Integrated monitor and docking station - Patent Link
A patent application submitted in 2006 has been published for the first time revealing that Apple could be working on a docking system for portable computers. The dock itself closely resembles the look of the current iMac.
A docking station is disclosed. The docking station includes a display and a housing configured to hold the display in a manner that exposes a viewing surface of the display to view. The housing defines a docking area configured to receive a portable computer; The docking area is at least partly obscured by the display when viewed from the viewing surface side of the display at an angle substantially orthogonal to the viewing surface.
Traditionally a portable computer docking station requires a separate external monitor to be connected (e.g., by cable) to the docking station when a display other than the integrated display of the portable computer is desired to be used with the docking station. Often a significant amount of desk space is required for placement of this docking station and separate display. Attempts have been made to conserve the required amount of desk space by allowing the external display to be stacked on top of the docking station. However, the stacked combination still occupies a large amount of space and is cumbersome to move and transport. Therefore there exists a need for a docking station and display combination that is configured in a more efficient form.
Dynamically Controlled Keyboard
Another published patent application filed in March 2007 shows off Apple’s potential plans to offer a dynamically changing keyboard using OLED (organic light emitting diodes) on each key.
Optimus keyboardThe project appears very similar to that of the Optimus keyboard, which is widely publicised but yet to begin shipping.
The patent writes:
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing a computer peripheral including one or more keys. Each key has several light emitting diodes disposed on a face of the key. Each of the light emitting diodes can switch on or off in response to a data signal received from an application specific integrated circuit dedicated to the key. A corresponding key and manufacturing method, as well as a computer system including one or more such keys are also described.
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The following comments have been added by readers:
Latrent
4th January 2008, 08.52 am
I will be interested to see how they solve the cooling problem of a MacBook being used while closed, and whose fan vents (at least in these images) appear to be completely enclosed.
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Bob
5th January 2008, 17.24 pm
I travel a lot and it’s a real annoyance just to have to use a “foreign” keyboard in a foreign country. “Where’s the stinking @ sign!?”
This would be good for making one keyboard that could be used for all languages, but if every application had the freedom to put its Quit button on a different key I’m sure it would push some people over the edge. Like me. The inconsistencies in OSX/iPod/Apple UI’s are bad enough as it is.
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