[NewsPoster]

Apple has ordered a sizable number of carbon fiber parts from a Japanese company which began production with the material in March, a Macotakara source claims. Little other information is available, although Apple is said to have ordered "samples" from the company in too large a quantity for that to have actually been the case. That would presumably imply that Apple is putting a carbon fiber device into production, or at least doing large-scale testing.

Apple has previously filed for patents on carbon fiber MacBook and iPad housings, which could mean that the company is considering going in either or both directions. A new iPad would likely be first, since the company only recently updated the MacBook Pro lineup, and weight is a more critical factor with tablets. A recurring complaint about the iPad is that the device is too heavy to hold single-handed for more than a few minutes, something a carbon fiber back might solve. Current expectations are that Apple will introduce an iPad mini by the end of the year, and a new full-sized iPad in March 2013. It could potentially be too late for the Mini to use carbon fiber, especially if a rumored October announcement takes place. Leaks have also suggested that metal backs are being produced for the hardware.

[Thecombinationis12345]

Carbon Fiber isn't a very good choice. UV in sunlight can weaken it and some people are allergic to it (skin irritation).

[ozoner]

I am not aware of any allergies to cured carbon fiber. Certainly it is possible for people who work with the uncured resins to develop severe allergies (I am one of them), but carbon fiber composites, when cured, are considered hypoallergenic.

The UV problem has also clearly been conquered or minimized - they are building airplanes out if it now, which spend 99.9% of their lives in direct sunlight, and about 40% of their lives at 30,-000 feet where UV sunlight is much stronger than on the surface.

[Bobfozz]

Are you kidding me about the weight of the iPad? People are complaining about this? What do these limp-wristed wimps want next, someone to hold it for them?

Everytime I hear about the weight argument for laptops or anything else it puzzles me no end. The Defense department now says that 17-24 year olds are too fat for service due to obesity. Next it will be people who can't lift anything except maybe a 10 pound hamburger with lots of fattening fries.

How critical are these morons to sales? It must be (answer) very critical!

[wrenchy]

Originally Posted by Bobfozz 

What do these limp-wristed wimps want next, someone to hold it for them?

They must be Android users. Because we know why Apple user's have such strong wrist's.

[Arne_Saknussemm]

Apple used to innovate with every new product, this has been missed for some time now.

Nevertheless a carbon fiber case would launch Apple back into the lead with not just a lighter more durable case for everything from phones to tablets, but the opportunity to crate a new look for it's products that brings images of formula one cars, and all sorts of high performance devices.

Why not bring out a line of "Sports" products, tougher and maybe even waterproof?

[TomSawyer]

Just in case anyone else found Wrenchy's comment in poor taste, or are just plain sick of his posts, the fine folks at NN have a useful feature called "block user." All you have to do is click on the username and their page will pop up. There will be a yellow option box on the left. All you need do is click the Block User link and enjoy Wrenchy-free bliss. If we all get on board and take away these trolls audience maybe they will just stop wasting both their and our time with these posts.

[ozoner]

Originally Posted by Bobfozz 

Are you kidding me about the weight of the iPad? People are complaining about this? What do these limp-wristed wimps want next, someone to hold it for them?

Picture a Dr. or nurse in a medical office, using an iPad as their working surface for an Electronic Medical Records system. They carry it all day, from room to room, holding it in one hand while making entries or scanning content with the other. Lightening the load would be a significant win here, and for many other people in similar situations. I can't ever recall complaining about a device being TOO light.