Notebook makers eye magnesium alloy production

[Steve]

When I see the word "megnesium" I think bunsen burners and bright fires, but I guess I should start thinking "laptops" instead. Various laptop manufacturers are looking at using magnesium alloys for laptop cases.

In addition to magnesium alloy cases having better margins than plastic cases, the costs of the magnesium alloy cases have dropped considerably, falling by more than 50%, the notebook makers stated. The cases have also become a key selling point for notebook makers looking to grab orders from international vendors, with Compal being a case in point, winning a recent major Dell notebook orders for 2006 by offering a notebook with a magnesium alloy case, the makers indicated.

[Digi Times]

[nichomach]

Mag alloy cases are a lot more resilient than the usual placcy ones; they're light, and they tend to require less internal reinforcement - more space and lower weight. If their prices are dropping, it's good news all round.

[suryad]

I second that.

[edavies87]

I agree plastic notebooks really need a make over!!

[Timmy!!!]

This would be great. My CD player is made from magnesium die casting and is mighty strong and light, so hopefully this will be the case for laptops too.

[snedger]

Hello
Mag alloy - it's hard heavy stuff!
Before I went digital last year my SLR camera had a mag alloy body.
It weighed a ton! Returned from every holiday with aching shoulders from carrying the thing. Apparently the final selection for the SAS involves completing a 40km yomp carrying a back pack containing a mag alloy camera body!.
Cheers
snedger

[scottyman]

rofl...
huge difference using mag alloy tho - when you've got more efficient heat transfer, greater internal support and greater resilience against damage. it had been one of my requirements for a new lappy, and hopefully this will make my goals a little more realistic.

[Hiroaki]

All said they look damn good anyway - although I always seem to mark them.

I think that Magnesium (not alloy) was used on many of the old warships - caused quite a spectacle when hit I'm told!

[scottyman]

suprised no-one quoted that after the game last nigth :0
exocet v. warship - not pretty