Reply #1: Lots of Apple's computers have translucent cases ... [View All]

[eppur_se_muova]

one of the first things I thought of was "they could line the case with solar cells" and even put them under the keyboard (on laptops). The computer may not have a direct line-of-sight to the Sun from every part, but indirect light still produces some power. A little surprising they are just now getting into this.

PV add-ons have been around for many years -- since the first laptops, almost -- but it's surprising no one has thought to line the entire outside case with PV's. The batteries would be recharging a little even if you were carrying it under your arm with the lid closed,and the lid would be collecting reflected light even though it might be facing the "wrong" direction.

ON EDIT: The MacBook Air would have been a primo candidate for this. Even if it didn't eliminate the need for external power altogether, it would tremendously extend the length of time between recharges.