That's not happening with me. My guess is a program that is not working properly w/ Leopard.

Have a look at the Activity Monitor and see what's killing your CPU.

trillianjedi,

Try opening Activity Monitor and seeing what processes are taking up cpu cycles.

iStat also makes software that allows you to monitor internal heat, cpu activity and much more from the menubar.

Thanks guys - if it's just me I agree sounds like something stuck in a loop and sucking CPU up (although it doesn't feel slow at all).

Where do I find the Activity Monitor ?

Ah found it - thanks.

You were right - was Skype. An update to latest version and reboot appears to have fixed the problem.

I can actually use the machine on my lap again without scolding myself ;)

Glad to hear it worked. A 200 degree Macbook Pro isn't what I'd call a laptop.

Mine also gets really hot, I try not to have it on a flat surface, so that there is some ventilation under the battery and HD. I have Skype installed, but not running constantly.

There have been many discussions about the MacBook not being a "lap-top" and that is why they call it a notebook.

The MacBook is a notebook, not a laptop, refer to your user manual.

The manual states to not leave ones "MacBook in contact with your lap or any surface of your body for extended periods" and this, to me, indicates that the MacBook does have an overheating problem.

Has anyone bought the new MacBook Pro and had a chance yet to find out if this issue has been improved or fixed in the new models?

Mine is now running stone cold (since I fixed the Skype issue).

When in the middle of this problem I did find FanControl - a bit of free software that lets you control the temperature point that the fans kick in:-

[lobotomo.com...]

hmmm i thought it was normal for macbook pros to run hot... i've never heard of one not running hot... had mine since august 2006 and its always run hot... i'm going to try that fancontrol thingie tho thanks!