Apple on Tuesday denied any overheating concerns on the new iPad, saying that the product operates well within its thermal specifications. An review of the new iPad by ConsumerReports.org unveiled that Appple's latest tablet runs significantly hotter than the earlier iPad 2 model when running an action game. Using a thermal imaging camera, Consumer Reports engineers recorded temperatures as high as 116 degrees Fahrenheit on the front and rear of the new iPad while playing Infinity Blade II.

Many iPad users have reported that their devices can get unusually hot while doing processor-intensive tasks, such as gaming or downloads.

When unplugged, the back of the new iPad reached temperatures as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit. It was only when plugged in that it hit 116 degrees. The hottest areas weren't evenly distributed throughout the iPad's back, but were concentrated near one corner of the display, according to the reviewer. When plugged in, the back of the new iPad became as much as 12 degrees hotter than the iPad 2 did in the same tests; while unplugged the difference was 13 degrees, Consumer Reports said in its findings.

Apple said the iPad was "within our thermal specifications." The company's website lists the normal operating range for the new iPad as between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 to 35 degrees Celsius. It is designed to power down should that range be breached.

Reviews have generally been good for the new iPad, mainly due to its sharp display. Apple annoucnced that it has already sold more than 3 million devices since the device launched.