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This article was published on April 3, 2010

Want to use your iPad in the sun? You might have to rethink that.


Want to use your iPad in the sun? You might have to rethink that.

This isn’t something we’ve seen on any Apple device before (update: see foot of post) but we’ve spotted reports that show if you’re iPad gets just a little too hot, the device will go into what we call “cool down mode” in which case you won’t be able to use it.

So lets say you’re out in the sun and the iPad soaks some of that sunlight in, the device will switch to the screen you see on the right and you’ll be left with a notification “iPad needs to cool down before you can use it”.

There goes fun days at the beach with Apple’s new pride and joy.

We’re seeking out more details, but any more information you can provide, please leave in the comments. Anyone else come across this yet?Update:

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For one Apple user this happened four times (remember this is in one day).

He says “I’m not too worried though. It is Rev-A hardware and it’s pretty damn hot in Texas ;)”

When asked how long he was using it before it switched into cool down mode, he responded “A little over an hour the first time. Then I let it sit for a minute or two, then it happened again maybe 30 mins later.”

Update 2:

As mentioned in a comment below, this is reportedly a feature of the iPhone as well although it is definitely not an issue we’ve come across before.

Update 3:

Scanning Apple’s specs reveals ideal:

Operating temperature: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)
Nonoperating temperature: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)

One of the reported complaints came out of Texas which you can imaging being pretty darn hot but above 35° C? Not according to weather reports.

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