From my Undersanding about the current Rumors

[TEG]

I've seen several places where it has been referenced that the Apple multi-point touch interface will be used in iPods. However, I'd like to reference a post I made in March of 2005.... https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/116370/
In it, I repost an idea I had to replace the existing keyboard and touchpad in laptops with a touch screen like the Nintendo DS.

Then this morning my Gmail RSS pulled this story from Engadget... http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/20/latest-crackpot-rumor-apple-to-add-touch-finger-lcds/.

This got me to thinking... Is is possible that Apple actually listened to my idea and is working on such a thing? Or am I just trying to see a connection that does not exist?

Please... I'd like to hear your thoughts on this convergence of rumor and idea.

TEG

 

[cyberddot]

I think touch screen technology started spawning similar ideas in many companies because of similar needs to design with that tech' (convergent evolution indeed). Your take on the development was great! Thought it is certainly possible that Apple might be working on this rumored interface, we'll never know if we get to blame you! (Since Apple should be working on other things I won't mention, to avoid 'jacking your thread)

I was only recently made aware of touchscreen technology advancing this far and *poof* the first thing that popped into my head was a desktop keyboard that doesn't require springs - just key shapes to guide the fingers - and has a wipeable surface! You see...I had just cleaned my desktop keyboard the week before.

"Necessity is the mother of invention." -- Plato

 

[disconap]

Considering that touch screen has been around about as long as home computers, I don't see the point in bringing it out now...

 

[TEG]

But we are not just talking about a simple touch-screen. Apple's Patents are for multi point touch-screen, which would be required if they were working on a touch screen keyboard/trackpad. Just using the shift key would be a pain on a single point touch-screen. Plus, you could use a stylus or your finger to draw on the lower screen, or just use it as a keyboard and trackpad.

TEG

 

[shrimpdesign]

It took me a while to get what you were saying, but I'd love to buy a laptop that had a screen that replaced he keyboard! That would rock for a number of reasons:

1. The keyboard isn't always continually used by the user. I hid my keyboard in my drawer and pull it out to type, but I use the mouse for a lot of things.

2. More screen space in laptops without bigger laptops! two 15" screens on a powerbook, er, MacBook Pro, would make it the industry leader and the first pick for pros, especially photopgraphy. Imagine Aperture with a touch interface on a dual 15" MBP. *drool*

Of course, Apple would have to make a kick-a$$ touch interface to actually make something like this, but Apple is the only one I'd trust to do that.