Speculated iMac Multi-Touch Design (Pictures Included)

[janey]

That logitech looks quite good. I shall investigate more!

I'm not a Teflon fangirl but I really suggest getting mouse feet and/or a good mousepad for the mx revolution if you get one. Eventually with enough wear and tear the plastic mouse feet on the mx revolution wear out, and as a result the bottom of the mouse near the feet wear out as well. As in, what used to be a sharp corner of the mouse is now dull and rounded due to overuse. It's easier to replace cheapo teflon feet and pads than it is to do anything else, plus it glides like a charm.

I don't know if it'll bug you, but it bugs me, thankfully Logitech is awesome for warranty replacements - they sent me a replacement G7 once no questions asked, just because the right click button was acting up a little bit (prolly coulda used some cleaning...).

 

[mags631]

Other Features

Some other features to consider for your design:

• Handle that pops out of top to carry, or attach a chain to it and use as a boat anchor
• Tire-stop to use on a car with emergency-brake problems
• Embedded 65C02 processor to run Apple // programs w/o emulation
• Cup-holder that pops out of SuperDrive slot to hold coffee while eating doughnut AND
• Moist towelettes dispenser so that you can wipe off the grease from your hands after said doughnut before touching the screen.

Please try and sell this to Dell... please.

 

[GodBless]

Amuse me. What does your iBook do that the MacBook can't do better?

Cause I can't think of a single thing.

Well I recently went to the store ready to settle on getting a MacBook in place of my iBook but after I tested it I realized that there were three main problems (maybe more I can't remember) with it that I didn't like. The main one being that the edge of it was too sharp to rest my hands on. After I rested my hand on the edge I noticed that there was an indention line across my hand where I set it on the edge. I realized that after typing for a while it could get quite uncomfortable. (For those who are unaware of the fact--the iBook has rounded edges on the keyboard area (although it has sharp edges on the lid like the MacBook)).

Another problem is that you have to grab the sharp lid edge to open the MacBook. It isn't too bad with my iBook (which has a sharp edge too) but it is bad with the MacBook because you have to pull hard enough to take it away from the magnet where as on my iBook I press a button to release the screen instead so my iBook's lid doesn't dig into my hand as hard as a MacBook does when I open it.

Thirdly the keyboard seemed awkward to me. I don't know exactly why (maybe I analyzed it improperly because it looked different than my iBook's keyboard) but I had trouble typing on it. Perhaps it is a better design (for reasons I haven't taken the time to think about and realize) and maybe I'd get used to it over time but I don't know.

Don't get me wrong. I like the great new things that the MacBook can do (built-in iSight camera, bigger hard drive (at least in my case), faster (and Intel) processor, capable of running Windows, MagSafe, Front Row (at least in my case), 802.11n card, etc., etc.). The only problem is that I didn't think it would work well for my hands and arms because of the sharp edge. As of now, while I am typing, my wrist is resting on my iBook's edge and if I had a MacBook then I don't think that I would be very comfortable for very long in this position. This is my main concern but it was a valid enough concern that kept me from buying a new MacBook. The keyboard wasn't too bad--so all in all if Apple rounds the edges on their MacBooks then I will be happy and I will probably purchase one soon after they do it.

 

[iBlue]

I definitely think you should stay away from sharp edges.

 

[janey]

Another problem is that you have to grab the sharp lid edge to open the MacBook...

I don't know, but I count that as a MacBook innovation. The latch on both my iBook G3s and G4s sucked majorly, to the point that they'd randomly open inside my backpack, turn on the computer...run for a bit, get hot...go to sleep...wtf was that? Or they took quite some force and wiggling to re-latch again, so it wasn't surprising to have the display pop open after pushing it down to try to close.

Thirdly the keyboard...

...is not as flimsy as the one in the iBook. Yet another improvement. Also easier to clean.

The only problem is that I didn't think it would work well for my hands and arms because of the sharp edge.

I code and type a lot in general on my macbook...I don't think edges on either laptops were ever a problem..but okay I'll give you that one. I don't have indentations on my wrists/palms/arms, but...it's generally in my lap or on a flat surface where neither would really come in contact much with that part of the laptop.

 

[GodBless]

I don't know, but I count that as a MacBook innovation. The latch on both my iBook G3s and G4s sucked majorly, to the point that they'd randomly open inside my backpack, turn on the computer...run for a bit, get hot...go to sleep...wtf was that? Or they took quite some force and wiggling to re-latch again, so it wasn't surprising to have the display pop open after pushing it down to try to close.

That doesn't sound good. I do like the new magnet for a lot of reasons but I'd like it more if the edges around it weren't sharp (this is possible (and easy) to engineer but sharpness is part of what makes a design Apple-like so Apple went for visual appearance over usability here).

...is not as flimsy as the one in the iBook. Yet another improvement. Also easier to clean.

The iBook's keyboard's flimsiness isn't a problem since it is intact unless you are adding (or subtracting) ram or accessing your wireless card. By the way can you access the wireless card and ram by lifting out the keyboard with the MacBook like you can with the iBook?

I code and type a lot in general on my macbook...I don't think edges on either laptops were ever a problem..but okay I'll give you that one. I don't have indentations on my wrists/palms/arms, but...it's generally in my lap or on a flat surface where neither would really come in contact much with that part of the laptop.

I have me iBook on a table and it is only natural for me to rest my wrists on my computer's edge when I type. When it's on my lap it's not too much of a problem since my wrists don't seem to rest on the edges (at certain angles that is) from initial analysis that I am conducting now that is.

By the way it doesn't seem like the MacBook would be very comfortable to carry (especially with one hand like I occasionally do with mine) open either (because of the sharp edges).

 

[janey]

The keyboard's flimsiness isn't a problem since it is intact unless you are adding (or subtracting) ram or accessing your wireless card. By the way can you access the wireless card and ram by lifting out the keyboard with the MacBook like you can with the iBook?

No, RAM and hard drive are now accessible through the battery, while the airport card is non-accessible, but all of them come with it anyway, while the iBooks used to not come with the card preinstalled. The keyboard is flimsy regardless, even though the whole thing is intact it's still separate (and easily separated) from the rest of the computer.

I have me iBook on a table and it is only natural for me to rest my wrists on my computer's edge when I type. When it's on my lap it's not too much of a problem (at certain angles that is).

Might just be a difference in typing behaviour. I type like I play the piano cause I can type all keys with less effort (like the numbers and special chars), my wrist is rarely on the edge, only when I'm being lazy.

By the way it doesn't seem like the MacBook would be very comfortable to carry (especially with one hand like I occasionally do with mine) open either (because of the sharp edges).

Err...I used to carry my iBook open with all of 3 fingers..I still do that with the macbook. It doesn't make any sort of difference for me...?

 

[anti-microsoft]

GodBless,

I, like many others, feel that this type of iMac is intended to fail. the desgin is bulky, very...mmmm...how should I put it...microsft-like (wich I hate) and very-not like apple

 

[GodBless]

No, RAM and hard drive are now accessible through the battery, while the airport card is non-accessible, but all of them come with it anyway, while the iBooks used to not come with the card preinstalled. The keyboard is flimsy regardless, even though the whole thing is intact it's still separate (and easily separated) from the rest of the computer.

That sounds a lot better--especially since you are forced to eliminate the battery as a source of power while you are modifying internal computer components.

Might just be a difference in typing behaviour. I type like I play the piano cause I can type all keys with less effort (like the numbers and special chars), my wrist is rarely on the edge, only when I'm being lazy.

I play the piano too but I type with my hands resting on the surface of my laptop.

Err...I used to carry my iBook open with all of 3 fingers..I still do that with the macbook. It doesn't make any sort of difference for me...?

Maybe its sharpness doesn't affect you too negatively and maybe I'd get used to it but for the time being I'd have to say no and even if I did get used to it I am sure that I'd consider rounded edges (and yes I mean slightly rounded like the iBook's edges) a better design.

 

[janey]

I play the piano too but I type with my hands resting on the surface of my laptop.

Out of habit..it's harder to reach for some keys I use a lot if my hands are resting like that.

 

[LeviG]

OK--let's see it then. I bet you couldn't match it with-in 24 hours.

Right as I was bored today I decided to spend 1.5 hours on a quick knock up taking notice of most of the comments made. Now its not finished and obviously theres fine tuning (ie angles of display when lowered) to be done but this should work nicely for most comments.

Reasons behind design
imac lamp was recognised a design classic
apple are not afraid to take a step back on design - see nano g2
needed tilt/pivot to save movements - main complaint with cinema displays etc
black is currently very fashionable for apple and as this is a "high" end product it would get the premium treatment
simple single wire into "head"
all additional ports are in a breakout box which I admit to not modelling but its the size of an apple tv in black

Now I know this isn't perfect and I'm more than prepared for criticism

And yes I know I have more design experience but hey he challenged me

 

[deasine]

Right as I was bored today I decided to spend 1.5 hours on a quick knock up taking notice of most of the comments made. Now its not finished and obviously theres fine tuning (ie angles of display when lowered) to be done but this should work nicely for most comments.

Reasons behind design
imac lamp was recognised a design classic
apple are not afraid to take a step back on design - see nano g2
needed tilt/pivot to save movements - main complaint with cinema displays etc
black is currently very fashionable for apple and as this is a "high" end product it would get the premium treatment
simple single wire into "head"
all additional ports are in a breakout box which I admit to not modelling but its the size of an apple tv in black

Now I know this isn't perfect and I'm more than prepared for criticism

And yes I know I have more design experience but hey he challenged me

Now this is a design I can accept. I actually like it. Though I know Apple won't develop a product that resembles the G4, this at least looks realistic. The ability to tilt the monitor for different angles is nice. I like it black too, but I'm sure Apple would also have it available in white. I like white better, looks more apple. Black reminds me of PC. But that's just me right?

BUT GOOD JOB! =D

 

[LeviG]

Now this is a design I can accept. I actually like it. Though I know Apple won't develop a product that resembles the G4, this at least looks realistic. The ability to tilt the monitor for different angles is nice. I like it black too, but I'm sure Apple would also have it available in white. I like white better, looks more apple. Black reminds me of PC. But that's just me right?

BUT GOOD JOB! =D

I know that apple will probably not repeat the lamp iMac but its nice to show a potential design at the end of the day. I think there may be a white version but it might not work as well due to the black glass ala iPhone

 

[TheAnswer]

Right as I was bored today I decided to spend 1.5 hours on a quick knock up taking notice of most of the comments made. Now its not finished and obviously theres fine tuning (ie angles of display when lowered) to be done but this should work nicely for most comments.

Reasons behind design
imac lamp was recognised a design classic
apple are not afraid to take a step back on design - see nano g2
needed tilt/pivot to save movements - main complaint with cinema displays etc
black is currently very fashionable for apple and as this is a "high" end product it would get the premium treatment
simple single wire into "head"
all additional ports are in a breakout box which I admit to not modelling but its the size of an apple tv in black

Now I know this isn't perfect and I'm more than prepared for criticism

And yes I know I have more design experience but hey he challenged me

That is great! I would buy that in a second, although it would be even cooler if the arms interface with the screen could rotate 90° to allow portrait view and 180° to allow usage as a conventional monitor. Since it's based on the previous iMac design, we can be pretty sure it has adequate cooling (which is something that always worried me about OP's design, which seemed to ignore the fact that most of the heat from the motherboard would rise towards the LCD unless the design incorporated a number of fans, which would equal more noise).

 

[LeviG]

That is great! I would buy that in a second, although it would be even cooler if the arms interface with the screen could rotate 90° to allow portrait view and 180° to allow usage as a conventional monitor.

No reason why it couldn't be done - easiest is to have a twin arm system on the neck to allow the monitor mount to be centralised.

Alternatively a curved neck may work.

I'll get a bit more feedback and then have a play later

 

[TheAnswer]

No reason why it couldn't be done - easiest is to have a twin arm system on the neck to allow the monitor mount to be centralised.

Alternatively a curved neck may work.

Any reason why it couldn't just have a rotation plate where the arm meets the LCD?

I realize it portrait view, the symmetry of the design would be lacking. They'd have to figure out to handle the interface of the electronics end (so that multi-touch would disable and the monitor would display correctly those configurations)...but hey, I'm sure they could figure that out.

 

[LeviG]

Any reason why it couldn't just have a rotation plate where the arm meets the LCD?

I realize it portrait view, the symmetry of the design would be lacking. They'd have to figure out to handle the interface of the electronics end (so that multi-touch would disable and the monitor would display correctly those configurations)...but hey, I'm sure they could figure that out.

It could but it wouldn't be very apple would it, the whole idea is to be as apple as possible

 

[RRK]

Wow I ignore the topic for a little while and it gets much cooler. The designs these guys put up in response to the wedge are light years ahead of the original.

Though I know Apple won't develop a product that resembles the G4...

Sure they would, just swap the globe with the airport/appletv/mini design. The top centered arm is a very simple way to achieve what we need, and you know what they say about the simplest way.

I also like the other designs. The one that approaches a portable with the idea of the keyboard being the size limiting factor is forward thinking especially because the extra extra wide aspect ratio would be great for a HD editing interface IMO.

Also, I saw someone echo my idea of the modern wall mounts.

 

[LeviG]

I also like the other designs. The one that approaches a portable with the idea of the keyboard being the size limiting factor is forward thinking especially because the extra extra wide aspect ratio would be great for a HD editing interface IMO.

That would be me again

Any further suggestions for the imac concept up there

 

[RRK]

Any further suggestions for the imac concept up there

I've got one. Put the disk drive on the side, laptop style, so that you have access with the screen down.
Maybe some touch controls on the "frame" of the monitor.
Uhm... I don't know you could separate some of the heat producing components into the monitor and base parts for heat, which would include a little more of the current design.

...and ill have that by next tuesday thank you very much.

edit:
Ew, and you could make the arm horizontal oval shaped to compliment widescreens and that would allow for larger ball joints.

 

[LeviG]

I've got one. Put the disk drive on the side, laptop style, so that you have access with the screen down.
Maybe some touch controls on the "frame" of the monitor.
Uhm... I don't know you could separate some of the heat producing components into the monitor and base parts for heat, which would include a little more of the current design.

...and ill have that by next tuesday thank you very much.

edit:
Ew, and you could make the arm horizontal oval shaped to compliment widescreens and that would allow for larger ball joints.

um the main unit doesnt have an optical drive or hard drive thats all in the break out box hidden away under the table or something

The whole screen is a touchscreen like the iphone (multitouch)

Didn't want to go down the current design, not much room for tilt and swivel etc.

Oval arms wouldnt compliment the dome though

 

[rogersmj]

I'm impressed that a rendering of a textured cheese wedge has gotten 7 pages of discussion. I had to finally post because it seems something hasn't occurred to many of you:

If you don't like the design and want the thread to stop, STOP REPLYING.

 

[mrthieme]

I'm impressed that a rendering of a textured cheese wedge has gotten 7 pages of discussion. I had to finally post because it seems something hasn't occurred to many of you:

If you don't like the design and want the thread to stop, STOP REPLYING.

It wasn't the original idea that kept me interested so much as people discussing pipedreams of touchscreen Macs, something I am keenly interested in. The renderings and brainstorming are great fun I think, and on that note I'll add yet another.

This would be a iMac/touch tablet with optical drive, and power supply in the dock, which would serve as a stand for both vertical and horizontal positions. Charging and syncing to the base would be wireless of course, so no delicate pins to bend or line up when placing.

 

[ToddW]

while i think multi-touch will be added to displays in incoming years. the "wedge" design is way off. i would imagine that a robust display that keeps it from moving would be crucial in the way all this would work. i understand that the "wedge" idea would allow this, but there is no way apple would design a POS like that.

an imac G4 style might work and allow for the multi-touch display to be ridgid enough to allow one to use it properly. it is a really neat approach that just might work. look at wacom's tablet that acts as a screen as well for some applications. in the professional enviroment a multi-touch display of some sort could be beneficial. i know i sure could use one on some of my day to day activities i would be way more efficient.

 

[TheAnswer]

This would be a iMac/touch tablet with optical drive, and power supply in the dock, which would serve as a stand for both vertical and horizontal positions. Charging and syncing to the base would be wireless of course, so no delicate pins to bend or line up when placing.

This is like the idea I had in my head, but I can't render worth ***. Some kind of base/easel (I envisioned more of a rounded off pyramid with a portion cut out to hold the monitor/tablet...that would serve sort of like an easel, then any hard-core multitouch work would be done flat on the desk surface or on your lap, to eliminate the risks of the ergonomic strain that users of the iWedgie™ would be prone to.

Good Job!