Ah, CNN, your lack of tech knowledge is most amusing

[Bateluer]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/07/28/lawsuit.filed.overheating.ipads/index.html?hpt=T2

Three iPad users claim that because the iPad will shut itself off after remaining in direct sunlight for long enough, it fails to meet the promises Apple made about using the device as an e-book reader.

The group has filed a federal class-action lawsuit in the Northern California district to "redress and end this pattern of unlawful conduct."

When the iPad's operating temperature reaches a critical level, it will force itself to shut down and display a message warning the user to let the device cool down before trying use it again. This warning is the same that iPhones and iPod Touches give before shutting down when they overheat, often after being left in direct sunlight.

The lawsuit alleges that the iPad "does not live up to reasonable consumer's expectations created by Apple insofar as the iPad overheats so quickly under common weather conditions." Apple lists the iPad's operating temperature as 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C), so it's not hard to see that using it out in the hot sun can quickly heat up the device over the maximum temperature.

The plaintiffs seem to take particular issue with Apple claiming that "reading on the iPad is just like reading a book." This claim is patently false, according to the lawsuit, because a real book can be used in "the sunlight or other normal environmental conditions" without shutting off.

Most consumer electronic devices can be damaged from overheating if used in direct sunlight for long periods of time; not all of them have the automatic shutoff capability that the iPad does. (Sadly, my boom box from 1986 didn't have an automatic shutoff, and my Quiet Riot tape melted all over the inside when I left it playing by the pool on a hot summer day.)

However, during my hours-long marathon "Plants vs Zombies" sessions -- both indoors and in the shade of an apartment deck on a sunny, 82° day -- my iPad never became even warm to the touch.

The iPad may not work "just like a book" at the beach or out in the hot sun. Does that fact truly make Apple guilty of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, deceptive advertising, unfair business practices, breach of express or implied warranty, intentional misrepresentation or unjust enrichment?

The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status and asking for an injunction against Apple's "false" promises as well as "real" and punitive damages.

The article is reprinted from Ars Technica, generally pretty reliable, but thats not where my comment was directed. Read the comments on the bottom of the CNN page, people are morons. Yes, if you leave your Apple product in the sun light, it will shut down when it gets too hot. Since its max operating temp is only 95F, using it pretty much anywhere in the America southwest is out. Ars seems to leave out that the iProducts can overheat in ambient temperature, standing outside right now, for example, is over 95. No direct sun light needed.

Since it was 110 yesterday, I wouldn't be able to sit on my patio and use my iPad. Both my nook and Moto phone work just fine, even after a few hours. They definitely get toasty though. Whether or not this lawsuit has merit or not, I'm not sure. Apple has marketed the device as a 'Go anywhere, compute anywhere.' type device. I guess, so long as 'anywhere' falls into the temperature range. And Apple has a history of failing to cool their devices properly, all the MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Mini's have cooling issues. Text book example of form over function.

Still, the comments at CNN are hilarious.

draget
It's time for Apple to screen buyers' IQ before allowing the purchase of their goods.

If they did that, they wouldn't sell anything.

aud10rob
i spilled my piping hot McD coffee all over it. a real book can still be read after that, my ipad is DEAD. im gonna sue apple, right after i sue McDs!!

No, actually, if you spill coffee on a book, it pretty much becomes unusable pretty quick. Even if the text is readable, its never going to close properly again, ink runs, pages can detach from the spine, etc.