2006-12-15

Let the music play on: Lexan* resin helps protect holiday electronics

Coveted iPods and Nanos last longer with a wide selection of cases and covers featuring tough, lightweight GE polycarbonate

They’re primo on holiday wish lists; they’re pricey; and they’re precious to their owners. So after unwrapping an iPod or MP3 player that may cost upwards of $450, it’s important to safeguard these surprisingly delicate devices from being dropped, banged, or stepped on. Dozens of companies offer protective and stylish covers and cases for iPods – and the majority rely on the toughness, scratch resistance, and light weight of GE’s Lexan* polycarbonate.

There’s the SwitchEasy Capsule for iPod Nano, a protective case made from Lexan resin and available in a wide variety of colors. Or you could select the Xtremity Protective iPod case, also molded from Lexan resin and containing an insert that when installed, you can still view the screen and access the click wheel but the face is fully protected. Even if the case is made from leather or silicone, the screen protectors are usually made of crystal-clear Lexan polycarbonate. For example, leather cases from Pacific Design include Lexan resin screen protectors to reduce glare and prevent scratching.

“As iPods and other music players continue to captivate the market, and become fashion accessories, consumers are obtaining the benefits of Lexan resin technology for proven protection against breakage, scratches, and other physical damage,” said Bill Russell, Lexan and Cycoloy* resins product general manager, GE Plastics. “This versatile plastic is an excellent candidate for screen protectors, cases, covers, and other accessories. It’s evident from ads highlighting Lexan resin that manufacturers are benefiting from both Lexan’s performance and ability to create differentiated designs.”

One of the most distinctive attributes of Lexan resin is its high impact strength. Products made from Lexan resin are usually shatter-resistant and virtually unbreakable. Physical advantages extend to its resistance to heat, cold, weather, ultraviolet light, and flame (UL 94 V0 listed). The material is water-clear and lends itself to a wide range of colors, special effects, and textures.

The iPod is currently the world's best-selling range of digital audio players and its worldwide mainstream adoption makes it one of the most popular consumer brands. Some analysts are predicting sales of 14 million iPods during the holiday quarter. Apple reported sales of 39 million iPods in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006.

* Lexan, Cycoloy, and LNP are trademarks of General Electric Company.

Information about the company: Saudi Innovative Plastics Sweden AB