Second-Generation iPad to Gain Carbon Fiber Body?

[Consultant]

WOot, rumor of a rumor. Carbon fiber would be cool though but Apple will probably stick with unibody aluminum.

 

[talkingfuture]

While it would save a lot of weight and retain a lot of strength and stiffness I'm not sure about whether they could do carbon at the volumes that they require. The curing time involved would be quite long and i assume that Apple need quick cycle times to keep their lines running fast enough to make 100,000s a month. Having said I wouldn't put it past them to have figured out a way of doing it.

 

[MacCurry]

Carbon fiber does NOT feel like plastic.

Anyone familiar with Gitzo tripods, made in Italy, which is considered the standard to meet for photographic use will know that the way this carbon fiber is made and produced will appreciate the iPad being made of a similar material.

It is a good sign, the only problem is that the current aluminum case also serves as a high gain antenna and that will be problematic.

 

[vincenz]

Good lord I hope they don't use carbon fiber in the body.

 

[zed]

Wow, if this is the case I might be in the market for a used 1st gen iPad instead of getting the new one.

 

[Dr Kevorkian94]

im sure the carbon fiber would be of the highest quality, no exposed fibers. i wouldn't mind what it is made of as long as it is strong and looks good.

 

[ConnorTurnbull]

All I know is... i'm getting one. Although I do like the aluminium back on my first gen.

 

[ciTiger]

Here we go with again with these unbelievable rumors which most believe... LOL

 

[davie18]

Personally I don't like carbon fibre.

I think it would just look a bit tacky on an iPad. before someone says, yes I know it's a good material and all, but I just don't think it'd look good on an ipad and it doesn't seem much like apple to use something like that imo.

Cant see it happening.

 

[wildcardd]

If carbon fiber would be lighter, and less resistant to breakage, I wouldn't mind it.

This is my issue with the rumor.

It is my understanding that the front glass touchpanel is much more fragile than the current aluminum back.

Why go to the added expense for something who's main benefit is strength when that clearly isn't needed?

 

[DrJohnnyN]

Kinda ugly.

 

[wallinbl]

No more dents.

True, but it will crack and tear instead.

 

[LoganT]

Kinda ugly.

That's not what it would look like.

 

[phillipduran]

What do carbon fiber bodies feel / look like?

The word "carbon" just always makes me think of black gunky stuff. I'm worried I'll come away from using it looking like I just drew all over my hands in pencil.

I know that it's sillyness, but still, what does carbon fiber look and feel like?

Like a cross between metal and fiberglass. It is super stiff and strong. I use it in RC planes and I have a few tubes made of carbon fiber and they unnaturally strong. Think lightweight steel. I imagine the carbon they would use would be in a clear resin of sorts and would be a smooth painted like finish.

 

[spencers]

How much horsepower will the carbon fiber give?

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Anything to make it lighter and more durable is good in my book.

I'm sure apple will make it look pretty, like they do with everything so I'm not worried about that

 

[DukeOfHunslet]

The F1 and MotoGP industry constantly complain about a shortage of supply.

This is because Boeing and Airbus are sucking up a the worlds supply.

Can't see Apple carrying a product that leaves their supply managers constantly negotiating on supply.

And how 'friendly' is carbon fiber - not very.

At least an alloy case can be recycled.

I can see the demand - as an e-book it's quite heavy at 1 1/2 lbs.

 

[aughsum]

Kinda ugly.

Kinda sexy.

 

[phillipduran]

 

[ndawg]

Apple should use CARBOTANIUM for the iPad and all other products. Cabrotanium is a combination of carbon threads and titanium. The Pagani Zonda R supercar is made of this material.

 

[axual]

Some products made with ...

What do carbon fiber bodies feel / look like?

The word "carbon" just always makes me think of black gunky stuff. I'm worried I'll come away from using it looking like I just drew all over my hands in pencil.

I know that it's sillyness, but still, what does carbon fiber look and feel like?

Here are a number of consumer products made with carbon fiber.

http://www.carbonfibergear.com/

 

[Dr McKay]

Does carbon fiber still have that woven look? Or is that just one particular incarnation of it?

3 types of Carbon Fibre option used on the Sony Vaio's.

 

[Salacion]

Surely I can't be the only one who likes the way Gruber writes. His words flow so mellifluously.

 

[HarryKeogh]

I predict carbon fiber with a thin outer layer of liquid metal!*


*Since everyone is pullling crazy rumors out of thin air I'll play too.

 

[FIJIGabe]

i don't believe Apple would move to Carbon Fiber, for several reasons: (1) cost, (2) durability & (3) environmental concerns.

(1) as for cost, although the price has gone down, in general, it's still far pricier than aluminum, which would ultimately hurt Apple's bottom dollar. if you are going to keep the same price point, why give up the increased profit for a drop in weight, for an item that isn't heavy, compared to a laptop.

(2) i love carbon fiber. i have a Trek, carbon fiber road bike, and find it to be the greatest material ever made for this purpose. that being said, the durability of carbon in certain aspects is troubling. yes, the bike can sustain the weight of a person, but it is also very susceptible to cracking or tearing, because in the end, it's a fabric, coated in a polymer. to put millions of units out there will lead to quality complaints.

(3) carbon fiber has to be one of the least environmentally unfriendly materials out there. figure that right now, many companies are trying to figure out HOW to recycle the material. aluminum is easily recyclable. Apple is trying to be as "green" as possible. i don't think a CF body for the next iPad will help advance that in any way.