#21: Apple Convertible Tablet Patent
Thanks to the plethora of Windows 8 laptop-tablet
hybrids what’ve come out recently, you’ve probably already seen a bunch of
laptops that can transform into tablets, and vice versa. So, you probably won’t
be surprise with one of Apple’s most recent patent applications, a design for a
MacBook that can be converted into a tablet.
The convertible MacBook design (which you can see
in the image above) has a swiveling, detachable screen that communicates with
the base wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless technologies. The
base isn’t just a keyboard dock, though; it contains the laptop’s CPU, GPU, and
other components. So while the display does have a touchscreen panel, it
doesn’t exactly transform into a standalone tablet, and you can’t carry it
around without the base. In addition to these features, the display, which
seems to have a battery of its own, can be charged either via reattaching it to
the base or via wireless induction technology, wherein it can draw power from
the base even if it’s not attached.
The device clearly isn’t for on-the-go people who
want a tablet to carry around that they can plug into a keyboard dock when
needed (there are plenty of devices like this, such as the Surface Pro, or you
can just buy an iPad keyboard dock). But even if this convertible MacBook is
exactly what you’re looking for, know that Apple has filed tons of patents in
the past, and there’s no guarantee that this design will ever be manufactured
for commercial release.
Oh this is an interesting patent! I'm curious though how it will get past other types of patents, such as those relating to design, or other patents that other companies such as Microsoft have in their portfolios. I'm also wondering whether this patent filing is indicative of their future product releases.
ReplyDeleteThis is a pretty cool idea, but it seems like it would be substantial leap in technological progress from what we have currently...especially with the presumably huge power consumption required to power a display and receive input from the keyboard base. This is definitely a new approach towards tablet computing, but I don't think it is necessarily better than the traditional tablet layout.
ReplyDeleteIm surprised Apple is trying to patent this. I feel like the design and utility of such a product is already patented by Microsoft. Also I dont see the point in making the screen detachable if it cant act as a standalone tablet and it cant be transported without the base. Something seems off with this product.
ReplyDeleteI definitely like this idea! It's a bit similar to the Microsoft surface and this I personally would not buy it, but it does show that apple is not just necessarily sitting and doing nothing. I like the fact that Apple has multiple patents that it likes to invest in, even if only a few come to fruition
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the USPTO will approve Apple's application for this patent simply because the idea and design has already been done unless Apple was super secretive (no surprise there) and is now only informing the public of a patent they filed a long time ago.
ReplyDeletei think this is a great idea, however I feel that the loss of mobility with the device will cause a drawback. i think the great thinga bout the windows 8 computer/tablet is that you can change between quite easily. I wonder if later versions of this device will tackle the ease of mobility
ReplyDelete