With faux-metal chrome sides and a polycarbonate back cover, the Note II offers a solid construction that's more durable than your typical device.

ENGADGET: Samsung Galaxy Note II for T-Mobile review Mobile

There's also gray birch wood trim--or optional carbon fiber or aluminum--with lots of chrome and brushed metal splashed around the cabin and, naturally, S4 logos everywhere you look.

FORBES: Vehicles Feature

To wit, the engineers opted for 4130 chrome alloy steel, an aircraft-grade metal.

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An Italian group has leased the biggest chrome mine, and a Turkish outfit has started processing scrap metal at an elderly Chinese-built steel plant.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne