By Anhar Khanbhai

Apple's new iPad is a bit too hot to handle, a consumer watchdog report has shown just a week after it went on sale in select countries around the world.

US nonprofit product testing group Consumer Reports reported that the new-generation iPad with its more powerful processor hit temperatures as high as 116 degrees Fahrenheit, particularly when running video games.

"It does run warmer than its predecessor," Consumer Reports spokesman James McQueen said in regards to the third-generation iPad.

People need to exercise caution," he continued.

"We are not saying it is a dangerous product, but 116 degrees can be a little uncomfortable."

Consumer reports said the new iPad got about 12 degrees warmer than the iPad 2 tablet while performing the same intensive tasks, such as videogames or downloading large files.

The new iPad’s has a 70% larger battery causing the device to reach higher than normal temperatures.

The iPad 2 had a 25 watt-hour battery while the new iPad's battery has a capacity of 42.5 watt-hours.

A Dutch tech website also 'proved' that the new iPad is warmer, with a thermal camera picture that shows the new tablet is 5.3 °C hotter than an iPad 2.

Reviews of the device have generally been good for a gadget that experts say falls short of being revolutionary, focusing on the iPad's ability to take advantage of faster 4G wireless technology in the US as well as a sharper display.

It does not work on 4G networks in Australia because the frequency Australian networks use for 4G is different to the frequencies used in the US.

The new iPad is the strongest iPad launch yet with 3 million sold since launching in Australia, the United States, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Britain and Hong Kong. It will go on sale in another two dozen countries on March 23.