New iPad runs hot, 'Consumer Reports' tests show

— -- Looks like Apple's new iPad has given new meaning to hot seller.

Consumer Reports on Tuesday said that Apple's new iPad has an issue with heat. The consumer guide found that new iPads can run 13 degrees hotter than the iPad 2 models when certain applications are running.

Testers at Consumer Reports found that the latest iPad could hit 116 degrees when running games. "When it was at its hottest, it felt very warm but not especially uncomfortable if held for a brief period, wrote Consumer Reports' Donna Tapellini, who held the iPad in her hands during testing.

The new iPad is safe but close to the 120-degree point at which laptops are too hot and could cause burns if in contact with bare skin for a long period, says CR electronics editor Paul Reynolds. CR plans to continue testing the new iPad.

Apple sold a record 3 million iPads over the weekend. The tablet offers a higher-resolution display, zippier 4G data connection and faster processing power.

Apple responded early Tuesday to reports of problems but declined to comment after the CR test results.

"The new iPad delivers a stunning Retina display, A5X chip, support for 4G LTE plus 10 hours of battery life, all while operating well within our thermal specifications," Apple spokeswoman Natalie Harrison said. "If customers have any concerns, they should contact AppleCare."

CR tested Apple's new iPad by running the game Infinity Blade II for 45 minutes while plugged in. The consumer watchdog used a thermal-imaging camera to find the new iPad recorded a temperature of 116 degrees when plugged in and 113 degrees when unplugged.

The likely culprit is the high-resolution screen and its increased demand for processing power, Forrester analyst Frank Gillett says.

"It's no surprise that when you ask a processor to work harder that it gets warm," Gillett says.

Apple, of course, is no stranger to high-profile product issues. After the debut of the iPhone 4, consumers complained about the antenna, saying the phone dropped calls if held in a certain way. CR tested the iPhone 4 at the time and said it could not recommend the device because of the antenna problem.

Apple in a rare mea culpa offered customers a free protective bumper that could be attached to the phone to address the issue.