2011 11" MBAir Temps

[efeman]

I was hoping that the AnandTech review would have done thorough checks on the component temperatures, but all I can see are the data on external and exhaust temps. Was anyone else surprised at that? I've always seen at least CPU temps in AT's reviews.

Anyway, I picked up the laptop in question a few days ago, and I've been putting it through my usual daily needs on campus, and it's working fantastically so far (and to think I was about to go with a 14" ThinkPad E420s ).

I know the 11" models don't have the greatest thermal characteristics, but I've noticed that it gets pretty hot during things I would not expect it from. For example, I had high fan spin-up when I was doing a screen-share on Skype and watching a flash video; just moments ago, I checked my CPU temp with a widget while installing Xcode and doing some light browsing, and I saw it hit 81C.

I don't have a way of measuring surface temps, so I cannot compare with the review. If I had to guess, I'd say it's probably performing to spec, but I'd like to be informed if I'm keeping this for at least the next 3 years. Any insight?

EDIT: With just Last.fm running on one tab, I'm at ~60C in a comfortable room temperature. It's ever-so-slowly decreasing, now at 57C. I think the general target is low-50's for light use, correct?

 

[fleshconsumed]

Watching flash is very CPU intensive, so it's normal that your fan started running. Mac computers in general are form over function, they do not have very good thermal design, so I would expect higher temps compared to other brands.

 

[efeman]

Like I said, I understand that the design has relatively bad thermal characteristics; and yes, MacBooks in general. I'm simply hoping to see some objective conclusions to compare to; I can't seem to find any good temperature data on the new Airs.