Will a Pro solve my Air fan problem?

[aks650]

I am recording lectures for my remote classes this fall and it is going pretty good on my 2020 MacBook Air. However, after about 3 minutes the fans kick on and continue to scream. I am curious if using a MacBook Pro would solve this or if I would have the same result?
A few details to help you weigh in:
-Currently recording lectures using powerpoint in full screen and running QuickTime; the webcam is running but not recording (File --> new movie) so that I am there floating on top of the slides and then using the QuickTime screen recording (File --> new screen recording) to record everything.
-Using a 2020 MBA: 1.1 i5, 8gb, 256

I am not sure what would 'fix' the issue - faster processor? Better graphics?

Also open to better suggestions for making recordings or non Mac routes, e.g., iPad. I am hesitant to go desktop route but will consider it if it is the best solution.

Thanks!

 

[casperes1996]

A MacBook Pro would definitely last longer before the fans came on, but I think they would still eventually come on, but I’m not sure about the newer MacBook Pros; I have the 2014 and it can go for a while but then goes full kilt; On the other hand I can record my 5K 2020 iMac basically indefinitely which is also a much higher resolution to record, so the newer MacBook Pros might do just fine

The iPad might be a good solution though; You can record indefinitely on the iPad without any fans; Or at least I’ve never reached a limit if there is a time limit. Though the iPad does put some limitations on workflow of course that may just not work out for you.

Could also perhaps look into an eGPU that might be able to, at the very least, put some of the fan noise away from you, but if you know someone with an eGPU I’d test it out with them before buying, or buying somewhere you can get a no-questions-asked refund if it doesn’t work so well for you

 

[G5isAlive]

I am not 100% sure what you mean by ‘floating on top of the slides’ but a solution to your problem might be to not use the built in microphones (near the fans), but an external microphone (near you) perhaps with noise cancellation like the AirPods Pro?

 

[aks650]

I am not 100% sure what you mean by ‘floating on top of the slides’ but a solution to your problem might be to not use the built in microphones (near the fans), but an external microphone (near you) perhaps with noise cancellation like the AirPods Pro?

oh sorry - there is an option in QuickTime to 'float' the video on top - basically the video remains on top as I click through slides in ppt.

Good suggestion to use an external mic - I had tried that out when I was first setting things up but it didn't sound any better so I decided to just use the computer mic. However, that external mic might make a difference now. Thanks!

 

[aks650]

A MacBook Pro would definitely last longer before the fans came on, but I think they would still eventually come on, but I’m not sure about the newer MacBook Pros; I have the 2014 and it can go for a while but then goes full kilt; On the other hand I can record my 5K 2020 iMac basically indefinitely which is also a much higher resolution to record, so the newer MacBook Pros might do just fine

The iPad might be a good solution though; You can record indefinitely on the iPad without any fans; Or at least I’ve never reached a limit if there is a time limit. Though the iPad does put some limitations on workflow of course that may just not work out for you.

Could also perhaps look into an eGPU that might be able to, at the very least, put some of the fan noise away from you, but if you know someone with an eGPU I’d test it out with them before buying, or buying somewhere you can get a no-questions-asked refund if it doesn’t work so well for you

Interesting to hear your experiences with the MacBook pro and the new iMac! iPad does make sense as far as video capabilities and lack of fans, however not sure it would be worth it for the amount of time it will take to find a comparable screen recording solution... I always want an excuse to buy an iPad but just can't quite get there.
Thanks for your input!

 

[casperes1996]

Interesting to hear your experiences with the MacBook pro and the new iMac! iPad does make sense as far as video capabilities and lack of fans, however not sure it would be worth it for the amount of time it will take to find a comparable screen recording solution... I always want an excuse to buy an iPad but just can't quite get there.

Cheers;

As for screen recording, - Just like with QuickTime on the Mac there's built-in screen recording, but I'm not sure how you'd manager having your webcam show as well unless the app you're in supports it - Don't think Keynote does but I have no experience with PowerPoint.