Worldwide Aluminum Shortage

[MacRumors]

Epochtimes reports (http://english.epochtimes.com/news/4-3-20/20480.html) on a global alumnium shortage this year and next.

According to one anonymous submission, tight aluminum supplies are contributing to delays in production in current and future aluminum-based Macs.

[Tulse]

Given the huge amount of aluminum that gets used in industrial applications like house siding, gutters, aircraft manufacture, wiring and the like, I find it extremely unlikely that a shortage of aluminum would affect the tiny amount used in production of Apple laptops.

[Sublime]

Hey, I have a big bag of Coke cans here at the house if any manufacturers want it.

:D

[m-dogg]

When I went to the Epochtimes reports site, it says "April 1, 2004" in the top left corner...is this real or some kind of late April Fools joke?

[mislabeledstar]

Hey, I have a big bag of Coke cans here at the house if any manufacturers want it.

:D

So an Apple/Coke team up for the next line of powerbooks?

[canadianmacguy]

Given the huge amount of aluminum that gets used in industrial applications like house siding, gutters, aircraft manufacture, wiring and the like, I find it extremely unlikely that a shortage of aluminum would affect the tiny amount used in production of Apple laptops.

I completely agree.. the "aluminum" machines from Apple are probably just aluminum coated, so just a few microns of sprayed aluminum..

[Patmian212]

this is the most retarded rumor ever

[johnnowak]

I wish they'd go back to plastic. It feels better and doesn't scratch nearly as easily. And maybe go back to black too. Black is a good shade for computers methinks. Or brown. Mm.

[Tulse]

Hey, I have a big bag of Coke cans here at the house if any manufacturers want it.

Hmm...now that you mention it, didn't the beloved CARS (http://www.crazyapplerumors.com) do a piece a while ago about Apple running out of aluminum for its PowerBooks, and asking users to send in pop cans and pull-tabs? (I can't find it in their archives, but they just did the redesign thing, and Moltz was never the most organized of folks...)

[nsb3000]

Given the huge amount of aluminum that gets used in industrial applications like house siding, gutters, aircraft manufacture, wiring and the like, I find it extremely unlikely that a shortage of aluminum would affect the tiny amount used in production of Apple laptops.

Ya I mean…what’s next. "Because of OPEC decreasing production of Oil, the world wide plastic market is currently experience massive shortages. "


There are many different product that go into each computer, but I don't think shortage of raw material would really effect apple that much. Individual components sure (LCD, video card, optical drive ect) but not raw building materials.

[Trowaman]

Back to indestructable and more expensive titanium we go . . .

[wdlove]

I wish they'd go back to plastic. It feels better and doesn't scratch nearly as easily. And maybe go back to black too. Black is a good shade for computers methinks. Or brown. Mm.

I would not wan to see Apple go back to black or brown, those are PC colors. We are Apple and 'Think Different.' :cool:

[Freg3000]

this is the most retarded rumor ever

I agree. To think that delays in PowerBooks are due to a shortage of aluminum is silly.

[Mr. Anderson]

This just doesn't sound right. And aluminum isn't even at its high point for the year - if there was such concern about supply you'd see a nice increase :D

As for the cans - how much of the recycling accounts for the aluminum in the market? Or is it all used to make more cans?

D

[dukemeiser]

Aluminum is the second most abundant element in Earth's crust. Google it. If there is a shortage, it's because they aren't processing enough of it.

[AppleMatt]

As for the cans - how much of the recycling accounts for the aluminum in the market? Or is it all used to make more cans?

I don't know the percentage recycled relative to the total amount, but apparently the US recycles 1500 cans every minute. That's a lot of cans.

Also, the Finnish recycle 97% of their bottles. 97%! I think that's amazing, I thought at least 3% would have been lost in transit/accidentally binned/broken/kept for collections etc etc.

AppleMatt

(edit: slowly realised "fins" wasn't appropriate to describe the Finnish)

[fixyourthinking]

When I went to the Epochtimes reports site, it says "April 1, 2004" in the top left corner...is this real or some kind of late April Fools joke?

It was an April*Fool's joke

http://biz.yahoo.com/p/basicmconameu.html

Above is a link to Yahoo Finance Metal section, metals have not seen ANY uptick in pricing (something like this would make aluminum pricing spike)

Also, as others have said, the aluminum used in the computer industry is insignificant to even make a difference in raw materials pricing - if it spiked, quanta or compal would just eat it.

Further, we also would see several stories on the AP/Reuters wires that we should start collecting cans - there is a HUGE industry built around aluminum recycling that isn't even figured into Aluminum commodity pricing - which is only based on "new raw" or "semi mined raw"

[603]

MacOSRumors suggests that the next PowerBooks will be made of carbon fiber... might be neat, who knows. what's next, ground effects... ? copy and paste: macosrumors.com/41004A.html

they might be wrong about carbon fiber casings, but they're right about the "Armani Suit" bit. i second the recommendations for going back to black. think not of the dull off-gray of a Dell or IBM machine... more like an inverse iBook, glossy and dangerous. it would look totally stealth.

going back to some sort of plastic casing would be a good call too, in my opinion. i bet nobody who bought a ThinkPad or a Vaio has to deal with their computer warping like wet plywood.

[bousozoku]

Hey, I have a big bag of Coke cans here at the house if any manufacturers want it.

:D

I want a Mountain Dew Code Red special edition PowerBook. ;)

[iBrodie]

Maybe if we send Apple enough alumnium cans they will send us some free powerbooks :D Next thing your going to hear is there is a shortage of silicone :p

[Powerbook G5]

I heard the new PowerBooks and PowerMacs are delayed because they ran out of the nifty looking aluminum power buttons. :p

[Sun Baked]

World faces aluminum shortage as China demand soars (http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/040312/323/eoc2h.html)

Friday March 12, 02:28 AM

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The world faces an aluminum shortage in 2004 and 2005 as white hot Chinese demand meets limited supplies of the raw ingredient alumina, an industry survey found.

The survey by Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER - news) led to a re-think on the aluminum industry, and a sharp upgrade for the share price outlook of aluminum production giants including Alcoa (NYSE: AA - news) and Alcan.
China, which consumed 18.7 percent of the world's aluminum and produced 19.7 percent last year, is rapidly expanding smelter capacity but will be forced to curb output because of limited alumina, it said.

As a result, prices for aluminum -- used for beer and softdrink cans, home sidings, roofing and windows, car and plane bodies and overhead transmission lines -- would soar in 2004 and 2005....Aluminum scrap shortage pinches smelters. (http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m3MKT/2003_May_28/102503259/p1/article.jhtml)

American Metal Market, May 28, 2003, by Christopher Cundy

OSLO, Norway -- The U.S. secondary aluminum industry faces "a year of ongoing challenges" because of tightening scrap supplies, Harvey Rosen, vice president of aluminum at Alpert & Alpert Iron & Metal Inc., Los Angeles, said at the Bureau of International Recycling's spring symposium here Monday.

The shortage of scrap was partly attributable to a decline in U.S. manufacturing and increased production efficiencies, which had reduced the amount of new production scrap available, he said.

However, a strong export market for scrap was making it difficult for U.S. secondary ingot producers to take advantage of the growing market for casting alloys.

"The American Foundry Society is forecasting an increase in aluminum casting shipments of 9.8 percent for the year ... at a time when there is not enough scrap to meet demand," Rosen said...Running short on aluminum scrap, so you will have to send in your beer/coke cans if you want a PowerBook. ;)

[El Duderino]

MacOSRumors suggests that the next PowerBooks will be made of carbon fiber...
carbon fiber is nice but if it cracks than its all over from there, carbon fiber, once cracked, will splinter out from that crack like no tomorow. its strong in a sense but not strong enough to withstand any kind of beating like aluminum or plastic (this coming from the man that will not be putting a carbon fiber hood on his jetta 1.8t becuase of such horror stories, besides, much better can come from $700)in other word, maybe a "ground effects" for an apple should be the only thing that is made of carbon fiber god forbid that where to ever happen. the last thing we need is apple "ricers"

I wish they'd go back to plastic....Or brown. Mm.
icky! color of poop, apple is not poop. shame on you. :rolleyes:

[dernhelm]

Next thing your going to hear is there is a shortage of silicone :p

HA! I can see it now - iMac SE (silicone edition) - shaped like a large b**b. They can always ask Pamela Anderson Lee for a donation if they run out...

:eek:

[bennetsaysargh]

this is the most retarded rumor ever
not a rumor. it's news. not everything on page 2 is a rumor. it can be news, in this case, it was bogus news, but it doesn't have to be a rumor to be on pg 2.

icky! color of poop, apple is not poop. shame on you. :rolleyes:

it would be worthy of a poop thread though ;) :p

[morkintosh]

Epochtimes reports (http://english.epochtimes.com/news/4-3-20/20480.html) on a global alumnium shortage this year and next.

According to one anonymous submission, tight aluminum supplies are contributing to delays in production in current and future aluminum-based Macs.

that must be why they started wrapping my lunch in wax paper! ... I was wondering about that

[Parikh1234]

this is the most retarded rumor ever

totally agreed. This is last possible reason macs are delayed short of bill gates buying all the new macs and throwing them into the ocean or something.

[MacFan25]

Like others have said, this does seem a bit absurd. Most likely the reason for the delays (from the rumors/speculation I've read) is the processors/heat dissipation, and not an aluminum shortage.

Though this is a bit humorous. :p

[El Duderino]

psst!...havent you guys heard, they came up with a miracle cure for the heat issue and the G5 PB is coming out tomorow :D

[Sun Baked]

psst!...havent you guys heard, they came up with a miracle cure for the heat issue and the G5 PB is coming out tomorow :DWhat, a big yellow "Caution HOT" sticker.

With a warning that the computer may toast your nuts if placed in your lap.

[rdowns]

Tell the person who submitted this to remove their tin foil hat.

[bennetsaysargh]

What, a big yellow "Caution HOT" sticker.

With a warning that the computer may toast your nuts if placed in your lap.

maybe have a special ad around christmas...
roas-ted nuts under your pow-er-book...

[WM.]

...the "aluminum" machines from Apple are probably just aluminum coated, so just a few microns of sprayed aluminum..
Bzzt. They're solid aluminum. Anodized, too.

WM

[realityisterror]

so the new dual 3.0 powermacs will cost $4000 and 250 coke bottles?

reality

[fixyourthinking]

Running short on aluminum scrap, so you will have to send in your beer/coke cans if you want a PowerBook. ;)

just goes to show you can find anything to support any opinion on the internet.

This was MOST LIKELY ALCOA information being fed by Merrill Lynch because they purchased a bunch of ALCOA stock for their portfolio.

To sum up:

Aluminum recycling is NOT considered "scrap" - this is called semi raw mined - which is shavings/scrap at factories - basically unused/unformed sheet metal

Recycled Aluminum is NOT part of the commodity equation. There is a considerable amount of aluminum that is recycled. At last check it was close to 60% of all aluminum formed was recycled. You can Google for better stats.

Aluminum is the MOST abundant mined metal I believe.

If this news ACTUALLY meant something, why haven't there been spikes in ALCOA or other metalurgical stocks (other than Gold) and if there have been has IT BEEN DIRECTLY related to aluminum?

[Sun Baked]

This was MOST LIKELY ALCOA information being fed by Merrill Lynch because they purchased a bunch of ALCOA stock for their portfolio.It was most likely Merrill's long term (for them) speculation forecast, due to China's increased used of the material.

I glanced at some of their numbers and it looked like they expect a minor price spike in 2005 and a drop back down in 2006.

But it wasn't an April Fool's joke... just market speculation.

[GorillaPaws]

MacOSRumors suggests that the next PowerBooks will be made of carbon fiber... might be neat, who knows. what's next, ground effects... ?

I heard Apple is adding hydrolics to the new pb's, codename: "bouncy."

[Counterfit]

Bzzt. They're solid aluminum. Anodized, too.

WM He gets a Whammy :D

[leftbanke7]

He gets a Whammy :D
I loved that gameshow. I'd be screaming along with the contestant,"No whammy, no whammy, no whammy.....stop!"

Oh, and I agree with the returning the PBook to its roots and dumping the Aluminum for something else. They've done plastic and metal...how about rubber?

[iBrodie]

so the new dual 3.0 powermacs will cost $4000 and 250 coke bottles?

reality

I wouldn't be Coke cans though, I't would be Pepsi, and if you send im more than 300 cans you get a free song :D

[Les Kern]

I wish they'd go back to plastic. It feels better and doesn't scratch nearly as easily. And maybe go back to black too. Black is a good shade for computers methinks. Or brown. Mm.

Brown!?! iTurd? TurdBook? What a horrible color choice. (Well, okay, a deep dark chocolate brown would be... no. No brown.

[bradz_id]

Why was this even posted? a shortage of Aluminium will have NO effect on computers. My boat before it was fitted out was 700Kg of pure Alu! Boats and planes might see higher prices but that's it.

[Counterfit]

how about rubber? Didn't they use that on the G3?

Les: I would buy a TurdBook in a second!

[andale]

I have VERY reliable info directly from an Apple employee who is personally involved with the production and manufacture of ALL new Apple products, and I can assure this forum the "secondary Aluminum market shortage" is in fact responsible for MOST of the delays.

Products affected are ALL new G5 models, all new displays, all new PowerBook models, and (you heard it here first) new iMacs which feature (you guessed it!) all Aluminum enclosures.

There are certainly other rumors (heat/fan issues, etc.) which are ALSO affecting delivery dates, but the Aluminum issues are a BIG factor.

[Counterfit]

No one's going to believe you. Even if you're right.

[andale]

No one's going to believe you. Even if you're right.

How lame is THAT comment?!!

[dabeatles]

Epochtimes reports (http://english.epochtimes.com/news/4-3-20/20480.html) on a global alumnium shortage this year and next.

According to one anonymous submission, tight aluminum supplies are contributing to delays in production in current and future aluminum-based Macs.

You've gotta be ****ing kidding me.

[ibjoshua]

How lame is THAT comment?!!
It may have sounded lame, but think about it, most people don't seem to want to believe the rumours surrounding this news article.
I'm inclined to agree with Counterfit. It very well may turn out to be true but few people will believe it until they see some 'proof'.
The most compelling evidence so far seems to be your very articulate and credible sounding post.

i_b_joshua

[PowerMacMan]

Things are getting so crazy now...

The world is comming to an end :eek: :eek:

Aluminum causing the delays....

EVERYBODY START RECYCLING AND DONATING TO APPLE...

Maybe Apple should start it's own recycling company... :confused:

[andale]

I've got nothing to gain from relaying this information. My contact at Apple is a long time friend and he's got nothing to gain by giving me this information. Believe me or not, this informations probability for being fact is significantly higher than most of the other posts regarding product delays, which are usually just someone's speculation, or at best, an educated guess.

Someone else referred to me not having any 'proof', and its true, I didn't record the conversation, but how about a small wager? I've never heard or read anything about new iMac designs. If new iMacs are announced and they have Aluminum enclosures, you doubters out there owe me an apology. Fair enough?

[PowerMacMan]

I've got nothing to gain from relaying this information. My contact at Apple is a long time friend and he's got nothing to gain by giving me this information. Believe me or not, this informations probability for being fact is significantly higher than most of the other posts regarding product delays, which are usually just someone's speculation, or at best, an educated guess.

Someone else referred to me not having any 'proof', and its true, I didn't record the conversation, but how about a small wager? I've never heard or read anything about new iMac designs. If new iMacs are announced and they have Aluminum enclosures, you doubters out there owe me an apology. Fair enough?

He speeks the truth....

I believe ya man!

[andale]

Thanks, PowerMacMan.

I'm as disappointed as everybody else that new products have not been forthcoming. In fact, it was my intention to buy a new (Aluminum) display, but after waiting for several months for the announcement, I finally contacted my pal at Apple to see if he could shed some light on the subject. What he told me was strictly 'off-the-record' and I really should not have said anything about it. I probably did so because I would hope that anyone else in a position to inform people about this issue would do so...

[pigwin32]

I'm as disappointed as everybody else that new products have not been forthcoming. In fact, it was my intention to buy a new (Aluminum) display, but after waiting for several months for the announcement, I finally contacted my pal at Apple to see if he could shed some light on the subject. What he told me was strictly 'off-the-record' and I really should not have said anything about it. I probably did so because I would hope that anyone else in a position to inform people about this issue would do so...

<cough>troll</cough>

Nice try andale, but you signed up yesterday, your credibility is kind of low at this point. And even if you did talk to your pal at Apple, perhaps your pal isn't quite the friend you thought he was. With all the other potential headaches Apple has delivering competitive machines, do you really think the aluminium enclosure is the source of delays?

[fishlord]

You guys are not going to believe this... I was just talking to my good buddy at apple (here's a hint his initials are S.J), and he told (off the record) me that in sight of the recent "Aluminum shortage" that the new Powerbook cases are going to be made of ice, this he said will also deal with the issue of cooling the g5, and we can expect to see them hitting the apple store next tuesday. Honestly enough of this rediculous topic...

but woudlnt ice cases be cool??? See all the stuff inside... oo la la.

[oingoboingo]

Notwithstanding this is an April Fool's Day joke, the article mentions a shortage due to "increased demand from China". That shouldn't be a problem, since my G5 was made in China anyway :)

Since all the PowerBooks and iBooks come from Taiwan, I wonder how much of Apple's production is still located in the USA anyway?

[andale]

Tell me Pigwin, what the heck does my signing-up yesterday have to do with my credibility? The problem with people like you is that you discourage individuals from sharing info on forums because they'll get bashed.

I'm a 40-year old guy who's worked in the tech sector for the better part of 20 years. When I say I've got factual info, that's exactly what is.

And by the way, my interest in this subject is not just a passing desire to find out what the latest new Apple product will be, I'm an Apple shareholder.

That was a funny bit about the PowerBooks made of ice...

[kettle]

here's why America could actually have a shortage of the metal they call "Aluminum" - http://www.world-aluminium.org/

Here's another link to a previous discussion how to speak English 101 (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=45908&highlight=Aluminium)

:p

[fawlty]

It must be all those brushed metal Finder windows.

[Palador]

LOL!

I commend Macrumors.com for making me laugh out loud in these dark days of no PM updates.

Btw, whoever is in charge of Page 2 rumors... dont quit your day job, bud...

[Mord]

come on titanium g5 powerbook

[Rustus Maximus]

Epochtimes reports (http://english.epochtimes.com/news/4-3-20/20480.html) on a global alumnium shortage this year and next.

According to one anonymous submission, tight aluminum supplies are contributing to delays in production in current and future aluminum-based Macs.

Is there NO end to which Microsoft will go to ensure their evil dominance??

D**n you Bill Gates! D**N YOUUUUUUUUU!!!!!

[fixyourthinking]

... the "secondary Aluminum market shortage" is in fact responsible for MOST of the delays.

....

There are certainly other rumors (heat/fan issues, etc.) which are ALSO affecting delivery dates, but the Aluminum issues are a BIG factor.

What exactly is the "secondary aluminum market"?

There is "mined" "semi mined" and "recycled" - each are utilized just as much as the other for aluminum products production.

I feel like a skipping iPod, but "recycled aluminum" is not considered part of the commodity price. So it would not be classified as "secondary" either.

I hardly see how there could possibly be an aluminum shortage - UNLESS - there is some sort of OPEC like organization that is holding production back.

China and Tiawan in particular should have some of the largest semi mined reserves and recycle reserves in the world!

[andale]

Aluminum scrap shortage pinches smelters.

American Metal Market, May 28, 2003, by Christopher Cundy

OSLO, Norway -- The U.S. secondary aluminum industry faces "a year of ongoing challenges" because of tightening scrap supplies, Harvey Rosen, vice president of aluminum at Alpert & Alpert Iron & Metal Inc., Los Angeles, said at the Bureau of International Recycling's spring symposium here Monday.

The shortage of scrap was partly attributable to a decline in U.S. manufacturing and increased production efficiencies, which had reduced the amount of new production scrap available, he said.

However, a strong export market for scrap was making it difficult for U.S. secondary ingot producers to take advantage of the growing market for casting alloys.

"The American Foundry Society is forecasting an increase in aluminum casting shipments of 9.8 percent for the year ... at a time when there is not enough scrap to meet demand," Rosen said...

[rog]

I think this is the real reason behind the push to go to Mars. We're hoping they have aluminum there so we can mine it.

[gschumsky]

Notwithstanding this is an April Fool's Day joke, the article mentions a shortage due to "increased demand from China". That shouldn't be a problem, since my G5 was made in China anyway :)

Since all the PowerBooks and iBooks come from Taiwan, I wonder how much of Apple's production is still located in the USA anyway?

I don't know about aluminum shortages, but there is a upcoming shortage of steel. My friend has a metal shop and they are seeing prices already going up because most of our steel comes from China, and since China is doing a lot of new construction and rebuilding their infrastructure, they are using it mostly for themselves. Also, they are buying a huge percentage of the steel being manufactured by other countries as well. Now, as far as Taiwan, they produce stuff for us out of steel, that they get from China. My wife works for a fastener (screws) company, and they have been told to expect delays, shortages and higher prices, because the Taiwanese manufacturers can not get enough steel. Yes, they are close to China, but China does not treat them as part of their country.

So, even if PB's are made in Taiwan, don't count on that helping with PB production. They are having just as tough a time getting steel as we are. My guess is if China is hogging all the steel for themselves, then there is a good chance they are using a fair amount of aluminum as well.

[Tulse]

Let's look at some numbers: The US currently produces around 2,600,000 metric tons of aluminum (http://www.aluminum.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=6156) each year. That's over two and a half billion kilograms. And the US is by no means the only aluminum producing nation.

Apple sold about 176,000 PowerBooks (http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/2003/10/15/units/index.php?redirect=1081852811000) last quarter. Presuming that's representative of the year, that would be around 700,000. The 17" model weighs 3.1 kilograms.

Now (stay with me here), if we presume that all PowerBooks sold were the heaviest 17" version, and if we were to presume that those PowerBooks contained nothing but aluminum, the total demand by Apple would be about 2,100,000 kilograms, or less than one-thousandth of US (not world, just US) production of the metal. That's the worst possible case. In actuality, I'd guess the real figure would be less than a tenth of that, so you're looking at one ten-thousandth of US production.

I can't imagine that Reynold's Wrap, or airplane makers, or recreational baseball bat manufactures, don't use orders of magnitude more aluminum than Apple.

[wdlove]

The rumors of shortages are just meant to increase prices and thereby greed and profit. Morals sadly no longer apply! :(

[bennetsaysargh]

Is there NO end to which Microsoft will go to ensure their evil dominance??

D**n you Bill Gates! D**N YOUUUUUUUUU!!!!!
i was waiting for that one. :p
it can all be blamed on him, every time ;)

[fixyourthinking]

However, a strong export market for scrap was making it difficult for U.S. secondary ingot producers to take advantage of the growing market for casting alloys.

That's what I thought - you went from secondary producer (in the article) to secondary market (you).

ALCOA would be considered a primary PRODUCER - by the way - reason for this information and for my knowledge of the topic is coming straight from a client of mine = ALCOA - a branch here in Greenville. It was thoroughly explained to me that this notion is hogwash - aluminum shortage.

I think you had a "friend" who was just making stuff up to make you THINK he was important. Not questioning your credibility or that you actually heard that. It's the same as ANY Apple Store employee giving out "rumor info" - they don't know (NONE OF THEM) - but some people have to feel important.

[JimNoble]

Next thing your going to hear is there is a shortage of silicone :p

Plenty of silicone reserves in california. ;)

Silicon, on the other hand, can be found in abundance down on the beach playing with his friend Mr Dioxide... :D

Jim

[pigwin32]

Tell me Pigwin, what the heck does my signing-up yesterday have to do with my credibility? The problem with people like you is that you discourage individuals from sharing info on forums because they'll get bashed.

I'm a 40-year old guy who's worked in the tech sector for the better part of 20 years. When I say I've got factual info, that's exactly what is.

And by the way, my interest in this subject is not just a passing desire to find out what the latest new Apple product will be, I'm an Apple shareholder.
Signing up yesterday indicates you haven't previously participated in any discussion here. The problem with people like me is that we evaluate "information" provided by people like you on what we know about you. At this point we know very little, i.e. you don't have any credibility, hence my comment (http://www.catb.org/~esr/jargon/html/T/troll.html).

I'm a 39-year old guy who's worked in the tech sector for the better part of 20 years. When I hear someone saying they've got factual information (and there are many in the tech sector) I generally just don't believe them. In tech the burden of proof resides firmly with the claimant.

So you own a share (http://www.framedshare.co.uk/Product.asp?shareid=8), good for you ;)

[andale]

Whatever piglet-win.

I know what I was told, and I trust the friend (of over 10 years) who told it to me. He's directly involved with the manufacturing of all of Apple's products, and he knows what he's talking about. Now, maybe there's some elaborate corporate scheme brewing where Apple is being told there are shortages when in fact there are no real shortages, but that's pure speculation.

I've owned 1,000 shares of Apple stock for 5 years.

[wdlove]

Things are getting so crazy now...

The world is coming to an end :eek: :eek:

Aluminum causing the delays....

EVERYBODY START RECYCLING AND DONATING TO APPLE...

Maybe Apple should start it's own recycling company... :confused:

I would happily begin recycling aluminum. They could set up a collection center at each Apple Store. Maybe some of the resellers would also participate.

[bennetsaysargh]

Silicon, on the other hand, can be found in abundance down on the beach playing with his friend Mr Dioxide... :D

...and in large concentrations in LA, and britney spears' tour bus :D

;)

[pigwin32]

Whatever piglet-win.

I know what I was told, and I trust the friend (of over 10 years) who told it to me. He's directly involved with the manufacturing of all of Apple's products, and he knows what he's talking about. Now, maybe there's some elaborate corporate scheme brewing where Apple is being told there are shortages when in fact there are no real shortages, but that's pure speculation.

I've owned 1,000 shares of Apple stock for 5 years.
Now you see what I mean, name calling, isn't that stooping a little?

Perhaps you could ask your obviously important friend when the new PB's will be released and what specs we can expect, off the record of course.

[andale]

yeah. i'll get right on that.

[fdml]

The only problems with aluminium are that its production consumes an gigantic amount of energy and that it is very bad for the environment.

Since the US consumes by far the largest amount of energy and did not sign the kyoto protocoll (to protect the environment) there should be not problem with that.

[JimNoble]

...and in large concentrations in LA, and britney spears' tour bus :D

;)

I always knew Britney was a robot...

Jim

[frem001]

I wish they'd go back to plastic. It feels better and doesn't scratch nearly as easily. And maybe go back to black too. Black is a good shade for computers methinks. Or brown. Mm.

Heard a rumor that apple could be using carbon fibre casings for the new powerbook g5. Given Jonathan Ive's use of new materials this could be possible. Lets hope they come out soon along with a new version of vectorworks. :) :p

[Counterfit]

Heard a rumor that apple could be using carbon fibre casings for the new powerbook g5. Given Jonathan Ive's use of new materials this could be possible. Lets hope they come out soon along with a new version of vectorworks. :) :p I hope not. They would be really expensive, and they wouldn't handle the heat very well. I think they'll be aluminum, or some other not-too-expensive metal.

[PowerMacMan]

I always knew Britney was a robot...

Jim


Didn't they address that in Austin Power's "Goldmember" :)

[bennetsaysargh]

Didn't they address that in Austin Power's "Goldmember" :)
:D

[gemio17]

So after my mini shipping date was just pushed back to May 6 from April 15th (I ordered on march 25th) I called Apple - the guy actually used the "global aluminum shortage" as an excuse for why it's gonna take 5-6 weeks for mini to get here.....WHATEVER

[fixyourthinking]

So after my mini shipping date was just pushed back to May 6 from April 15th (I ordered on march 25th) I called Apple - the guy actually used the "global aluminum shortage" as an excuse for why it's gonna take 5-6 weeks for mini to get here.....WHATEVER

Please put the time of the call, the number you called and the "rep" you spoke to.

I want it to be here - I'm going to "get something done about reps saying stupid things"

[carbonmotion]

I completely agree.. the "aluminum" machines from Apple are probably just aluminum coated, so just a few microns of sprayed aluminum.. a few micron of "sprayed" aluminum?... so what now we have aluminum paint? stop the fud.

[visor]

MacOSRumors suggests that the next PowerBooks will be made of carbon fiber... might be neat, who knows. what's next, ground effects... ? copy and paste: macosrumors.com/41004A.html

they might be wrong about carbon fiber casings, but they're right about the "Armani Suit" bit. i second the recommendations for going back to black. think not of the dull off-gray of a Dell or IBM machine... more like an inverse iBook, glossy and dangerous. it would look totally stealth.


HM, CARBON Fiber would be some move. I'm not sure that it will be good for heat dissipation, but at least it's considerably rugged. It needs to be well coated though, otherwise te fibers may unravel...

It can also break if hit on a plain straight surface. Just remember, Columbia crashed because the leading edge of the wing (carbon fiber) was cracked up from a piece of foam coming at it at high speed.

[Counterfit]

It can also break if hit on a plain straight surface. If it breaks, it splinters too. I wouldn't want those inside me :eek:

[PretendPCuser]

MacOSRumors suggests that the next PowerBooks will be made of carbon fiber... might be neat, who knows. what's next, ground effects... ? copy and paste: macosrumors.com/41004A.html

Carbon Fiber, if the material isn't finished and some of the carbon fiber dust gets into the mobo, kiss the thing goodbye.

Would look cool though!

[fishlord]

The only problems with aluminium are that its production consumes an gigantic amount of energy and that it is very bad for the environment.

Since the US consumes by far the largest amount of energy and did not sign the kyoto protocoll (to protect the environment) there should be not problem with that.

guess it is a good thing that it is infinitely recycleable then. and the states backed out.. not didnt sign. but that protocol is rediculous anyways... buy other peoples extra reduction??? ya that is really helping anything.

[AppleMatt]

a few micron of "sprayed" aluminum?... so what now we have aluminum paint? stop the fud.

:D

AppleMatt

[wdlove]

I'm surprised that the idea of Apple starting to collect Aluminum for recycling at its local stores hasn't caught on yet! :D

[bennetsaysargh]

iRecycle a your local apple store :)
ships starting in May...




2007 ;)

[rdowns]

iRecycle a your local apple store :)
ships starting in May...




2007 ;)

WHat is your 'tar?

Looks like a cross between the Ally McBeal dancing baby in an epilleptic seizure and the dancing iPod girl. :D

[deadbeatbitch]

I think they should just coat them with llama hair, and ship that stuff...

[caveman_uk]

The only problems with aluminium are that its production consumes an gigantic amount of energy...

Which is why Aluminium smelters are usually next to big rivers so that they can use hydroelectric power.

[bennetsaysargh]

WHat is your 'tar?

Looks like a cross between the Ally McBeal dancing baby in an epilleptic seizure and the dancing iPod girl. :D

yep, that's it :) still have yet to have time to add in the ipod itself into it.

[choogheem]

Maybe if we send Apple enough alumnium cans they will send us some free powerbooks :D Next thing your going to hear is there is a shortage of silicone :p
As a chemistry teacher I'm appalled. :eek:
Ah yes, the wonderful metalloid element silicon. Not a mixture like silicone. But if it were silicone, you would have one waterproof portable.

[DesterWallaboo]

My father-in-law works for Alcoa. I asked him about the rumored aluminum shortage and he just laughed and said "Not hardly!"

[DesterWallaboo]

The only problems with aluminium are that its production consumes an gigantic amount of energy and that it is very bad for the environment.

Since the US consumes by far the largest amount of energy and did not sign the kyoto protocoll (to protect the environment) there should be not problem with that.




True... but the US is not the largest contributor of pollution. Check the charts mate.

[cfiechter]

No way, the Al commodities market is quite thick. If the machine were solid Aluminum it wouldn't slow production - not at $1500-$3000 ASPs....

By the way, I just dropped my Powerbook and not have a big-ass dent in the corner thanks to the Aluminum case --- not happy.

[Apple //e]

If it breaks, it splinters too. I wouldn't want those inside me :eek:

im afraid to ask..........

...inside?

....nevermind, maybe im misunderstanding you

[Counterfit]

im afraid to ask..........

...inside?

....nevermind, maybe im misunderstanding you I think you are...

cfietchter: may I recommend these (http://www.mechanix.com/detail.asp?product_id=MGP)? :D

[sambo.]

ok, as rumours go, this one makes my "huh?" list.
i don't think it'll impact too much on the end-price of a G5.
what is a worry is the worldwide shortage of Tantalum (the rare-earth metal used in Flash memory). most of the worlds Tantalum comes from Africa (a continent that is a model of stable democracy, no?). :eek: