Controlling a surface temperature of a portable computer for user comfort in response to motion detection

摘要

A portable computer includes a motion detector providing input signals used for detecting movements indicating that the computer is held on the users lap or in his hands instead of on a desktop. When such movements are detected, the computer is operated in a first mode, with temperatures within the computer being controlled to maintain a surface of the housing at a temperature that is comfortable for the user. Otherwise, temperatures within the computer are allowed to rise to provide for faster processing or less fan noise.