After much speculation about what the Apple Brick actually is, after the Apple Notebook Event on October 14, 2008, the "Brick" has been revealed to be a manufacturing process that began with the MacBook Air that is now being applied to the MacBook and MacBook Pro models. The manufacturing process involves creating a large slab of aluminum out of which the case for the laptop is carved, taking away metal rather than adding it. This allows for a lighter, stronger case. The case for the MacBook Air starts with a 2.5 pound block of aluminum and is reduced to a quarter of a pound.MacWorld: Live Update: Apple’s Notebook Event (October 14, 1008)
Brick Rumors
Since 9 to 5 Mac first reported that the October 14th event was to be "All about the Brick," rumors flew that the Brick was a Mac tablet, a re-design of the Mac Mini, a wireless USB hub, or a group of "Windows-breaking" new products.Gizmodo: Rumor Roundup: Apple Brick (October 9, 2008) These rumors have not been validated, though the theory is that the Brick is a laser and water manufacturing process which can create MacBook cases out of a single brick of aluminum seems to be accurate.Gizmodo: Apple's Brick is a revolutionary... (October 4, 2008)MacWorld: Live Update: Apple’s Notebook Event (October 14, 1008)
References
Fast Facts
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Process explained at the Apple MacBook event on October 14, 2008
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New manufacturing process uses a single piece of laser-cut, anodized aluminum
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Old process involved an internal frame and baseplate with numerous supporting structuresSlashGear: Apple Brick rumor confirmed... (October 14, 2008)
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Leaked photos seem to show a new MacBook casing, rumored to use the Brick manufacturing methodGizmodo: Apple's Brick is a revolutionary... (October 4, 2008)
