There are always constraints in product development and what is actually possible. While many times, an idea may be profound, it may not be physically possible in the real world. First and foremost, the actual materials to make the idea work need to exist. The idea of a floating transportation board that is non-powered since it is made of a gravity defying element that can bear weight and will not float away may sound great. This idea falls apart when you take into account that an element doesn't exist. Other times, your idea may step on a patent and may not be legally viable as a result, or at least not financially viable after paying royalties to the patent holder.

Over the last year, we have seen the legalese stunting of development in the CLC market. Since one manufacturer now owns the rights to the ?pump on the block? concept, and vaguely on the concept of closed loop in general, we have been watching a one-horse race. Companies marketing these CLCs have had to work within the scope of what the patent holder (and OEM) is producing. With the same basic set of parts to work with, differentiation in the marketplace is becoming more difficult, and differentiation in performance even more difficult. There is only so much difference you can make by changing one 100 cfm fan to another 100 cfm fan, and the RGB LEDs may be a nice touch, but they aren't helping cool anything.