Apple Granted Patents on Convertible MacBook

[Wiley John Wright]

Apple has just been granted several important patents today. It can be interesting to see what Apple is patenting as it sometimes gives us a glimpse into the future of Apple products. Of course, most patents never see the light of day as real products. Today, however, one particular patent is worth noting.

The iPad has been a runaway success and now the MacBook Air refresh is selling quite well too. The question some consumers are now faced with is which to buy and which is better for them. The patent released today points to a new Apple MacBook that may act as both iPad and MacBook by way of a convertible monitor. The screen would slide along the keyboard covering it, leaving the device in a tablet configuration. It’s unclear which operating system Apple intents to use on the device, but this may not matter. Steve Jobs has stated that the next Mac OS update, Lion will incorporate some features from the iOS.

The rumors of a touch-screen iMac have been circulating for some time, but back in October Steve Jobs mentioned that using touch screens vertically is not comfortable for long periods of time. Touch screens are more comfortable to use in a horizontal position. If this patent is any indication, then Apple is at least considering the possibility of bringing touch screen technology to Mac OS X.

Apple isn’t always the first to the party when it comes to new notebook designs, but when they do come out with something new, they usually do it right. Apple may be playing it safe, just in case convertible notebooks take off in a big way, the same way that netbooks exploded a few years ago. No matter what direction Apple decides to go with future MacBook designs, one thing is certain: Apple will hype the hell out of it and people will line up to buy it. I know I can’t wait to get a new MacBook Air.

Source: Patently Apple

[NSXrebel]

hopefully they can make it as thin as possible, yet keeping it sturdy like all the other unibody machines.

[manickbarry]

Looks far to breakable too me

[buttamix]

Apple won't make product like this unless they knew it wouldn't malfunction.....Not!!!!

[Rob2G]

Everything apple makes touch screen is very breakable. I hope they find away to make screens more durable.

[javiert30]

I think FIG. 33C shows when it is ready to use as a touchscreen device, I hope FIG. 33D is that one that when you close it, the "TEXT" screen closes facing the keyboard for external protection purposes.

[CaptainChaos]

This would be pretty sweet.

[Cer0]

Following what Dell has now. I wouldn't mind having it though.

[Danielcg]

Nice

[Rob_Quads]

Is this one of these patents where they change something slightly and then register it.

There have been thinkpads that work like that for years, only difference beeing the screen hinges in the middle

[Cer0]

Seems like it. Thinkpads hinge in the middle and swivle around. Dell's rotates in the middle from the frame. This one comes out then slides back in.

[\m/ibnziceman\m/]

liquid metal? it would make sense seeing that they would need a strong building material for this design

[Tech guy]

That would be sweet if apple did that

[ddonuts4]

Apple won't let it go through... it wont pass their strict design standards the edges around the keyboard will get in the way of typing. They will have to change their design.

[madczech]

If apple manages to integrate the sliding display that matches their design, durability standards we will see something amazing!

Truly easy to use with a amazing design with a wonderful operating system which is just great!
It's just going to be another normal day that we won't forget!
Truly amazing and wonderful!

haha xD

[athleticswimmer]

Like everyone else is sayin, itll have to be durable and thin cuz i aint walkin around with a apple laptop thicker than a pc laptop....Also it has to be atleast 2.0ghz minimum. Lets see what they can come up with.

[viriiguy]

It looks to me like a Bluetooth keyboard case for the iPad.

[coolguy742]

Pretty cool, BUT I've seen a Dell just like this in best buy more than a few times. Good job ripping Dell's idea CrApple!

[Briandb1222]

Everything apple makes touch screen is very breakable. I hope they find away to make screens more durable.

I have had my iPhone a while now. Not a scratch on the screen.

[raduga]

Pretty cool, BUT I've seen a Dell just like this in best buy more than a few times. Good job ripping Dell's idea CrApple!

It looks to me like a Bluetooth keyboard case for the iPad.

It will be even more awesome when Apple sues Dell for patent infringement and wins.
And then proceeds to C&D aftermarket iPad case makers....