Apple Computer's long rumored cell phone may be one step closer to reality.
On Nov. 30, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published an application from the Cupertino, Calif. company for a handheld computing device.
While the patent, which is listed as Serial Number 501184, does not specifically mention the long-rumored iPhone, it does hint that Apple appears to be moving forward with its plans for cell phone that possibly include some type of iTunes tie-in.
According to the application, Apple is asking for a patent for: "A portable computing device capable of wireless communications, the portable computing device comprising: an enclosure that surrounds and protects the internal operational components of the portable computing device, the enclosure including a structural wall formed from a ceramic material that permits wireless communications."
This "seamless tube" device would be formed from ceramic walls made from either zirconia, a material used to make certain types of gems but also has use as an insulator, or alumina, another type of insulator.
Read the rest of this eWEEK story: "Apple Patent Hints at iPhone"