14. A handheld computing device, comprising: a seamless tube formed from a ceramic material and extending along a longitudinal axis, the seamless tube having a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end, the elongated seamless tube defining an internal lumen which is sized and dimensioned for insertion of operational components of the handheld computing device.
Cubic zirconia what? Ceramic who? Well, there you have it. The iPhone will be made of beautiful ceramic and contain electronics. Maybe it will come in Hummel figurine shapes. You can talk into a little shepherd’s foot. Let’s keep this one on the back burner until we know what’s really up.
Apple’s United States Patent Application 20060268528 [MyiPhone]
While I’m floored at the innovative use of ceramic in the iPhone (a move that will surely revitalize the Hummel and Lladro collectibles market), I must say I’m even more surprised that it will have electronics inside.
I was really hoping for telepathic imps.
Nerdlink for Zirconium
“Impure zirconium oxide, Zirconia, is used to make laboratory crucibles that can withstand heat shock, for linings of metallurgical furnaces, and by the ceramic and glass industries as a refractory material.” – Hm, that’s cool – sounds more durable than the original Nano!
“Compounds containing zirconium are not noted for toxicity. The metal dust can ignite in air and should be regarded as a major fire and explosion hazard.” – ACK Not cool!
(Yes, yes I realize that the ceramic version is non-explosive, but in this day of Sony batteries you can never be too careful… hey wait, the iPhone is going to have 2 batteries?!)
The exposure this product is getting, all things considered, is insane. The bar for the iPhone is set so high, I wonder if Apple’s actual product will match the expectation. Hope so (AAPL holder).
The heat tiles on the space shuttle are made out of ceramic, too. This is not the ash tray you made for your uncle in 7th grade shop class. Give Apple a little credit for embracing new materials that will make its products lighter and more durable.
My guess would be the ceramic material would be to disperse heat and at the same time allow for radio wave transmition. I agree with matthew that this bar is set so high…its almost bound to fail. I too hope not..at least for Mathews retirement.
I still dont see how much cross over there is between phone and mp3 market. The thing that apple can nail though is a simple, powerful phone that works and is fun to use.
This article explains the use of Zirconia/ceramics in the use of Apple’s electronics.
http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2274