US Edition 
Is my iPad overheating?
Rick Maybury offers a reader some advice on whether he is putting his iPad at risk by using a cover
While watching a programme on my iPad on BBC iPlayer I removed the cover to get better sound and was surprised how warm it was. Is the cover doing any harm by acting like a blanket and trapping heat?
Richard Freeman, by email
It is normal for iPads to get warm when doing demanding, processor intensive tasks, but providing your cover was bought from Apple or a reputable supplier it should be okay. In fact most covers are perfectly okay but you should avoid thick or heavily insulated covers that could prevent heat from dissipating. There is also very good argument for removing the cover when charging the battery, as it can get quite hot. This can shorten the battery’s life and result in premature aging of some components. In extreme cases, such as when using an unapproved charger, iPad batteries have been known to overheat, and this can cause permanent damage. There have been several reports of iPads actually bursting into flames, though it has to be said that this is extremely rare.