, claims it sold defective products originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Micro DevicesAdvancedMicroDevicesamdapubreach of contractBreachOfContractcomplaintcourtcpuillegalissuelawsuitnecoverheatoverheatingproblemprocessorquantasiliconsuesuittroubleWed, 04 Jan 2012 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Mophie and Best Buy issue separate iDevice battery pack recalls due to overheating concerns]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/psa-mophie-and-best-buy-issue-seperate-idevice-battery-pack-rec/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/psa-mophie-and-best-buy-issue-seperate-idevice-battery-pack-rec/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/psa-mophie-and-best-buy-issue-seperate-idevice-battery-pack-rec/#comments
Sporting an external battery pack on your iPod Touch or iPhone? If it happens to be from Mophie or Best Buy's Rocketfish brand, we'd advise you to take note and avoid getting burned. Rocketfish's RF-KL12 battery case for the iPhone 3G / 3GS has been reported in a small number of burn and "minor" fire incidents, while Mophie's announced that a select number of Juice Pack Air models for the 4th generation iPod Touch (seen above) are at risk for overheating, and potentially even melting. Suffice it to say, if you're currently in possession of said battery extenders you should stop using it immediately. Best Buy asks that owners of the Rocketfish case get in touch to facilitate a return, which will be met with a $70 gift card in the US ($105 in Canada) as compensation. As for Mophie? If your Juice Pack Air is among the affected serial numbers, you'll be able to initiate a swap for a fresh unit via a return form on its website. Hit those source links below for all the details -- this is one case where you definitely won't want to feel the burn.

PSA: Mophie and Best Buy issue separate iDevice battery pack recalls due to overheating concerns originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebatterybattery caseBatteryCasebest buybest buy mobileBestBuyBestBuyMobilecanadafire hazardFireHazardipodipod touchipod touch 4gIpodTouchIpodTouch4gminipostmophieMophie Juice Packmophie juice pack airMophieJuicePackMophieJuicePackAiroverheatingpsarecallRF-KL12USFri, 02 Dec 2011 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Intel's Core i7 Sandy Bridge E CPUs ship without fans or heatsinks?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/will-intels-core-i7-sandy-bridge-e-cpus-ship-without-fans-or-he/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/will-intels-core-i7-sandy-bridge-e-cpus-ship-without-fans-or-he/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/will-intels-core-i7-sandy-bridge-e-cpus-ship-without-fans-or-he/#commentsOver the past few months, we've peeked Intel's roadmap more than once, but all told we've been treated to scant few details about its high-end desktop line, Sandy Bridge E (that's "E" for enthusiasts). Today, though, VR-Zone is reporting that the next generation of these CPUs will ship without fans or heatsinks -- a tacit acknowledgment, perhaps, that Intel's home-brewed cooling system will be inadequate in the eyes of hobbyists anyway. We reached out to Intel for comment, and while the company stayed mum on the topic of cooling, it did go out of its way to clarify another point the folks at VR-Zone made in their report. The outlet had said that the forthcoming 3820, 3930K and 3960X CPUs will be rated at 130 watts, but will consume closer to 180W and draw up to 23 amps from the 12V2 supply rail -- all without overclocking, mind you. An Intel rep writes: "TDP expectations for the 2nd Generation Intel Core i7 processor family for socket LGA-2011 are in line with previous generations of high end desktop products." In other words, built-in cooling system or no, the TDP should be in line with what we've seen from other Extreme-branded processors. As for the cooling, it's unclear when, exactly, we'll get the full spill -- the CPUs are rumored to launch before the end of the year, with the quad-core 3820 arriving after the six-core 3930K and 3960X.

Will Intel's Core i7 Sandy Bridge E CPUs ship without fans or heatsinks? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coolingCore ExtremeCore i7Core i7 ExtremeCoreExtremeCoreI7CoreI7ExtremecpuCPUsdesktopdesktop processorDesktopProcessorenthusiastfanfansheatheatsinkheatsinksIntelIntel Core i7Intel Sandy BridgeIntelCoreI7IntelSandyBridgeoverheatingprocessorprocessorsrumorrumorsSandy Bridgesandy bridge eSandyBridgeSandyBridgeEspeculationtdpunconfirmedMon, 15 Aug 2011 23:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Poker chip-sized device non-invasively measures brain temperature, intrigues Le Chiffre]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/poker-chip-sized-device-non-invasively-measures-brain-temperatur/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/poker-chip-sized-device-non-invasively-measures-brain-temperatur/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/poker-chip-sized-device-non-invasively-measures-brain-temperatur/#comments Do you ever feel like Portal 2 is making your brain overheat? You should get that checked, and thanks to researchers in Norfolk, Virginia, there's an easier way to do so. The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters has developed a device the diameter of a poker chip that sits atop a patient's head; by detecting the microwaves that all human tissues produce, it calculates brain temperature without the need for messy skull-popping. The waves pass through the bone to give doctors precise, up-to-the-minute results, which can help prevent brain damage due to overheating. One possible use for the technology is helping hypoxic (oxygen lacking) infants, who can be treated with cooling therapies. Of course, you can probably make do with that old home remedy: just put a bag of frozen carrots on your head next time GlaDOS has you stumped.

Poker chip-sized device non-invasively measures brain temperature, intrigues Le Chiffre originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 May 2011 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainbrainsChildrens Hospital of The Kings DaughtersChildrensHospitalOfTheKingsDaughtersCHKDheathotmedicalmedicinemicrowavesnon-invasiveoverheatingtemperaturethermometerSun, 08 May 2011 19:12:00 EST<![CDATA[GE's new phase-change based thermal conductor could mean cooler laptops -- literally]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/ges-new-phase-change-based-thermal-conductor-could-mean-cooler/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/ges-new-phase-change-based-thermal-conductor-could-mean-cooler/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/ges-new-phase-change-based-thermal-conductor-could-mean-cooler/#comments
It's no secret: if your laptop sits atop your lap for an extended period of time, you're going to get burned -- okay, so maybe not burned, but you're definitely going to feel the heat. Luckily GE has been working (under contract for DARPA) on a new phase-change based thermal conductor that promises to cool electronics twice as well as copper, at one-fourth the weight. The breakthrough means big things for those of us who'd like to make babies one day, but we doubt that's why DARPA's shelling out the big bucks -- the new material functions at 10 times normal gravity, making it a shoo-in for on-board computing systems in jetliners. Using "unique surface engineered coatings" that simultaneously attract and repel water, the new nanotechnology could mean not only lighter, cooler electronics, but also an increase in computing speeds. Goodbye scrotal hyperthermia, hello cool computing! Full PR after the break.

Continue reading GE's new phase-change based thermal conductor could mean cooler laptops -- literally

GE's new phase-change based thermal conductor could mean cooler laptops -- literally originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changeconductorcoolcoolercoolingDARPAGEgeneral electricGeneralElectricheatheatinghigh gravityHighGravityhotlap toplaptopnanonanotechnanotechnologyoverheatingphasephase changephase-changePhaseChangeresearchtemperaturethermal conductorThermalConductorWed, 16 Mar 2011 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: best laptop that won't burn your lap?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/ask-engadget-best-laptop-that-wont-burn-your-lap/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/ask-engadget-best-laptop-that-wont-burn-your-lap/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/ask-engadget-best-laptop-that-wont-burn-your-lap/#comments We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Stephen, who frankly isn't interested in suffering from health issues due to insanely hot laptops baking his body. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
"Real simple: what is the best laptop that doesn't burn you? That is to say, which is the most powerful mainstream laptop (14- or 15-inch) that runs cool when it's actually doing something. I'm running a Dell Studio 1537 and both palmrests are warm even though all I am doing is typing this email and streaming Slacker with the LCD brightness on it's lowest setting. Therefore the WiFi card is cooking and so apparently is the hard drive (even though the processor is only at 12 percent). Help!"
Man, we can't wait to see the answers to this. No, seriously -- we're pretty sure everyone in the world wants in on this secret. Every 14- / 15-inch laptop that we've ever used here (Mac and PC, both) has eventually become uncomfortably warm after extended use, and we've personally resorted to keeping a stockpile of pillows around just to guard ourselves. Drop the world a better solution down below if you have one. And by "one," we mean "a laptop model."

Ask Engadget: best laptop that won't burn your lap? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askask engadgetAskEngadgetburnfeatureshothot laptopHotLaptoplaptopoverheatoverheatingThu, 18 Nov 2010 23:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocker! Laptops placed on laps will overheat you where you don't want to be overheated]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/shocker-laptops-placed-on-laps-will-overheat-your-testicles-wh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/shocker-laptops-placed-on-laps-will-overheat-your-testicles-wh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/08/shocker-laptops-placed-on-laps-will-overheat-your-testicles-wh/#comments Scrotal hyperthermia -- even its name sounds like a terrible, horrible thing. Yes, gadget enthusiasts, we're talking about the vastly underrated problem that is the overheating of a techie gentleman's reproductive parts. A study recently published in the Fertility and Sterility journal confirms what we've long known -- that heat escaping laptops sat on laps can and will raise the temperature in your external offspring storage units -- but adds a bit of handy additional info as well. Firstly, it turns out that keeping one's legs together to balance the laptop is mostly to blame, as it doesn't provide enough airflow to let heat escape, while lap pads have been found to be entirely ineffective in protecting testicles from rising in temperature. Another note of import is that the men in this study failed to notice when their scrotal thermometers rose above what's considered safe, so we'd just advise doing your mobile blogging Engadget style: from a bar, a coffee table, the trunk of a car, or even a humble desk.

Shocker! Laptops placed on laps will overheat you where you don't want to be overheated originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fertilityhealthheathothyperthermialaptoplaptopsmedicalmedicineoverheatingreproductionreproductive healthReproductiveHealthresearchscrotumspermstudytemperaturetesticlesMon, 08 Nov 2010 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[More details emerge of supposed PSP2 with backside touch controls, HD screen, hot personality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/more-details-emerge-of-supposed-psp2-with-backside-touch-control/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/more-details-emerge-of-supposed-psp2-with-backside-touch-control/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/more-details-emerge-of-supposed-psp2-with-backside-touch-control/#commentsMore details emerge of supposed PSP2 with backside touch controls, HD screen, hot personality About a month before this year's Tokyo Game Show we started hearing new reports of the PSP2, a device that's been rumored since roughly the dawn of time (which could explain the prehistoric creatures on the concept render above). These rumors, however, were different, specifically the mention of a touchpad on the back of the device. Alas that device didn't make an appearance to the press at TGS, but supposedly Sony was showing it off to some developers. Kotaku has learned a few more things, most notable being a display an inch larger than the current PSP's and having a high-def resolution -- a detail that should surprise none. According to the report Sony is still tweaking the internal hardware, trying to mitigate overheating issues ahead of a release sometime in the fall of 2011. That would likely mean an unveiling at the 2011 E3, the same place the original unit was first shown in the flesh eight whole years earlier.

More details emerge of supposed PSP2 with backside touch controls, HD screen, hot personality originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2011E32011hdoverheatingplaystation portableplaystation portable 2PlaystationPortablePlaystationPortable2portable gamingPortableGamingpsp2rumorsonytouchscreenMon, 25 Oct 2010 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony A55 / A33 video recording limited by overheating sensor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/sony-a55-a33-video-recording-limited-by-overheating-sensor/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/sony-a55-a33-video-recording-limited-by-overheating-sensor/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/sony-a55-a33-video-recording-limited-by-overheating-sensor/#comments So this is why the promo video accompanying Sony's launch of the A55 and A33 was set against a snowy backdrop. It turns out that these oh-so-revolutionary translucent mirror shooters can't keep their cool for any longer than 11 minutes when recording video at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius with Image Stabilization turned on. The A55 is even quicker to overheat at 9 minutes, though it's worth noting that with IS switched off you can obtain the maximum of nearly half an hour of footage -- provided the weather doesn't heat up. Sony blames this on the APS-C-sized sensor within, and it' true that plenty of DSLRs come with artificial time limits -- our D5000 won't let us get past five minutes however we try to sweet-talk it -- but it's an irksome limitation to consider if you're thinking of buying either of these Alphas for their otherwise awesome video capabilities.

Continue reading Sony A55 / A33 video recording limited by overheating sensor

Sony A55 / A33 video recording limited by overheating sensor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 04:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a33a55alpah a55AlpahA55alphaalpha a33AlphaA33aps-ccameracmosdigital cameraDigitalCamerahybridimage stabilizationImageStabilizationissueissueslimitationoverheatingproblemsingle lens translucentSingleLensTranslucentsltsonysony alphaSonyAlphatranslucenttranslucent mirrorTranslucentMirrorvideo recordingVideoRecordingWed, 29 Sep 2010 04:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple offers first generation iPod nano replacements in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/apple-offers-first-generation-ipod-nano-replacements-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/apple-offers-first-generation-ipod-nano-replacements-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/apple-offers-first-generation-ipod-nano-replacements-in-japan/#comments After two years of pushing and shoving by the Japanese government, Apple has finally relented, agreeing to replace those first generation iPod nano music players sold in Japan at risk of overheating. The player exchange goes beyond the battery replacement program already in effect for consumers concerned enough to complain directly to Apple. According to Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, of all the plastic black and white iPod nano players sold between September 2005 and December 2006, it confirmed 27 overheating incidents that occurred during recharging, including 6 fires that left four people with minor burns. On Sunday, Apple added 34 other "non-serious" overheating incidents to the tally -- a delay in disclosure that Japanese officials called "truly regrettable." Of course, today's news begs the question of how Apple will handle this issue for all the affected iPod nanos sold outside of Japan.

Apple offers first generation iPod nano replacements in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebatteryburnfireipod nanoIpodNanojapanli-ion batteryLi-ionBatteryoverheatingreplacementrisksparksupportWed, 11 Aug 2010 04:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple ordered to make public iPod nano battery fix in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/apple-ordered-to-publish-statement-on-receiving-replacement-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/apple-ordered-to-publish-statement-on-receiving-replacement-ipod/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/apple-ordered-to-publish-statement-on-receiving-replacement-ipod/#comments
 We had an eerie feeling it'd come to this, and come it has. Nearly two full years to the day after the government of Japan began a thorough investigation into the spontaneous combusting of iPod nano devices, that same entity is now mandating that Apple publish an "easy to understand" statement on the web that explains how customers can "receive replacement batteries and obtain advice." So far, these volatile Li-ion cells have been blamed for four cases of minor burns in the Land of the Rising Sun, and while Apple has been replacing first-generation iPod nano batteries since 2008 for those that complained, it seems that Japan wants the company to make the option readily apparent to consumers. Be sure to keep an eye on Apple's Japanese site for more, but as of now, we're not seeing any such PSA posted.

Apple ordered to make public iPod nano battery fix in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple ipodAppleIpodbatteryburnschargerchargingexplodingexploding batteryExplodingBatteryexplosionfirefire hazardFireHazardfixgovernmenthazardipodipod nanoIpodNanojapanlithium ionLithiumIonMA004JAma005MA005JAma099MA099JAMA107JAnanooverheatoverheatingportable audioportableaudiorecallsafetyFri, 06 Aug 2010 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Core i7-equipped MacBook Pro CPU hits 100 degrees Celsius (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/core-i7-equipped-macbook-pro-hits-100-degrees-celsius-your-lap/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/core-i7-equipped-macbook-pro-hits-100-degrees-celsius-your-lap/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/core-i7-equipped-macbook-pro-hits-100-degrees-celsius-your-lap/#comments Hydrocarbon fuel cell? 600 degrees Celsius. Large Hadron Collider? -271 degrees. Microwave drill? 2,000. Your run of the mill Core i7 MacBook Pro can't compete with these extreme temperatures, but that doesn't mean it can't get pretty darn warm under pressure. PC Authority recently put the latest edition of Apple's sleek silver classic through a series of torture tests, and found that running Cinebench could cause the CPU temperature to climb over 100 degrees Celsius. The metal shell proved ineffective at dissipating the heat as well as the similarly equipped Fujitsu Lifebook SH760, which finished the same test at 81 degrees, and actually required PC Authority to run the MacBook Pro on its side (see pic above) to complete certain tests. The site thinks that Apple's cooling solution may be inadequate for a Core i7, but these results could be a fluke -- in our experience with the machine, we actually noticed an improvement over the egg-cooking solutions of yesteryear.

Update: We'd like to point out that the temperatures described were related to the CPU internally, and not the actual case of the laptop.

Core i7-equipped MacBook Pro CPU hits 100 degrees Celsius (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplecelsiuscoolingCore i7CoreI7heatheatingmacbookMacBook ProMacBook Pro 17macbook pro 17-inchMacBook Pro unibodyMacbookProMacbookPro17MacbookPro17-inchMacbookProUnibodyoverheatingtemperaturetemperaturesMon, 26 Apr 2010 07:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Dost thine iPad trouble thee?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/06/dost-thine-ipad-trouble-thee/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/06/dost-thine-ipad-trouble-thee/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/06/dost-thine-ipad-trouble-thee/#comments You know us, we like to keep an ear to the ground and, while our own iPads have been purring along with no more than the occasional crashed app, we're hearing others have not been so fortunate. A number of persistent issues have been reported by anxious iPadites across the USA, including weak or intermittent WiFi signal, overheating, broken PDF exports from Pages, and the iPad completely forgetting your network settings and password. So we figured what better way to see how widespread these problemos are than to ask the collective Engadget brain trust? Have you experienced any of these symptoms? Found a fix? Returned the iPad, bought a skateboard, and started a new gadget-free lifestyle? Vote in the poll, pretty please, and drop by in the comments to let us know how it's working out for you.

View Poll

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Dost thine iPad trouble thee? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple ipadAppleIpadfaultsipadissuesoverheatingpadpollproblemwifiTue, 06 Apr 2010 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers teach liquid to flow uphill, hope to cool future CPUs (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/researchers-teach-liquid-to-flow-uphill-hope-to-cool-future-cpu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/researchers-teach-liquid-to-flow-uphill-hope-to-cool-future-cpu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/researchers-teach-liquid-to-flow-uphill-hope-to-cool-future-cpu/#comments
Another day, another experimental CPU cooling method that may or may not come to pass. We've seen "thermal paste" from IBM and polyethylene from MIT, and now researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a method for coaxing water along nanometer-scale grooves carved into silicon. So hydrophilic are the patterns that water will even flow against gravity (and we've got the video to prove it). Not only are the structures so precise and nondestructive that the surface feels smooth to the touch, but they also trap photons, according to The New York Times, "so the grooved silicon appears pitch-black." And who knows? Maybe your next PC will be cooled by streams of water flowing freely inside the case. It's a nice image, anyways. Peep the video after the break to see it in action for yourself.

Continue reading Researchers teach liquid to flow uphill, hope to cool future CPUs (video)

Researchers teach liquid to flow uphill, hope to cool future CPUs (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coolcoolingcpucpu coolerCpuCoolerheatsinknanotechnologyoverheatingprocessorresearchrochester universityRochesterUniversitysiliconthermalTue, 16 Mar 2010 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell Mini 9 suffers meltdown, scorches owner's floor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/23/dell-mini-9-suffers-meltdown-scorches-owners-floor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/23/dell-mini-9-suffers-meltdown-scorches-owners-floor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/23/dell-mini-9-suffers-meltdown-scorches-owners-floor/#comments While this isn't quite bad enough to merit a "dude, your Dell is on fire" part deux, it's a pretty frightful example of the hazard modern batteries (of any kind) represent. A Consumerist reader reports that her year-old Dell Mini 9 recently popped, "hissed and sizzled" as it filled her room with smoke and tarnished her fine wooden flooring. Judging from the fallout pictures (available after the break), we'd say the culprit for this Mini fire (oh!) was the battery pack, which again reminds us how badly we need to improve our energy storage technologies. Dell has been quick to remedy the situation with an upgraded laptop being sent over to the young lady and the melted machine packed off to the labs for inspection, though there's no mention of compensation for the owner's scarred floor and mind.

Continue reading Dell Mini 9 suffers meltdown, scorches owner's floor

Dell Mini 9 suffers meltdown, scorches owner's floor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterydangerdangerousdelldell mini 9DellMini9firehazardlaptopmeltmeltdownmini 9Mini9netbookoverheatoverheatingsafetyWed, 23 Dec 2009 06:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Hanwha SL-888 laptop cooling stand for casual, classy blogging]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/hanwha-sl-888-laptop-cooling-stand-for-casual-classy-blogging/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/hanwha-sl-888-laptop-cooling-stand-for-casual-classy-blogging/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/hanwha-sl-888-laptop-cooling-stand-for-casual-classy-blogging/#comments
We've seen a laptop cooling stand or two in our day, so we'll try not to belabor the point here: Hanwha -- which may or may not be the same conglomerate responsible for the Shin-Gung surface-to-air missile and the Duo for Laptop -- is proud to debut the evocatively named SL-888, a portable table for your notebook. Want to sit in a chair? The legs extend to about 12-inches off the ground. Want to sit on the floor? You can do that, too -- the legs collapse. Want to rest it on your lap? Hope you have a big lap, but that too is an option. Featuring a mousepad, a cup holder (perfect for that Whiskey Sour), and a cooling fan for your notebook du jour, all this can be yours for ¥3,980 (roughly $44). Hit the source link to order -- or get a closer look after the break.

Continue reading Hanwha SL-888 laptop cooling stand for casual, classy blogging

Hanwha SL-888 laptop cooling stand for casual, classy blogging originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorybelkincoolingcooling standCoolingStandfanjapanlaptop standlaptop tablelaptop trayLaptopStandLaptopTableLaptopTraynotebookoverheatoverheatingstandtabletv trayTvTrayTue, 08 Dec 2009 03:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer issues recall for some Aspire laptops]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/10/acer-issues-recall-for-some-aspire-timeline-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/10/acer-issues-recall-for-some-aspire-timeline-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/10/acer-issues-recall-for-some-aspire-timeline-laptops/#comments Acer's issued a voluntary recall for some of its Aspire laptops -- all of which were manufactured before September 15th of this year. It seems that some of them are experiencing an overheat of the microphone cable after "repeated" and "extreme" pressure is applied to the left palm rest. The affected models include the AS3410, AS3810T, AS3810TG, AS3810TZ and AS3810TZG. Acer's set up a website where you can enter the serial number of your device to see if yours might be one of the affected.

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Acer issues recall for some Aspire laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceracer aspire timelineacer timelineAcerAspireTimelineAcerTimelineaspireaspire timelineAspireTimelinebatterylaptoplatopsoverheatingrecalltimelineSat, 10 Oct 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart expands Durabrand DVD player recall to 4.2 million]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/walmart-expands-durabrand-dvd-player-recall-to-4-2-million/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/walmart-expands-durabrand-dvd-player-recall-to-4-2-million/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/walmart-expands-durabrand-dvd-player-recall-to-4-2-million/#comments
You know what they say about getting what you pay for? Well, the adage has turned out to be truer than normal in this case. Walmart, which sold some uber-cheap (like, $18 - $29 cheap) Durabrand DVD players in the US and the UK, recently issued a recall in the US for 1.5 million of the units due to 12 reported cases of overheating. The malfunctions caused various degrees of property damage, but no injuries, and now, as a result of several more reported cases of the same issue, the recall has been upped to cover 4.2 million devices. The recall, which originally covered only the silver units sold, has now been expanded to cover both the pink and purple DVD players which were sold between January 2006 and July 2009 exclusively at Walmart stores in the US and Walmart-owned ASDA stores in the UK -- Wallmart reached out to let us know that the players sold in the UK were actually a different spec, and thus not a part of the recall. Seriously, this just leaves us wondering: how many of these bad boys did they sell?

Walmart expands Durabrand DVD player recall to 4.2 million originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asdacheapdurabranddvd playerDvdPlayeroverheatingrecallukuswalmartTue, 01 Sep 2009 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Are iPhones burning up in the infernos of processor overtaxation, or is it all a big misunderstanding?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/are-iphones-burning-up-in-the-infernos-of-processor-overtaxation/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/are-iphones-burning-up-in-the-infernos-of-processor-overtaxation/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/are-iphones-burning-up-in-the-infernos-of-processor-overtaxation/#comments
Apple hasn't ever been great at this whole "heat dissipation" thing, but some new developments in the supposed overheating iPhone scandal of 2009 have us wondering how widespread or reproducible these problems might be. Here are a few semi-facts we've managed to amass:
  • Somebody's white iPhone 3GS grew some ugly brown markings during heavy use.
  • A new development is saying that the discoloration came from a case (pictured), not from cooking the plastic.
  • More users than usual have been reporting an overheated iPhone error after the 3.0 update, but as Apple's support documentation points out, this could just be from the time of year (summer, in case you haven't been outside lately).
  • There isn't a large mass of evidence denoting a major fault to the 3GS, 3.0 or chintzy white leather cases.
So, all that said, what's been your experience?

View Poll

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Are iPhones burning up in the infernos of processor overtaxation, or is it all a big misunderstanding? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.03gsappleiphoneiphone 3.0iphone 3gsiphone os 3.0Iphone3.0Iphone3gsIphoneOs3.0overheatingMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple blames hot iPhones on the weather, others find oleophobic screen to be fleeting?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/04/apple-blames-hot-iphones-on-the-weather-others-find-oleophobic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/04/apple-blames-hot-iphones-on-the-weather-others-find-oleophobic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/04/apple-blames-hot-iphones-on-the-weather-others-find-oleophobic/#comments
Don't worry, everybody, your iPhone baking itself to a crisp is no cause for panic, now that Apple has found the culprit: the weather and your heartless negligence. Apparently you've been leaving your brand new iPhone 3GS in a hot car, and the warm sensation you feel any time you hold the phone has nothing to do with beefed up processors or inadequate cooling. Phew, glad that's all sorted and now nobody will have any problems with self-destructive iPhones they paid hundreds of dollars for. Besides, it serves you right.

Meanwhile, hapless Samsas Traum has found a problem of his own (pictured) that's sure to be blamed on some other act of god in the near future by Apple's spin team: the oleophobic coating is getting rubbed right off his screen. Apparently he has a bit of a fondness for a certain "Flick Fishing" app, which explains the highly localized nature of his oleophobic destruction. We haven't heard many other reports of a similar nature, but we'll keep an eye out for telltale Tap Tap Revenge markings on the iPhones of our rhythm-addled loved ones.

[Thanks, Rafa]

Read - Apple blames overheating iPhones on the weather
Read - Oleophobic coating wearing off fast

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Apple blames hot iPhones on the weather, others find oleophobic screen to be fleeting? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gsappleiphoneiphone 3gsIphone3gsmobileoleooleophobicoleophobic screenOleophobicScreenoverheatingSat, 04 Jul 2009 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple blames hot iPhones on the weather, others find oleophobic screen to be fleeting?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/04/apple-blames-hot-iphones-on-the-weather-others-find-oleophobic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/04/apple-blames-hot-iphones-on-the-weather-others-find-oleophobic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/04/apple-blames-hot-iphones-on-the-weather-others-find-oleophobic/#comments
Don't worry, everybody, your iPhone baking itself to a crisp is no cause for panic, now that Apple has found the culprit: the weather and your heartless negligence. Apparently you've been leaving your brand new iPhone 3GS in a hot car, and the warm sensation you feel any time you hold the phone has nothing to do with beefed up processors or inadequate cooling. Phew, glad that's all sorted and now nobody will have any problems with self-destructive iPhones they paid hundreds of dollars for. Besides, it serves you right.

Meanwhile, hapless Samsas Traum has found a problem of his own (pictured) that's sure to be blamed on some other act of god in the near future by Apple's spin team: the oleophobic coating is getting rubbed right off his screen. Apparently he has a bit of a fondness for a certain "Flick Fishing" app, which explains the highly localized nature of his oleophobic destruction. We haven't heard many other reports of a similar nature, but we'll keep an eye out for telltale Tap Tap Revenge markings on the iPhones of our rhythm-addled loved ones.

[Thanks, Rafa]

Read - Apple blames overheating iPhones on the weather
Read - Oleophobic coating wearing off fast

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Apple blames hot iPhones on the weather, others find oleophobic screen to be fleeting? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gsappleiphoneiphone 3gsIphone3gsoleooleophobicoleophobic screenOleophobicScreenoverheatingSat, 04 Jul 2009 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[White iPhone 3GS reportedly overheats, turns a browner shade of white]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/white-iphone-3gs-reportedly-overheats-turns-a-browner-shade-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/white-iphone-3gs-reportedly-overheats-turns-a-browner-shade-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/white-iphone-3gs-reportedly-overheats-turns-a-browner-shade-of/#comments
Right after its launch, we noted the sundry problems reported by new iPhone 3GS owners, but this is the first time we've heard tell of this specific one... and it seems like a doozy. It's unclear exactly what caused this, but what is apparent is an unattractive discoloration on the above handset. The user claims it was caused by overheating during a period of using the GPS and 3G of the phone. Either way, it looks pretty crummy now, doesn't it? What about the rest of you with new, white iPhones? Anything to report? One more shot of this looker after the break.

Continue reading White iPhone 3GS reportedly overheats, turns a browner shade of white

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White iPhone 3GS reportedly overheats, turns a browner shade of white originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Right after its launch, we noted the sundry problems reported by new iPhone 3GS owners, but this is the first time we've heard tell of this specific one... and it seems like a doozy. It's unclear exactly what caused this, but what is apparent is an unattractive, brownish / pinkish discoloration on the above handset. The user claims it was caused by overheating during a period of using the GPS and 3G of the phone. Either way, it looks pretty crummy now, doesn't it? What about the rest of you with new, white iPhones? Anything to report? One more shot of this looker after the break.

Continue reading White iPhone 3GS reportedly overheats, turns a browner shade of white

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White iPhone 3GS reportedly overheats, turns a browner shade of white originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gsappleiphoneiphone 3gsIphone3gsoverheatingproblemsFri, 26 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Touch Pro battery goes rogue, lights up an otherwise fine pair of pants]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/htc-touch-pro-battery-goes-rogue-lights-up-an-otherwise-fine-pa/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/htc-touch-pro-battery-goes-rogue-lights-up-an-otherwise-fine-pa/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/htc-touch-pro-battery-goes-rogue-lights-up-an-otherwise-fine-pa/#comments
Just a note to everyone who carries around a spare smartphone Li-ion in their rear pocket: buy thicker underwear. The scene you see above was all caused by an obviously volatile HTC Touch Pro battery, one that the pants-wearer claims is an authentic HTC cell and not a cheap-o alternative from eBay. As the story goes, a foul odor led him to a laundry pile, where he uncovered eight moist socks, a torched battery and a ruined pair of pants. Look, we're glad this guy's okay and all, but seriously, can you imagine what this testy little thing would've done when tossed into the dryer? It's a blessing in disguise, kiddo.

[Via phoneArena]

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HTC Touch Pro battery goes rogue, lights up an otherwise fine pair of pants originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery explosionBatteryExplosionburnerexplodingexploding batteryExplodingBatteryexplosionfirefire hazardFireHazardhazardHTCmobileoverheatoverheatingperipheralssmartphonetouchtouch proTouchProThu, 21 May 2009 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Touch Pro battery goes rogue, lights up an otherwise fine pair of pants]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/htc-touch-pro-battery-goes-rogue-lights-up-an-otherwise-fine-pa/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/htc-touch-pro-battery-goes-rogue-lights-up-an-otherwise-fine-pa/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/htc-touch-pro-battery-goes-rogue-lights-up-an-otherwise-fine-pa/#comments
Just a note to everyone who carries around a spare smartphone Li-ion in their rear pocket: buy thicker underwear. The scene you see above was all caused by an obviously volatile HTC Touch Pro battery, one that the pants-wearer claims is an authentic HTC cell and not a cheap-o alternative from eBay. As the story goes, a foul odor led him to a laundry pile, where he uncovered eight moist socks, a torched battery and a ruined pair of pants. Look, we're glad this guy's okay and all, but seriously, can you imagine what this testy little thing would've done when tossed into the dryer? It's a blessing in disguise, kiddo.

[Via phoneArena]

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HTC Touch Pro battery goes rogue, lights up an otherwise fine pair of pants originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery explosionBatteryExplosionburnerexplodingexploding batteryExplodingBatteryexplosionfirefire hazardFireHazardhazardHTCoverheatoverheatingsmartphonetouchtouch proTouchProThu, 21 May 2009 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ionic cooling system adapted for laptop use, scalded legs cautiously rejoice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/ionic-cooling-system-adapted-for-laptop-use-scalded-laps-cautio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/ionic-cooling-system-adapted-for-laptop-use-scalded-laps-cautio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/ionic-cooling-system-adapted-for-laptop-use-scalded-laps-cautio/#comments
To be totally candid, we can't even utter the word "ionic" without thinking of Sharper Image, but the concept here actually seems like one that just might benefit the public at large... or at least those of us forced to cook our upper legs on a daily basis. San Jose-based Tessera, in cooperation with the University of Washington, has adapted an ionic cooling system for use in everyday laptops. The magic elixir consists of two electrodes, one of which is used to ionize air molecules such as nitrogen, while the other acts as a receiver for those molecules. According to reports, this method can extract around 30 percent more heat from a lap burner than the traditional "fan and more fans" approach. Still, a major obstacle remains in terms of ensuring that the electrodes remain reliable throughout the life of a laptop, but if Tessera has its druthers, some form of the system will be commercialized next year.

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Ionic cooling system adapted for laptop use, scalded legs cautiously rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airAlexander MamishevAlexanderMamishevcoolcoolingEHD coolingEhdCoolingionionicionic windIonicWindionslaptop coolerlaptop standLaptopCoolerLaptopStandmitoverheatoverheatingTesseraUniversity of WashingtonUniversityOfWashingtonwindThu, 21 May 2009 07:41:00 EST<![CDATA[70,000 HP laptop batteries recalled due to fire hazard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/70-000-hp-laptop-batteries-recalled-due-to-fire-hazard/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/70-000-hp-laptop-batteries-recalled-due-to-fire-hazard/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/70-000-hp-laptop-batteries-recalled-due-to-fire-hazard/#comments
It's been quite awhile since we've seen a major recall surrounding volatile laptop batteries, but it looks as if HP is the company bringing the topic back to the forefront. Announced today, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Hewlett-Packard, has issued a voluntary recall of about 70,000 Li-ion batteries. Reportedly, these cells can "overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers," and so far, the firm and CPSC have received two separate reports of batteries that have overheated and ruptured, resulting in -- wait for it -- "flames / fire that caused minor property damage." For a look at what units are affected, head on past the break -- oh, and if you're reading this on an HP lappie right now, go ahead and grab the fire extinguisher just in case.

Continue reading 70,000 HP laptop batteries recalled due to fire hazard

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70,000 HP laptop batteries recalled due to fire hazard originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 May 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnCanadaCompaqCompaq PresarioCompaqPresariodangerdangerousfirefire hazardFireHazardhazardHewlett-PackardHPHP CompaqHP PavilionHpCompaqHpPavilionoverheatoverheatingPavilionrecallrecalledThu, 14 May 2009 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[New cooling material keeps heat down in densely packed electronics]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/new-cooling-material-keeps-heat-down-in-densely-packed-electroni/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/new-cooling-material-keeps-heat-down-in-densely-packed-electroni/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/new-cooling-material-keeps-heat-down-in-densely-packed-electroni/#comments
Oh sure, liquid cooling rigs are all the rage, but they aren't too useful within minuscule things like netbooks, MIDs and pocket projectors. The always churning minds over at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are already on the issue, recently conjuring up a new material designed to "efficiently dissipate heat even in devices with densely packed components and that can give increasingly miniaturized electronics a longer life." Researchers at the entity's Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Applied Materials Research have teamed with gurus from Siemens and Plansee to create the substance as part of the EU project "ExtreMat." Unfortunately, details beyond that are few and far between, but given that demonstrations have reportedly "already been produced," we'd say it's well on its way to infiltrating things far smaller than your mind can grasp.

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New cooling material keeps heat down in densely packed electronics originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coolcoolingExtreMatFraunhoferFraunhofer-GesellschaftheatoverheatoverheatingplanseescienceSiemensThu, 09 Apr 2009 03:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple firmware update aims to fix vertical line issues on 17-inch MBP]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/25/apple-firmware-update-aims-to-fix-vertical-line-issues-on-17-inc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/25/apple-firmware-update-aims-to-fix-vertical-line-issues-on-17-inc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/25/apple-firmware-update-aims-to-fix-vertical-line-issues-on-17-inc/#comments
Apple's latest firmware update for the recently shipped 17-inch MacBook Pro sure is light on details, but one thing's for sure: it reportedly nixes those weird vertical line issues that have plagued so many. Unfortunately, the "MacBook Pro Graphics Firmware Update 1.0" doesn't point out whether it was an overheating problem or a GeForce 9600M quirk that was wreaking havoc, but so long as it works, we guess it matters not. Hit up your Software Update when you get enough courage to suck down 770KB of problem-solving goodness.

[Via MacRumors]

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Apple firmware update aims to fix vertical line issues on 17-inch MBP originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-inch17-inch macbook pro17-inchMacbookProappleerrorfanfirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdateGeForce 9600MGeforce9600mgpugraphicsissuemacbook proMacbookProMBPnvidiaoverheatoverheatingproblemunibodyWed, 25 Mar 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo halts BlackBerry Bold sales after reports of overheating]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/27/ntt-docomo-halts-blackberry-bold-sales-after-reports-of-overheat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/27/ntt-docomo-halts-blackberry-bold-sales-after-reports-of-overheat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/27/ntt-docomo-halts-blackberry-bold-sales-after-reports-of-overheat/#comments
It's apparently not quite the same fire hazard that the truth in advertising standard-bearer Quickfire is, but NTT DoCoMo doesn't seem to be taking any chances with its newly-launched BlackBerry Bold, with the Japanese carrier now suspending sales of the smartphone after some reports of it getting a bit too toasty for comfort. Apparently, some 30 users reported that the keyboard "heated up" while the phone was recharging, although it's not clear if that's due to the charger or the handset itself. For its part, RIM says that the issue "appears to be specifically limited to the BlackBerry Bold devices sold in Japan," and that expects to be able to fix the problem and resume sales of the Bold "shortly." In the meantime, stay frosty, Japan.

[Via Yahoo! News / AFP]

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NTT DoCoMo halts BlackBerry Bold sales after reports of overheating originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberry boldBlackberryBoldboldmobilenttntt docomoNttDocomooverheatoverheatingresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimFri, 27 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo halts BlackBerry Bold sales after reports of overheating]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/27/ntt-docomo-halts-blackberry-bold-sales-after-reports-of-overheat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/27/ntt-docomo-halts-blackberry-bold-sales-after-reports-of-overheat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/27/ntt-docomo-halts-blackberry-bold-sales-after-reports-of-overheat/#comments
It's apparently not quite the same fire hazard that the truth in advertising standard-bearer Quickfire is, but NTT DoCoMo doesn't seem to be taking any chances with its newly-launched BlackBerry Bold, with the Japanese carrier now suspending sales of the smartphone after some reports of it getting a bit too toasty for comfort. Apparently, some 30 users reported that the keyboard "heated up" while the phone was recharging, although it's not clear if that's due to the charger or the handset itself. For its part, RIM says that the issue "appears to be specifically limited to the BlackBerry Bold devices sold in Japan," and that expects to be able to fix the problem and resume sales of the Bold "shortly." In the meantime, stay frosty, Japan.

[Via Yahoo! News / AFP]

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NTT DoCoMo halts BlackBerry Bold sales after reports of overheating originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberry boldBlackberryBoldboldnttntt docomoNttDocomooverheatoverheatingFri, 27 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[NVIDIA reportedly urging customers to buy new problem-free GPUs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/26/nvidia-reportedly-urging-customers-to-buy-new-problem-free-gpus/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/26/nvidia-reportedly-urging-customers-to-buy-new-problem-free-gpus/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/26/nvidia-reportedly-urging-customers-to-buy-new-problem-free-gpus/#comments
NVIDIA has yet to step in and confirm this publicly, but a purported leaked memo from the outfit has been posted over at VR-Zone. What's it say, you ask? Only that the company "strongly recommends that customers transition to the latest revision of the NB8E-SET GPUs as soon as possible." Said revision taps a new Hitachi underfill packaging material that "improves product quality and enhances operating life by improved thermal cycling reliability." If you'll recall, certain PC vendors such as Dell issued their own firmware updates to combat the weak packaging set in the chip maker's faulty GPUs earlier this year, but it appears that NVIDIA's solution is to just let bygones be bygones and get on with the new and improved.

[Via Electronista]

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NVIDIA reportedly urging customers to buy new problem-free GPUs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defectiveGPUgraphicsgraphics cardGraphicsCardhitachiNVIDIAoverheatoverheatingproblemFri, 26 Dec 2008 16:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Recalled: 35,000 volatile Sony batteries in Dell / HP / Toshiba laptops]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/35-000-volatile-sony-batteries-in-dell-hp-toshiba-laptops-re/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/35-000-volatile-sony-batteries-in-dell-hp-toshiba-laptops-re/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/35-000-volatile-sony-batteries-in-dell-hp-toshiba-laptops-re/#commentsRuh roh. We're really, really hoping this isn't just the first of another long string of laptop battery recalls, but the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with a slew of other outfits, has just announced a voluntary recall of around 35,000 Sony laptop batteries. As you'd expect, the Li-ions in question "can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers," and there have already been 19 reports of overheating including 17 reports of flames / fire and two reports of consumers getting mildly burnt. For the full list (and it's pretty long) of affected laptop models from HP / HP Compaq, Toshiba and Dell, be sure to give the read link some serious attention. Oh, and stop using that battery pronto if yours is one of the afflicted.

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Recalled: 35,000 volatile Sony batteries in Dell / HP / Toshiba laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterybreaking newsBreakingNewsdangerdangerousdellfirehazardHPlaptop batteryLaptopBatteryli-ionoverheatoverheatingrecallsonyToshibaThu, 30 Oct 2008 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony recalling VAIO TZ models due to overheating risk (Update: now official for US)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/04/sony-recalling-vaio-tz-models-due-to-overheating-risk/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/04/sony-recalling-vaio-tz-models-due-to-overheating-risk/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/04/sony-recalling-vaio-tz-models-due-to-overheating-risk/#comments Own a Sony VAIO TZ? Well, we hate to be the bearers of bad news but your TZ is likely infected by a possibly dangerous manufacturing boo boo. As such, all VAIO TZ models sold between May 2007 and July 2008 are subject to overheating (unrelated to the Lithium Ion battery, mind you) and eligible for free repair. So far, the announcement only covers Japan, we have yet to see any announcements for the rest of world. However, we do have a reader tip saying that US-based Micro Center stores have pulled all the VAIO TZs from its shelves. We'll update you with US and European support information just as soon as it's available.

Update: And here we have it, the official statement of voluntary recall for the US. 73,000 VAIO TZs -- VAIO VGN-TZ100 series, VGN-TZ200 series, VGN-TZ300 series and VGN-TZ2000 series sold between July 2007 and August 2008 -- are affected after 15 reports of overheating resulting in one consumer who suffered a minor burn. Full notice after the break.

Update 2: UK recalled as well. Apparently, more than 200 laptops globally have overheated resulting in seven people suffering "light burns." The recall amounts to about 440,000 laptops.

[Via Impress, thanks BigDaddyM and Chris W.]

Continue reading Sony recalling VAIO TZ models due to overheating risk (Update: now official for US)

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Sony recalling VAIO TZ models due to overheating risk (Update: now official for US) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsoverheatingrecallsonytzvaiovaio tzVaioTzThu, 04 Sep 2008 05:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Purdue researchers want tiny refrigerators cooling your PC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/24/purdue-researchers-want-tiny-refrigerators-cooling-your-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/24/purdue-researchers-want-tiny-refrigerators-cooling-your-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/24/purdue-researchers-want-tiny-refrigerators-cooling-your-pc/#comments
You think your liquid-cooled rig is pretty snazzy, don't you? After Purdue researchers get their technology on the streets, that stuff will seriously look like old hat. The team is working on a "miniature refrigeration system small enough to fit inside laptops and personal computers," which would hopefully boost cooling performance while enabling computers to be smaller. According to Suresh Garimella, they have "a very good handle on the technology," but it's still a ways from being implemented in end products. Don't worry though, we're sure the likes of Alienware and Voodoo PC will have it up as optional equipment just as soon as it clears the quality assurance lab.

[Via TheFutureOfThings, thanks Iddo]

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Purdue researchers want tiny refrigerators cooling your PC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compressorcoolingevaporatorfrdigeoverheatoverheatingPurduerefrigeratorresearchuniversityThu, 24 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko announces Intercooler TS for Xbox 360 / PS3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/nyko-announces-intercooler-ts-for-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/nyko-announces-intercooler-ts-for-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/15/nyko-announces-intercooler-ts-for-xbox-360-ps3/#comments
Never has one company mooched off of poor design like Nyko. Okay, so maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but according to the peripheral maker, the original Xbox 360 Intercooler is the top selling third-party accessory for the Xbox 360 -- despite the fact that it's known for torching consoles and leaving bits of carpet hot and bothered. Nevertheless, the long, long overdue Intercooler TS (for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3) features a built-in temperature sensor and its own dedicated AC adapter, which will hopefully solve the aforesaid issues experienced with the original. This new, non-hazardous version will sell for $25, while the old, potentially hazardous iteration will somehow remain on store shelves for $20. Spend the extra $5 -- it's cheaper than a new house.

Update: Nyko pinged us to say that the original Intercooler is no longer being sold; the $20 version will be the Intercooler EX.

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Nyko announces Intercooler TS for Xbox 360 / PS3 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coolcoolingintercoolerintercooler tsIntercoolerTsnkyooverheatoverheatingplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook Air users still faced with overheating problems?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/30/macbook-air-users-still-faced-with-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/30/macbook-air-users-still-faced-with-overheating-problems/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/30/macbook-air-users-still-faced-with-overheating-problems/#comments
We're still hearing reports of MacBook Air overheating woe, well after an EFI update in April that was meant to address some of those problems. While hot computers are nothing new, the MacBook Air starts shutting down cores and offloading processes when things get bad, which means users are faced with aggravating stop-start freezing until they can manage to cool the computer off -- or just put it to sleep and let it "rest." Apparently some people have traced this back to the age-old misapplied thermal grease problem, but that's hardly a solace for the average consumer trying to convince Apple to fix this thing for them. We took a MacBook Air that was acting up into the Genius Bar and Apple claimed it couldn't reproduce the problem, though we have heard cases of Apple replacing the computer for users. We'd be curious to know just how many Air users are having trouble, and if the X300 is experiencing anything similar, so let us know in the comments.

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MacBook Air users still faced with overheating problems? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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