[ltp] R40 gets hot

[cr]

Not specifically a Linux query**, but a Thinkpad one...   

(** Except Googling on 'R40 gets hot' leads me to a discussion on Ubuntu 
Forums that seems to indicate it might be a feature of some Linux 
installations)

My R40 (which just happens to be running Debian Lenny dual-boot with WinXP) 
gets quite hot when sitting on my lap, especially towards the left rear 
corner (roughly under the letter 'S' on the keyboard).   Almost too hot to 
sit on my leg.    Is this normal?   Is this where the CPU is?     I see some 
ventilation slots around this area, is it a bad thing to block them off by 
having it resting on my leg?

(I've just installed 'computertemp' and it's indicating 59C for the CPU and 
51C for the hard drive). 

I've checked the Gnome 'Services Settings' box and it 'Power Management' acpid 
and apmd are both ticked.

cr