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Re:Linux 5.19 by xtracto on Monday August 01, 2022 @09:24AM (#32305590)
I just bought a Thinkpad because my home's other Windows machine died. The laptop is ok in general , and I love the mate screen, but the black plastic body is just horrible. It feels as if it's going to break just by opening the screen. Does apple have some kind of patent for the aluminium body?
Re:Linux 5.19 by Mikeb85 on Monday August 01, 2022 @12:07PM (#32308110)
> black plastic body is just horrible

It might not "feel" premium or durable but it's way more durable than aluminum... Also doesn't heat up as much on your lap.

Re:Linux 5.19 by GekkePrutser on Monday August 01, 2022 @08:01PM (#32313709)
And it's not actually plastic but magnesium on the upmarket models. Mine has a few scuffs and the metal shines through
Re:Linux 5.19 by nicoburns on Monday August 01, 2022 @10:28AM (#32306440)
> Does apple have some kind of patent for the aluminium body?

No, they just have an absolutely huge farm of CNC machines cutting them out which is expensive to maintain, not generally available from contract manufacturers in the volumes required, and would take a huge capital outlay from competitors who wanted to replicate it.

Re:Linux 5.19 by DJeuxg on Monday August 01, 2022 @11:17AM (#32307208)
Aluminium is heavy, cold, dents and expensive.

Plastic is better in most ways for a laptop shell.

Re:Linux 5.19 by tekknik on Tuesday August 02, 2022 @01:38AM (#32315481)
So by dent I assume you’re meaning drops? How does plastic survive that better? It’ll shatter, leaving the laptop internals on the sidewalk. I’ll take a dented aluminum body over plastic thanks.
Re:Linux 5.19 by rowanG077 on Monday August 01, 2022 @02:45PM (#32310439)
Aluminium has the best property. It conducts heat. Plastic laptops are saunas.
Re:Linux 5.19 by mbakke on Monday August 01, 2022 @09:32PM (#32314243)
Aluminium is also highly recycleable.