Report: New iPad 3 'Uncomfortably Warm'

A new report suggests that Apple's third-generation iPad tablet computer -- which just launched on Friday, March 19, 2012 -- runs considerably hotter than its predecessors.

In fact, some customers have publicly complained that it runs far too hot for comfort.

Consumer Reports, a well-respected product review publication, has already published a write-up on the brand new iPad and reports that extensive use of instant-best-seller can generate heat levels as high as 116 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overall, that's said to be about 13 degrees, or nearly 13 per cent, hotter than its predecessor, the iPad 2.

iPad 3 Video Games Lead to Higher Heat Levels

Experts and device testers have reported that simply browsing the Internet or listening to music probably won't cause the new iPad to produce an extreme level of heat.

However, Consumer Reports reached the 116 degree level by playing intense video games, which force the system to work harder and thus severely tax its capacity to dissipate heat.

It should be noted that Consumer Reports' Donna Tapellini judged the increased heat in the new iPad not to be particularly alarming.

"During our tests, I held the new iPad in my hands," Tapellini said. "When it was at its hottest, it felt very warm but not especially uncomfortable if held for a brief period." (Source: marketwatch.com)

Customer: iPad 'Almost Too Warm to Hold'

Of course, not everyone agrees with Tapellini's judgment. In fact, a number of customers are apparently having significant problems with the iPad's tendency to get very hot during regular usage.

"My new iPad (Verizon 64GB) definitely got significantly warm, almost too warm to hold," said one user on Apple's support forum. Another insisted that the elevated heat levels made using the device "not very comfortable." (Source: marketwatch.com)

A third user on the forum quipped that Apple "should assume real people are using these devices and not humanoids with plastic arms and legs." (Source: theregister.co.uk)

Apple Responds to Overheating iPad Complaints

Apple is reacting to the commotion by trying to calm consumers while emphasizing its marked popularity, as evidenced by the sale of approximately three million new iPads during its first weekend of availability.

In a prepared statement, Apple said: "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."

The statement continued: "If customers have any concerns they should contact AppleCare." (Source: allthingsd.com)