I’ve had my new Apple iBook for over two weeks now and I’m having mixed feelings about it. I love Mac OS X. It’s elementary to use, spyware and virus free (at least for now), and just straight up easy on the eyes. There has only been a couple of Windows only applications that I have not been able to find a perfect match for on the Mac side (w.bloggar & TopStyle Pro). But, that’s not a big deal, there are apps that are close enough for now. And having a portable computer has been really great. Sometimes lugging around the extra weight is a drag and makes my neck and shoulders hurt, but it’s worth it to be able to more productive. Sounds like I’m really happy with my purchase, right?

Well, there is one thing about the Apple laptops that is really making me a little regretful with my purchase. The heat this thing produces is ridiculous. The G4 processor puts out some major heat when it gets going and my leg is taking a lot of abuse because of it. I got a laptop so I could do work during my long train rides each day. So, using the iBook in my lap is a must. But, without anything under it my leg hurts big time. I’ve been looking into getting something to put under it to help to distribute the heat better. Last night, I purchased a Targus Chill Mat which has two usb powered fans. This helped quite a bit, but my leg still got pretty warm and hurts from this mornings use. I like that the Chill Mat is so light and thin, but I don’t think it’s going to meet my needs and will probably be returned later this week. The next product I hope to try out is the Lapinator. This product looks like it might protect my leg a little better, but not actually cool the iBook as much. That’s fine with me as long as it keeps my leg from getting so hot. But what bothers me most about all of this heat stuff is that to use the iBook in my lap I have to carry around even MORE crap! That really doesn’t make me happy and is what is causing me the most regret about going with the Mac.

So, should I have gone with the IBM Thinkpad like I originally was planning to? I don’t know. I really love the Mac OS, but is it worth cooking my leg for?