Heya,

I'm wondering what the backplate of the n900 is made of, and if it would be possible to laser-etch it.

Here are some examples what can be done with laser etching:

The original Kindle2 "Don't Panic etch (with video)

step by step with powerbook

Etched Blackberries and cameras and whatnot.


Can anyone with a n900 prototype comment on the material that is used for the backplate?

Or does anybody have experience with laser-etched stuff?

Seemed plastic. Now, the trouble is if it's genuinely dark-gray plastic (not just painted/coated) as then the etchings won't be too visible - you'll notice that in your links people etched something light in color, or something painted.

I guess Im in the minority, I want a device to be totally free of all markings and logos.

Well then it's a minority atleast of two

I prefer a clean device as well. Even the current branding is a bit much.

if its plastic or even then metal you can etch both. I have had several of my devices etched, my PSP turned out the best its Silver pained Yellow Plastic so it really shows up. That my one wife had etched for our first anniversary I'll never forget our anniversary because the date is on the back.

I also like my devices with no logos and such. On the other hand it's sort of cool that the N900 has "ARM Cortex-A8 | 32GB" on the back. For me the amount of branding on the N900 is still ok.

... until the first time you meet the person with "64GB" on the back of theirs.

I'm no laser etching expert, but the back cover is made of black plastic as attila77 said.

Anything can be laser etched, even diamonds. As for dark plastic, etch it then squeegee in a lighter colored paint. They can also etch it then sprinkle on I think it's plastic powder then reburn at a lower wattage. It will melt in the plastic into the original etching.

Me too, I want to decorate my own device! It looks like I'm going to have to remove my Rainbow Bright & Barney stickers and place them on my device and "make it mine" hehe.