(no subject)
Some people have complained about scratched iPods. I don't really care, but I've heard a lot of questionable rhetoric on this topic yet have seen nothing quantitative about the actual materials involved. One would assume that Apple engineers made a reasonable engineering decision in choosing the material (although I'm sure some would say the goal was planned obsolescence).
Apparently Apple claims “It's made of the hardest polycarbonate... You keep it in a pocket with your keys?” Well, I keep this cell phone in my pocket with my keys, change, and knife, and I have for three years. Its painted ABS case is scratched to hell, but the screen is almost perfect.
In contrast, I've been very nice to this iPod and have only owned it since February (when I got a replacement under warranty).
From what I can tell, the clear plastic in an iPod is Lexan, the same material as Nalgenes. Lexan may be tough, but it isn't very hard.
This raises two questions: What kind of clear plastic was used on my cell phone and why do I hear whining about scratches but no one saying Apple should switch to this other, harder material?
Apparently Apple claims “It's made of the hardest polycarbonate... You keep it in a pocket with your keys?” Well, I keep this cell phone in my pocket with my keys, change, and knife, and I have for three years. Its painted ABS case is scratched to hell, but the screen is almost perfect.
In contrast, I've been very nice to this iPod and have only owned it since February (when I got a replacement under warranty).
From what I can tell, the clear plastic in an iPod is Lexan, the same material as Nalgenes. Lexan may be tough, but it isn't very hard.
This raises two questions: What kind of clear plastic was used on my cell phone and why do I hear whining about scratches but no one saying Apple should switch to this other, harder material?