New Apple patent describes entirely new category of computer system

[*LTD*]

http://www.patentlyapple.com/patent...patent-describes-apples-next-great-thing.html

New Apple patent describes entirely new category of computer system

"With the iPad not even a week old yet – it was nothing short of amazing to read Apple's visionary statement that they 'may provide an entirely new category of computer system as compared to desktops and laptops.' In fact, Apple went even further by stating that 'such an approach may allow the computer system to be a desk-free computer,'" Jack Purcher reports for Patently Apple. "There's no doubt that this has a certain Apple flair to it that could eventually lead us back to Revolutionary Road."

Purcher reports, "Computer systems and methods disclosed in Apple's patent, according to Apple, may provide an entirely new category of computer systems as compared to desktops and laptops. Various embodiments contemplate using an integrated projector output as a primary visual output, as opposed to the conventional display screens involved with desktop and laptop computers. Such an approach may allow the computer system to be a 'desk-free computer,' by allowing the computer system to be placed wherever desired, on a desk or table, but also on a shelf, on a floor, or even suspended from a wall or ceiling."

Much more in the full article, including patent application illustrations . . .

 

[Hellhammer]

Sounds interesting but the problem in projectors are that they need a lot space and a white flat background to work nicely. I'm sure  isn't the first one to think about this but IMO this is quite useless unless you have a screen for it but in that case, you could buy a projector + Mini for example.

I can't see this becoming a product, furthermore, a popular one, possibly new AppleTV though.

 

[maflynn]

I'm not buying it. Many technology companies patent all sorts of weird and interesting things which never see the light of day. Apple is no different, they've developed something, and patented it, but that doesn't mean its something that makes good business or economic sense to turn into a consumer product.

 

[Melrose]

Apple is notorious for getting patents on ideas that aren't ever practically used. Just because it's patented, doesn't mean it's going to be produced, it just means Apple has the legal rights to the idea. Or, to this specific manifestation of the idea.