How much of an issue is heat?

[cfordummies]

This is kind of linked to my other thread. I'm still considering buying a laptop, but I understand there can be some heating problems when running processes that really work the CPU (like audio and video editing software and video games). How much of an issue is this, generally? Is it enough where it's ready to explode and I should just consider a desktop, or is it more like it just gets kind of hot but with little else to worry about? Thanks in advance.

 

[ghost]

I dont think there are many issues now with notebooks and laptops overheating. As long as there maintained correctly and are well looked after they will be fine.
There are products out that do help better airflow through laptops for example the Xpad.

 

[The_Other_One]

I think the heat problem is more of an annoyance than anything. Unless the vents are blocked, most laptops will not overheat under normal use.