macbook vs dell latitude (heat tests)

[path]

Do you remember the Dell that exploted some days before? check this

http://www.krischeonline.com/staticpage ... ge=macbook

cheers,

[Troels]

Hmm interesting.... it would make much more sense to really stress the laptops with some games etc. That woul maybe show more of a difference

Weird... the battery of the Dell doesn't seem to run too hot to make it "explode"

[sugo]

Also, they should also perform test with AC power. Better yet, play 3D games while charging the battery.

[underclocker]

Bottom line, both would be uncomfortable on your lap for long. That is why these are called notebooks and not laptops any more.

Dual processors, fast RAM, fast HD, and high capacity battery on your lap = very hot!

[christopher_wolf]

Bottom line, both would be uncomfortable on your lap for long. That is why these are called notebooks and not laptops any more.

Dual processors, fast RAM, fast HD, and high capacity battery on your lap = very hot!

Most of the heat is from the Core Duo and GPU plus residuals from the power supply; not much from the rest of the components (which is why the X Series has been pretty cool as well as many of the T Series Thinkpads. )

I find it interesting that, only now, are they saying "Oh, these are *notebooks* which, since they aren't named *lap*tops, aren't meant to be used on your laps!"

If I recall correctly, they did several studies about using laptops on, well, your lap years ago and it was pretty much assumed that it would be better off placing them on a desk instead. It just so happens that, with the performance and heat increase now, it is becoming more evident and certain makers are falling back on that as an excuse when they never really explicitly said it to begin with except in operator manuals.

[archer6]

Bottom line, both would be uncomfortable on your lap for long. That is why these are called notebooks and not laptops any more.

Here is the real reason the current terminology is notebook, instead of laptop (although "laptop" has remained a generic slang for notebook)

It has nothing to do with heat and everything to do with history and size:

1982-1983
First “Laptop Computers” introduced. GRiD Compass, Gavilan SC, Sharp PC-5000. They shared a common design feature of a “clamshell case” in which the display closed over the top of the keyboard. Could be used while placed in your lap.

1989 – Present
Compaq introduces: Compaq LTE 286, first portable computer to be marketed as a “Notebook Computer” reflecting the reduced size to be near that of a spiral notebook.