More Macbook Questions

[JK.online]

I have a white C2D Macbook (2.0GHz stock) and I have some questions about the heat.

It idles between 50-60 which is fine, however, the top right hand side of the keyboard (where the escape key is) feels very warm and also the bottom of the case is very warm.

Is this normal? The Magsafe is plugged in - will this make a difference?

Also, when I look at the screen (only on the desktop) from any angle below 0 (i.e. looking straight at it but from below normal) I can see a rippling effect. Is this normal?

Thanks for your help guys!

 

[chatoyer]

I don't see a rippling effect on mine (pretty much same model), but mine does get warm in the areas you describe (and idles at the same temps as well). From what I gather reading around these forums and others, warm is probably OK, but outright 'hot' is most likely not.

 

[JK.online]

An update- the rippling effect is very apparent on the desktop (not with programs open) especially with lower brightness settings.

What do you guys think it could be? Anyone else suffering from it?

 

[MACDRIVE]

very apparent

Replacement time.

 

[clicq]

By rippling effect, do you mean the screen is 1) flickering, or 2) with your head stationary, the colors change like in a holographic sticker? And do you see the same problem if you look from above the screen (as opposed to below)?

 

[Gosh]

It idles between 50-60 which is fine, however, the top right hand side of the keyboard (where the escape key is) feels very warm and also the bottom of the case is very warm.

Apple Laptops do seem to run a little warm I guess due to slim lines.

I found this little application to do the trick: http://www.lobotomo.com/products/FanControl/

I allows you to set the fan speed - so basically you can let it run a little faster "say 2700rpm" and let it keep on top of the heat build up (note single fan on MB, two on MBP). Does mean that you get a slight fan noise of course but perhaps better that than having it ramp up to 6000rpm to chase the temp back down regularly.

 

[MatthewCobb]

Don't like the sound of the "ripple" - doesn't seem to fit in with the flickr lots of us suffer from every now and again. Contact Apple. Warmth at top left corner? Keep your fingers off it!

 

[JK.online]

When I'm stationery (and with my head below the regular angle) I can see the ripple effect (seems like lines going down the desktop.

It becomes more apparent when the brightness is down (i.e. you can see it from your head being closer to straight on).

In fact, to be honest - the ripple only seems to come up when the laptop is quite warm - I'm looking now (while it is cool 37 degrees and can see no rippling) so it's to do ith the heat I guess...

 

[Mac'Mo]

i dont see a rippling effect on my screen but my macbook is considerably hotter near the top left of the keyboard (as well as the bottom). I just assume thats like where the battery is.

 

[kappaman210]

An update- the rippling effect is very apparent on the desktop (not with programs open) especially with lower brightness settings.

What do you guys think it could be? Anyone else suffering from it?

Don't worry, I have this too. It's very odd though. Only on the desktop when brightness is turned down and looking from a really weird angle below the laptop.

It's not really a big deal, I'm sure this is a common thing, but it's just really hard to notice. You have to be at an uncomfortable level, and it only displays it on the desktop. When I have a webpage or something else open, it doesn't do it.

 

[spork183]

When I'm stationery (and with my head below the regular angle) I can see the ripple effect (seems like lines going down the desktop.

It becomes more apparent when the brightness is down (i.e. you can see it from your head being closer to straight on).

In fact, to be honest - the ripple only seems to come up when the laptop is quite warm - I'm looking now (while it is cool 37 degrees and can see no rippling) so it's to do ith the heat I guess...

It's the hot asphalt effect. Part of the new aqua look. It's a feature, not a defect...

 

[Mac'Mo]

is the program you use called smcfancontrol?

 

[StealthRider]

Heh. A "ripple effect" used to be a good thing

 

[Mac'Mo]

what is this ripple effect.....show me it!

 

[junkster]

If the "ripple" is simply a vertical color variation based on viewing angle, then yes, that's normal. The vertical viewing angle is fairly narrow on the MBs.

The heat on mine is just like you describe: on the bottom and in the upper left corner of the keyboard. I use a lap desk, so I don't notice the heat on the bottom at all, but I notice the keyboard heat when hitting ESC or other nearby keys.

It's a minor issue, IMO. I'm happy overall with my MB C2D.

 

[ebouwman]

The heat on mine is just like you describe: on the bottom and in the upper left corner of the keyboard. I use a lap desk, so I don't notice the heat on the bottom at all, but I notice the keyboard heat when hitting ESC or other nearby keys.

It's a minor issue, IMO. I'm happy overall with my MB C2D.

I find the same thing on my C2D 2.0 Ghz MacBook, I downloaded FanControl and i'm going to see how this works

Overall i'm happy with my MacBook as well.