[xtracto]

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?

[Mikeb85]

> 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.

[GekkePrutser]

And it's not actually plastic but magnesium on the upmarket models. Mine has a few scuffs and the metal shines through

[nicoburns]

> 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.

[DJeuxg]

Aluminium is heavy, cold, dents and expensive.

Plastic is better in most ways for a laptop shell.

[tekknik]

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.

[rowanG077]

Aluminium has the best property. It conducts heat. Plastic laptops are saunas.

[mbakke]

Aluminium is also highly recycleable.