[moep]

New photos of a new iPhone design have popped up here:

Exclusive: More proof of curved, white iPhone 3G Nieuws iPhoneclub.nl

What makes these pictures interesting is the color in combination with a patent that Apple filed in '06:

AppleInsider | Apple seeks patent on radio-transparent zirconia CE casings

I think it would make sense. This ceramic material has a lot of things going for it (except the weight) and an iPhone with the back made out of regular "macbook-plastic" would be just horrible.

[analogika]

But ceramic would shatter instantly when dropped, wouldn't it?

[ajprice]

Zirconium Dioxide ceramic material. This is what the 'ceramic' back is supposed to be. They're not talking about ceramics as in crockery.

Wiki link

Patents

On August 7, 2006, Apple Computer filed a patent for using zirconia as casing for mobile devices. Future iPods likely will contain radios for Bluetooth and wide area wireless. Using zirconia rather than steel or aluminum for its radio transparency characteristics enables antennas to be hidden internally in the device. Additionally, some iPods with plastic fronts have been known to scratch easily.

[SamoanDude]

It will be interesting to see the finished product. I love the current design of mine.

[DigitalEl]

My AmEx is burning up my hot little hands, awaiting Steve's keynote. The only thing that can keep me from buying iPhone 2 on the first day it's available would be if it's made out of "MacBook plastic." I know I beat this dead horse all the time here, but a phone is something that's on you every waking hour. It had better be durable.

In 10 days, we'll likely know.

[Jawbone54]

All I know is that it had better be pretty special to sway me from buying a Blackberry Bold.

[xi_hyperon]

Wouldn't carbon fiber be better than zirconium dioxide? It would be less apt to shatter, and still be transparent to radio signals.

[moep]

Originally Posted by xi_hyperon 

Wouldn't carbon fiber be better than zirconium dioxide? It would be less apt to shatter, and still be transparent to radio signals.

Carbon Fiber is a conductor so I would imagine it also shields RF signals.
Kevlar/epoxy composite would work but it's not exactly scratch-resistant.

[ort888]

Yeah, I'm pretty much ready to buy whatever they put out. As long as it has 3G, costs the same and hasn't lost any features... they have a sale.

Anything more then that is just a bonus in my mind.

[reRESERVEDFX]

Does anyone of u have a BMW M5/M6?? I touch my dashboard only when I clean it up and it's all covered with scratches. Carbon-fiber would be the worst choice for the phone. It surely would look great but not after a week of normal usage.

[Gankdawg]

Funny how 'spy' photos are NEVER in focus. I mean seriously, how long does it take modern, auto-focus cameras to snap a sharp picture? But I gotta admit, I am curious about this update.

[GORDYmac]

While that's true, lately, all Apple spy photos have been accurate--remember the nano pics? the new keyboard?