How come when my ThinkPad X60 is cool on a table but hot elsewhere

[i love old thinkpads]

I used to think my ThinkPad X60 was getting pretty pretty hot because the thermal paste was old and the wifi card sucks. While this is true , it doesn't get hot on a table for some reason. I can use it intensively for hours, and feel under it and it is only a little warm.

[RealBlackStuff]

When you use it "elsewhere", you probably block some of the air inlet/outlet ports of the fan.
On any flat surface that air can freely flow.

[ankurvdesai]

Even on a flat surface, I have experienced fans that operate suboptimally when not held level (due to friction or misalignment). That could be a consideration as you're troubleshooting this one. Thanks!