Surface and Indoor Temperature Effects on User Thermal Responses to Holding a Simulated Tablet Computer

A series of experiments was conducted to investigate participant thermal responses to different surface temperatures, from 34 to 44 °C, for a simulated tablet computer in different ambient temperatures (13 °C, 23 °C, and 33 °C). Two subjective measures, thermal sensations and thermal comfort, were reported by the participants. Within the same ambient temperature, participants' thermal sensation and discomfort scores were positively correlated with the increase of surface temperature (higher surface temperatures gave warmer sensations). Thermal comfort also decreases with the increase of surface temperature in the tested range. In addition, ambient temperature moderated the effect of surface temperature on participants' thermal sensation scores. The higher surface temperature of 44 °C was rated warmer at 33 °C than 13 °C, but lower surface temperatures (34–38 °C) were rated less warm at 33 °C than 13 °C. On the other hand, all the surface temperatures were perceived less uncomfortable in an environment at 13 °C environment than at 33 °C. The findings can be used to set limits for future tablet computer heat dissipation designs to improve user's thermal experiences.