The use of carbon fiber to reduce the overall weight of a car is nothing exciting. However, its use in portable electronics is destined to stir a buzz among all gizmo freaks. A patent application filed by Apple in October 2007 has just surfaced, which reveals that the company is researching ways to integrate carbon fiber composites in their next-gen products, including MacBooks, iPods and iPhones.
The patent application further reveals that the fiber will be used as a coating on thin “scrim” of colored material, which would further enhance the looks of the products and make them lightweight. MacRumors thinks that these new carbon fiber shells would make a debut in the upcoming MacBook Air, which would weigh a quarter-pound less than the one on the market today. After this release Apple is expected to use the coating in other products including iPods and iPhones as well.
However, the patent quotes Apple objecting to the appearance of carbon fiber due to its manufacturing process, which leaves the composite with a few imperfections that reduce the aesthetic appearance of the final products. Moreover, being black in color, carbon fiber provides a narrower range of appearance, something Apple will definitely dislike.
Via: i4U
