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    iPhone 5 Hardware: 10 Design Ideas to Catch Smartphone Buyers’ Eyes

    Written by

    Don Reisinger
    Published August 8, 2012
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      Apple€™s iPhone 5 is on the minds of current handset owners. The device, which could be introduced as early as next month, could set off yet another rapid round of smartphone upgrades among Apple fans who always opt for the latest model available. A solid design, some nice software enhancements and improved internal components will do the trick. Another nominal upgrade, like that which came in the iPhone 4S, won€™t.

      There has already been a lot of speculation and discussion of about what sort of components should be built into the iPhone 5. For the most part, correctly guessing what features will eventually show up in the device isn€™t all that tough. But predicting the look and feel of the smartphone€™s case, however, is far more difficult.

      Apple historically has been very conservative in changing the overall look and feel of the iPhone. But there are certain features that would help keep this popular unit on the cutting edge. And it would be awfully nice if Apple delivered on those hopes.

      Read on to find out what would be really nice to see in Apple€™s iPhone 5:

      1. A slimmer body

      According to some reports, Apple€™s iPhone 5 will be quite a bit slimmer than the iPhone 4S. One of the more recent reports say that the thickness could be up to 20 percent less than the iPhone 4S. That would be awfully nice. A slimmer body makes for a lighter, more mobile device. And that€™s what everyone wants nowadays.

      2. The same old width

      The last thing Apple should do is make the iPhone 5 any wider than it is right now. With the current design, Apple€™s handset is narrow enough to fit easily into a pocket or purse. If it gets any wider, it might start to get a bit unwieldy and that will hurt the mobility factor that has been one of its best features.

      3. Gorilla Glass is a must

      According to several reports, Apple will deliver Gorilla Glass 2 to the iPhone 5. If so, that would mean that if users drop the device, the chances of it actually breaking would be far lower than in the iPhone 4S. That will be appreciated by anyone who has shattered the iPhone€™s glass screen cover.

      4. The long-rumored Liquidmetal

      Liquidmetal might just be one of the most desirable features for the iPhone 5. Liquidmetal, which actually isn€™t liquid at all, is a mixture of titanium, copper, nickel, and many other metals. It€™s designed to make the iPhone€™s case resistant to scratches, corrosion and other damage that can turn a smartphone into waste. It would be a great addition to the iPhone 5.

      Move the Headphone Jack

      5. Fix the antenna placement

      When Apple launched the iPhone 4, the company quickly acknowledged that the device€™s design, and more specifically, its antenna placement, caused reception problems. Although that problem has mostly been dealt with in the iPhone 4S, it would be nice if Apple finally solves the antenna placement once and for all in the iPhone 5. In other words, put it where it can€™t be touched€“or interfered with.

      6. A smaller Dock connector would be nice

      Apple is reportedly moving away from its 30-pin Dock Connector and going with a 19-pin flavor. That would save room on the bottom of the iPhone and allow Apple to move some other parts to the bottom of the device.

      7. Move the headphone jack to the bottom

      Speaking of parts that would be crunched to the bottom of the iPhone 5, it would be nice if the headphone jack makes an appearance next to the Dock connector, as several reports have suggested. By placing it there, Apple would make it easier for users to keep the iPhone 5 in a pocket or case and not have to worry about the cord.

      8. Yes, a bigger screen

      Apple€™s iPhone 5 must come with a larger screen. Apple doesn€™t necessarily need to match the 4.8-inch screen in the Galaxy S III, but it would be great to have a 4-inch display in the device. A manageably larger screen size is always better.

      9. Maintain the box-like feel (and heaviness)

      Although some have criticized Apple for the device€™s heaviness, it adds a bit of class and feeling of quality. In addition, Apple shouldn€™t ditch the box-like look to the handset. It lacks the curves found in other devices, but that€™s€™ just fine. It makes the device look a bit more professional, which is nice.

      10. Don€™t go color crazy

      The last thing Apple should do is go crazy with different colors. White and black options are fine, but beyond that, Apple should forget about colors. Let the other companies deliver different colors€“it tends to cheapen the brand. And that€™s something Apple just can€™t do.

      Follow Don Reisinger on Twitter by clicking here

      Don Reisinger
      Don Reisinger
      Don Reisinger is a longtime content writer to several technology and business publications. Over his career, Don has written about everything from geek-friendly gadgetry to issues of privacy and data security. He became an eWEEK writer in 2009 producing slide shows focusing on the top news stories of the day. When he's not writing, Don is typically found fixing computers or playing an old-school video game.

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