Patent ID: 7313500

Claim:
A method of operating an electronic device containing a data processor comprising the steps of: accessing a storage location storing a predetermined target value representing an amount of processing utilization for the electronic device; monitoring a data processing utilization value during use; and providing notification if the data processor utilization value exceeds said predetermined target value; whereby said electronic device may be operated at a higher ambient target temperature than otherwise possible, wherein the predetermined target value is determined in a testing stage prior to use, said testing stage including testing an electronic device test unit having the data processor installed therein, said testing including (a) placing a test unit of the electronic device in a temperature controlled environment, (b) setting the temperature in said environment to said ambient target temperature, (c) executing software on said data processor while the test unit is in the temperature controlled environment which is at the ambient target temperature, and (d) monitoring the data processor temperature during said testing step; the method further comprising determining a processor utilization value representative of processor utilization that allows said temperature of said processor to remain below a predetermined processor temperature.