Patent: Apple Details Multi-Touch Mac User Interface

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

An Apple patent application (http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20080204426&OS=20080204426&RS=20080204426) published today rehashes some concepts and diagrams from 2006 patent (http://www.macrumors.com/c.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhrmpf.com%2Fwordpress%2F48%2Fnew-apple-patents&t=1219906426) but generates continued interest due to persistant rumors that Apple may release a multi-touch tablet Mac.


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/08/28/120239-patent080828-1_400.gif


AppleInsider details (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/08/28/apple_details_next_gen_multi_touch_techniques_for_tablet_macs.html) some of the techniques in accessing small user interface controls when using a your fingers on a multi-touch tablet Mac: Apple explains that on a tablet Mac, the buttons of a control box may be smaller than a users finger and located close together. Therefore it may be difficult for the user to make a selection directly without possibly pressing an undesirable button. To solve this problem, at least a portion of the control box would be enlarged, including the buttons therein when the user places their thumb over the control box.Apple also details the use of swipe and scrolling to manipulate on screen lists as well as the implementation of a full screen multi-touch keyboard.:


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/08/28/121138-keyboard.jpg

While we've heard rumors of a tablet Mac for years, this year we've heard claims that either a tablet or mini-tablet Mac could be coming soon.


Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/28/patent-apple-details-multi-touch-mac-user-interface/)

[MovieCutter]

MWSF "One More Thing....count on it

[caoxiang]

ugly hand :D

[srobert]

Separated at birth?

Edit: To add something on topic, I think it makes so much more sense to have a touch tablet than a touch screen laptop or desktop.

[sysiphus]

Good lord, will my fingertips start to look like that if I use it too much?

[Cander]

So you have to have abnormally creepy long thumbs to use it? meh :eek:

[Bambeezer]

Are those toes or fingers in the second pic? LOL :D

[dllavaneras]

Arthritis taken to a whole new level. :rolleyes:

Seriously, I'm really hoping for something like this. I can't wait for these rumored events!

[miketcool]

An excerpt from the laboratory:

"It looks as if our test subject 'qQq' has taken well to his new haptic sensation implants. Thank goodness. Last weeks debacle left his fingers swollen and mutant like. Never again will 12 amps be used in our test subjects again..."

[sminman]

I wonder if they made it a point to draw the hands like that?

[mattkap]

E.T Type Home!!!!

[MacTheSpoon]

I always suspected Apple's superior technology was designed by aliens...

[bmorris]

ouch. e.t. phone home.

[amac4me]

This patent filing is interesting and demonstrates how far along Apple is on porting the Cocoa Touch framework of iPhone OS to Mac OS X. We get insight into how much as been done in the almost two years since the 2006 patent application.

We should hopefully see a tablet within a year. Maybe as early as MacWorld. This looks exciting.

Sorry PC manufacturers, you simply can't compete with Apple. Perhaps Dell should close shop and give the money back to shareholders. :p

[Cander]

Looks like the Dupeys have evolved again.

[miamialley]

I thought I'd be the only one to point out the alien technology due to the alien hands in the drawings!

[mikeinternet]

how exactly do you hold a tablet while typing with both hands?

[CWallace]

Well multi-touch will address a number of issues I have had with Windows Tablet Edition PCs that required using a stylus to interact with them.

But I still think that, as a general-use computer, a tablet is not going to a popular option and I wonder if Apple sees enough of a market to warrant launching such a product.

[JG271]

Yet another multi-touch mac story. It will be interesting to see how many functions and features the final product has, if it ever comes!

[bub9001]

This is getting old, since 2006 we have heard the same thing "Patent, patent, and more patents". I will believe it when i see it, and I might be interested too?

[pimentoLoaf]

:apple: Gimme! :apple: Gimme! :cool: Gimme! :apple: Gimme! :apple:

[Mykbibby]

This seems like a MacWorld announcemennt to me...

[MrCrowbar]

This is resolution independence at work!

The magnifying glass thing on the iPhone works amazingly well. It's a great way to get pixel precision on a dense screen and human fumble stumps (also known as "fingertips"). I wish the iPhone's Safari had that feature too so I don't accidently click the wrong links.

Anyway, all these patents make it seem like Apple is on its way to get the Mac OS into devices without a mouse or trackpad. I'm not saying tablet here. Look at the current wireless keyboard. It's super flat and has a very small footprint. How about an Intel Atom based laptop? The wireless keyboard measures 12 inches in diagonal by the way.

[kjs862]

Seems cool, can't wait to buy.

[iGuardian]

I wouldn't get my hopes up too much. From the time when we get a patent and we actually see the product in our hands is more likely to be years than weeks.

[zenspeaks]

I'm not buying one of those unless and until it comes with a free wireless keyboard :D

[137489]

ugly hand :D

Poor person looks like they have arthritis, but hey my freehand drawing would have been worse.

[group09]

Wow, looking more and more like Star Trek. And less and less practical. But it looks cool.

[mac jones]

yawn



Throw them a tablet bone and they'll chew :D

[!¡ V ¡!]

The hands are actually "cupped," try it yourself it will look the same from that angle. Does that mean you all have some deformity. ;):p:D


Not sure if this Touch Tablet will be revolutionary, I dislike the keys on the Touch and iPhone being enlarged once pressed too many "curious" people around to take a glance at your password or something else.

Rather than enlarge the buttons going to be pressed, however about the buttons to the left and right moved apart. Might make it difficult to type for a speed typist however its a virtual keyboard tradeoff. :)

[!¡ V ¡!]

Wow, looking more and more like Star Trek. And less and less practical. But it looks cool.

What would you make of typing on holographic keyboards then. ;):D

[iOrlando]

if your fingers are wider at the finger nail area then then rest of your finger..you better get that checked out....Seriously..who drew those hands in.

[137489]

I wonder if they made it a point to draw the hands like that?

With some of the markups floating around the web. I wonder if this patent hints at the size of what they may be releasing? Here are some close markups I have seen. I only chose a few as God knows there are 100's of guess. Personally I like the last 2 options. If the touch tablet had enough power or the dock would give it a boost in power (not sure how), then I could see forgoing my macbook and getting a tablet/imac combo. With my Wacom, I now only type if I have to write long letters/messages or do programming. Everything else is just click, sketch, or handwriting recognition.

One word of advice - don't ever have inkwell/handwriting recognition turned on and then turn on omnidazzle without stopping the inkwell - talk about your conflict and perpetual beachball and fans kicking on extra high. I had to shut if off and turn the macbook back on.

http://studiografiko.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/atom-iphone.jpg

http://www.iphonebuzz.com/wp-content/gallery/iphone-buzz-gallery/apple_tablet.jpg

http://www.geeksquad.co.uk/uploadedImages/Blogs/Pennants_blog/MacBook-Touch.jpg

http://www.iphonebuzz.com/wp-content/gallery/iphone-buzz-gallery/0512_imac_tablet_inset_450.jpg

http://stuff.tv/productimages/908500a8cgt.jpg

[/dev/toaster]

If Apple releases a tablet they are really going to kick the crap out of MS. Many companies have tried a tablet and failed, however I think Apple can pull it off.

I know I will buy one, I do see a big use for it. Especially, if it somehow can connect or work with the AppleTV. Not talking iTunes, I mean applications. Could you imagine if Apple got into the game market with a tablet and AppleTV ? Not sure how well it would do, but OMG you would be able to create some cleaver applications.

[trip1ex]

Comes complete with free styrofoam deformed hand.

[Lepton]

Apple tablet. January announcement. And displays with touch screens that tilt down almost flat on the desk. I'm tellin ya!

Possibly those two products are the same thing - take a tablet and add Apple Remote Desktop to it. What have you got? A secondary wireless display, that's what!

And here is a post in my blog (http://www.myallo.com/blog/2008/08/how-apple-should-add-copy-and-paste-to-the-iphone/) that explains exactly how Apple can implement copy and paste on the iPhone and this new tablet, without requiring alien fingers or adding weird multi-finger gestures to the OS.

[O. Frabjous-Dey]

Will they release a tablet before the patent is accepted? If not, it could be years.

[Desamell]

Apple and their crazy patents. Who remembers the display glasses...

[rstansby]

how exactly do you hold a tablet while typing with both hands?

The same way you type on any keyboard with both hands. You put the keyboard/laptop/tablet on a table or your lap.

Maybe I'm not understanding your question.

[CWallace]

If Apple releases a tablet they are really going to kick the crap out of MS. Many companies have tried a tablet and failed, however I think Apple can pull it off.

I don't think the problem with the success of tablets in the marketplace is as simple as the clichéd "Windoze sucks" mantra.

Typing on a keyboard with a stylus is just not a natural way of entering data to a computer. And handwriting recognition systems continue to remain sub-par at recognizing input the way people naturally write. Sure, I can train myself to write in a certain way at a certain speed to allow the software to have the best chance of correctly interpreting what I am writing, but that defeats much of the perceived benefit of being able to "write" on my machine.

Tablets certainly have a market, albeit a small one. And multi-touch keyboards will help by allowing people to type with their fingers (however the lack of any tactile feedback will likely result in a high error-rate). But I just don't know of a feature (or feature-set) in OS X that is so compelling when executed on a tablet that it will immediately drive the sale of a million units a quarter - which may very well be what we're going to need to see for Apple to launch the product.

[kerryn]

how exactly do you hold a tablet while typing with both hands?

It's designed by aliens! They have three hands silly! Doesn't everyone know that? :D:D

[KristenM]

I rarely post and even more rarely beg, but oh please please please come out soon! I've been using my iPhone more and more and it's just too small for some things yet my Macbook is too large to carry constantly. A nice 5x7 or perhaps a bit larger touchpad would be perfect.

[Desamell]

I don't think the problem with the success of tablets in the marketplace is as simple as the clichéd "Windoze sucks" mantra.

Typing on a keyboard with a stylus is just not a natural way of entering data to a computer. And handwriting recognition systems continue to remain sub-par at recognizing input the way people naturally write. Sure, I can train myself to write in a certain way at a certain speed to allow the software to have the best chance of correctly interpreting what I am writing, but that defeats much of the perceived benefit of being able to "write" on my machine.

Tablets certainly have a market, albeit a small one. And multi-touch keyboards will help by allowing people to type with their fingers (however the lack of any tactile feedback will likely result in a high error-rate). But I just don't know of a feature (or feature-set) in OS X that is so compelling when executed on a tablet that it will immediately drive the sale of a million units a quarter - which may very well be what we're going to need to see for Apple to launch the product.

What draws me away from the tablets today are the swivel screen i hate them.

[Rocketman]

Fig 25D is a Radio Shack TRS-80.

Rocketman

[scottybe]

I thought those were Gollum hands.

"My precious..."

[137489]

Apple tablet. January announcement. And displays with touch screens that tilt down almost flat on the desk. I'm tellin ya!

Possibly those two products are the same thing - take a tablet and add Apple Remote Desktop to it. What have you got? A secondary wireless display, that's what!

And here is a post in my blog (http://www.myallo.com/blog/2008/08/how-apple-should-add-copy-and-paste-to-the-iphone/) that explains exactly how Apple can implement copy and paste on the iPhone and this new tablet, without requiring alien fingers or adding weird multi-finger gestures to the OS.

My Pastor has the newest iphone, he hates it.

1. Copy and past not an option.
2. Cannot highlight and delete a whole section at a time like you can on the palm smart phones.
3. His old smartphone allowed him to work on Word docs, this one won't you can only view it.
4. It does not have vioce recognition for "Call xxx", "Open Word". like his old smart phone did. He downloaded an app from the Appstore and it only has 70% reliability and only can be used to call people.

After comparing features side by side with my Palm Centro, the iphone is only better at 2 things.

1. itunes
2. Web Surfing.

Other than that it has a LONG way to go to become a real PDA. maybe this tablet will fill the gap and give Apple an idea on how to improve the iphone for those who want an phone/PDA in one unit.

[chadder007]

Enough with the rumors .....come out with it already. :p

[happydude]

tablet is inevitable, and if anyone can do it, apple can. i just hope the price point isn't prohibitive for the average user. i'd love it, but doubt i'll be able to afford the first few versions until they've worked out the R&D and manufacturing costs.

[wongulous]

Not being sarcastic, I love MR. I was hoping within the first 5 posts that 80% would be about the crazy arthritis monster hands, and they were. <3

[chadder007]

If thats what is going to come out....im sooo going to buy it. :hyper:
Intel did say they were helping Apple with a unit that was 1.5 times larger than the iPhone/iPod Touch.

[137489]

I don't think the problem with the success of tablets in the marketplace is as simple as the clichéd "Windoze sucks" mantra.

Typing on a keyboard with a stylus is just not a natural way of entering data to a computer. And handwriting recognition systems continue to remain sub-par at recognizing input the way people naturally write. Sure, I can train myself to write in a certain way at a certain speed to allow the software to have the best chance of correctly interpreting what I am writing, but that defeats much of the perceived benefit of being able to "write" on my machine.

Tablets certainly have a market, albeit a small one. And multi-touch keyboards will help by allowing people to type with their fingers (however the lack of any tactile feedback will likely result in a high error-rate). But I just don't know of a feature (or feature-set) in OS X that is so compelling when executed on a tablet that it will immediately drive the sale of a million units a quarter - which may very well be what we're going to need to see for Apple to launch the product.

Only 1 thing I beg to differ..... Look at HP's new touch smart with Vista Ultimate/Home Premium SP1. I know a lot of people are drooling over that right now. and it is only $1100. Yes it is a desktop and not a laptop, but if you watch some of the Youtube videos of it's uses in the home, rather than
being tied to a desk. it is advertised as a whole home automation, organization, entertainment device.

I actually played with one at Office Depot while picking up some supplies. It was nice and the handwriting recognition was at 97% using my fingernail. Only certain MS apps support the handwriting recognition, not like Apple's inlwell where every Apple app and use the recognition.

But yes, I have heard even some glitchyness with SP1 on a tablet.

I also think that people using front row could use it as well. Just think of a remote without buttons that you swipe with your finger to find what you want (like on the iphone).

I have a wacom tablet now, and with the work of Axiotron, I see Apple making it a BIG success.

[137489]

What draws me away from the tablrts today are the swivel screen i hate them.

Yeah, I see that as a part that could break from extensive swiveling between tablet mode and using the keyboard.

[tgildred]

My Pastor has the newest iphone, he hates it.

1. Copy and past not an option.
2. Cannot highlight and delete a whole section at a time like you can on the palm smart phones.
3. His old smartphone allowed him to work on Word docs, this one won't you can only view it.
4. It does not have vioce recognition for "Call xxx", "Open Word". like his old smart phone did. He downloaded an app from the Appstore and it only has 70% reliability and only can be used to call people.

Well. Maybe he shouldn't have bought it then? I mean, the feature set has been pretty well known for well over a year now.

Except for number 4, I'm sure all of these will be addressed in a fully functioning tablet.

[RichardI]

Wow. The hands in the bottom drawing do look like they belong to a mutant - or an alien.:rolleyes:
Personally, I wouldn't touch that thing with a 10 foot thumb.:D

Rich :cool:

[Plas00]

All I can say is: HELL YEAH!!

Forget the freaky hands, I know the rumors have been there for years but this time with all the present technology at use by Apple it feels like it is going to happen. (Release 2009 tops to my best guessing)


And for all those who need an excuse for things to be released there's a HUGE market for a device like this try all business travelers that do need a fully loaded laptop but do not need (or can) carry a 15 inch laptop.


Thats just for starters, I can literally see myself with this baby designing and coding on the road, and by that I do mean on the road no need to even unfold the damn thing is just there ready for action, at a perfect size.


Then again that is just the way I see mobility, I own an Ipod touch and I love it, also I have a 24 inch iMac and is great but I do need something in the middle.

[DigiCatRedux]

Nifty concept images, Chadder007. And yes, who drew those hands? A cow?

[137489]

tablet is inevitable, and if anyone can do it, apple can. i just hope the price point isn't prohibitive for the average user. i'd love it, but doubt i'll be able to afford the first few versions until they've worked out the R&D and manufacturing costs.


That's my problem. I did not go with Axiotron due to them being a small unheard of company and the machine costing over $2,000. I have seen a lot of tablets in the $2,000 and up range. Although there once was a Linux version that was $999. Don't know what ever happened to it, I can't find anymore on it. This machine needs to be in the $500-$1500 price range with a decent CPU, Graphics, USB ports, etc For this type of unit, external Superdrive would be ok.

[ibwb]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't see this design being practical for a tablet. You'd be using up too much of the screen space on the keyboard. Not to mention that you'd have to set it flat on a table and hunch over it to type with two hands.

I'm visualizing something a lot more like the Nintendo DS, with the touch screen replacing the keyboard/trackpad. After all, Nintendo has been stealing design ideas from Apple for years... it's only appropriate that Apple would steal something back.

[bredlo]

Creepy or not, I hear they model all their patent application drawings on Steve himself!

[kavika411]

Bredlo - that is brilliant.

[bellis1]

Saw this on engadget today. NEC has an atom touchscreen PC. Now I want to see Apple's version of this. I hope they use different dimensions so you could watch a video widescreen or read my PDF's vertically. Bring it on!!!

http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/28/necs-new-12-and-15-inch-touchscreen-pcs-are-all-screen-atom-p/

[CWallace]

Only 1 thing I beg to differ..... Look at HP's new touch smart with Vista Ultimate/Home Premium SP1. I know a lot of people are drooling over that right now and it is only $1100. Yes it is a desktop and not a laptop, but if you watch some of the Youtube videos of it's uses in the home, rather than being tied to a desk. it is advertised as a whole home automation, organization, entertainment device.

Oh I love touchscreens for manipulating data. To this day I keep tapping my MacBook Pro's screen because I am so used to using my finger on the LCD screens of the Panasonic Toughbooks I work with at my job. :o

But that TB still has a real keyboard. ;)

If Apple brought touch to the MacBook Pro LCD screen as a BTO option, I'd really support that and would pay a premium ($400?) for it. I can't stand trackpads, so I always have a wireless mouse with me when I use my MBP. On the TB's, I don't need the mouse because I can tap the screen.

If Apple can make a pure tablet (an LCD screen with ports on the sides) work and sell in the high hundreds of thousands to low millions per year, that will be great - not just for Apple, not just for the buyers, but for advancing the technology, period. :cool:

[dante@sisna.com]

The key to the touch screen tablet Mac will be the Applications it will spawn for specific Niche and Mainstream Markets as a direct result of the touch screen technology.

Example: A portable restaurant touch screen order pad for a waitress, portable art gallery rating tools, etc.

Same goes for the iPhone.

Anyone see the new "App Store" ads?

[fat phil]

how exactly do you hold a tablet while typing with both hands?

You've never been to a strip club? :)

[fat phil]

Creepy or not, I hear they model all their patent application drawings on Steve himself!

Hehe reminds me of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5P6MLiKEJI&feature=related

How long till one of you does an apple tablet version? :)

[WoFat]

Severed thumb replaced with the big toe?

I'm waiting for the screen that can touch me back.

[Trip.Tucker]

What draws me away from the tablets today are the swivel screen i hate them.

Swivel screen tablets? That's not a tablet, that's a laptop with a touch sensitive screen.

[Eric S.]

AppleInsider details (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/08/28/apple_details_next_gen_multi_touch_techniques_for_tablet_macs.html) some of the techniques in accessing small user interface controls when using a your fingers on a multi-touch tablet Mac

I notice that three of the current Page 1 stories reference AppleInsider articles. :eek:

[gianly1985]

I think that touch interface makes sense IF you have AD HOC graphic interface (and that can be easy) and IF you have LOTS of AD HOC Applications, like on iphone.
So, are we gonna see "App Store Take 2, now with Tablet applications"? Since this tablet will sell very few (compared to a PHONE), will the developers be attracted as well to develop on this platform?

Iphone, being in the pocket of milions of people, is like HONEY to the bees for the developers....but this (probable) tablet?

[sonia1234321]

HOLY ****!

I SWEAR. Four fre*kin' years ago, I had that in my DREAM!!! :eek:

[The Tall One]

I want one. I'll give you $20. No? Okay $30.

[137489]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't see this design being practical for a tablet. You'd be using up too much of the screen space on the keyboard. Not to mention that you'd have to set it flat on a table and hunch over it to type with two hands.

I'm visualizing something a lot more like the Nintendo DS, with the touch screen replacing the keyboard/trackpad. After all, Nintendo has been stealing design ideas from Apple for years... it's only appropriate that Apple would steal something back.

Well, with smartphones (including the iphone) people type with their thumbs. i could see a virtual keyboard for quickthings, and a wireless keyboard (maybe foldable) for if you require a real keyboard for longer typing (like letters, manuals, programming, etc).

most the average user does quick things.... Business people type more.

But eitherway I say give me with the markups I posted earlier.

As one person has pointed out (and we used touch-screens in our labs - CTX CRT's that used a 9-pin serial cable, Plano has one also), the problem has been with Windows apps. Boxes and icons too small or soo close together and requires a stylus.

Personally I think the iphone has been a test market and quinea pig for two reasons:

1. Would people really want an apple product like this (answer seems to be an overwhelming yes).
2. Is it possible to produce something like this as a new laptop/tablet for real everyday business use. - yep, but needs more development work.

[IJ Reilly]

Wow. The hands in the bottom drawing do look like they belong to a mutant - or an alien.

I believe it's called "alien hand syndrome."

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/83/241080742_febd1bf1c2.jpg

[blehpunk]

dear apple, please hire me to draw you some better hands.

[137489]

Swivel screen tablets? That's not a tablet, that's a laptop with a touch sensitive screen.

Yes on all accounts, however they are being sold as tablet PC's.

[happydude]

Well. Maybe he shouldn't have bought it then? I mean, the feature set has been pretty well known for well over a year now.

Except for number 4, I'm sure all of these will be addressed in a fully functioning tablet.

really, these issues should be addressed for a fully functioning iphone. and damn straight those should be in a tablet since the tablet is supposed to be a fully functioning computer, just with a touch screen.

[137489]

dear apple, please hire me to draw you some better hands.

George Costanza is that you!! :p Remember the Seinfeld episode where George become a hand model.

http://www.thestockbandit.net/wp-content/my-images/Beginning-Trader.jpg

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/9/9e/250px-GeorgeCostanza.jpg

[blybug]

Typing on a keyboard with a stylus is just not a natural way of entering data to a computer...

...multi-touch keyboards will help by allowing people to type with their fingers (however the lack of any tactile feedback will likely result in a high error-rate).

I hope with a device like this, that the keyboard would have several layout options, including one that would be more or less the same size/resolution as the iPhone. I've become quite adept at typing quickly on the iPhone (especially once I started trusting the error correction). That skill would translate immediately to a larger tablet, and also not have to cover half the screen. The larger "virtual keyboards" are not especially conducive to either touch-typing or hunt-and-peck.

Have a little iPhone-style keyboard that pops up out of the corner when needed, and 10 million people already know how to use it!

[tgildred]

Damn, damn straight?


Of course they will be. And more than likely this research into a better solution will trickle down to the iPhone. But if you purchase something that you know is limited in certain ways, than you have to accept those limitations until a fix or a new version is provided. Otherwise, just don't buy the thing, and go find a phone that does suit your needs. No one phone is likely going to do everything that you want, and certainly not what everyone wants. So you decide which features are important to you, and which you can compromise on.

FYI, the iPhone doesn't suit my needs. And I haven't bought one.

really, these issues should be addressed for a fully functioning iphone. and damn straight those should be in a tablet since the tablet is supposed to be a fully functioning computer, just with a touch screen.

[Marx55]

As stated by Apple:

Apple’s secret product is ‘MacBook touch’
http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/rumor_apples_secret_product_is_macbook_touch/P100

To be like this:

MacBook Touch tipped to be Apple’s secret development
http://www.slashgear.com/macbook-touch-tipped-to-be-apples-secret-development-2212825.php

MacBook Touch mockups from a fan
http://www.slashgear.com/macbook-touch-mockups-from-a-fan-059379.php

With full Mac OS X inside, Firewire, Ethernet, full-quality video out port, 5 to 7-inch screen and a weight like this will be perfect:

OQO model e2
http://www.oqo.com

We need a Mac like that for our University. And we need thousands of units now. For full blown presentations from NATIVE Keynote and PowerPoint files (ie., transitions, animations, video, etc).

[grapefruitx]

Personaly believe this is just occuping patent space, what the hell are you going to do with a tablet PC?
Can't use it as a laptop without a keyboard, to large to cary everywhere, to small to be a proper PC, Apple's product's of recent years are somthing, A portable Music player, a Phone, the trouble with this type of device its no good at anything, In busness you would stilll need a phone and a notebook,

the only "what does it do" angle that I think it could cover is electronic book reader, tied in with itunes,

[abhimat.gautam]

How would resting your fingers on the home row work?

[BklynKid]

Those thumbs look like they hurt, constantly.

[miamialley]

I've been laughing about the alien hands in the first few posts all day...

[blybug]

Personaly believe this is just occuping patent space, what the hell are you going to do with a tablet PC?
Can't use it as a laptop without a keyboard, to large to cary everywhere, to small to be a proper PC, Apple's product's of recent years are somthing, A portable Music player, a Phone, the trouble with this type of device its no good at anything, In busness you would stilll need a phone and a notebook,

the only "what does it do" angle that I think it could cover is electronic book reader, tied in with itunes,

These would be perfect in a medical/hospital environment. While many clinics and hospitals have moved to electronic documentation over the past decade, nothing from the Windows world has really provided a device that fits within a doctor's workflow. See patients all day, sit at a desktop through lunch and all evening finishing up typing.

I could carry this with me room to room and actually enter and look up information on the fly, something that I have yet to do successfully with any of the goofy gadgets our hospital IT department floats by us each year. Put one of these in every doctor's hands, and you've got a huge enterprise revolution in the Mac world.

Seriously...typing on a virtual QWERTY keyboard with a stylus...scribbling into a "scratchpad" application, flipping the screen up and around, and retyping the notes afterwards because the OCR software is too buggy...this is what they think we should be doing.

[Trajectory]

Personally, I'm not sure I'd find a tablet computer that useful. I'm sure for some industries and applications it would be great, but, for the general consumer? I already have an iMac, MacBook and iPhone. For me, that's all I need to be portable and productive. Not sure how a tablet Mac would fit into their product line without a lot of overlap on other products.

Creepy or not, I hear they model all their patent application drawings on Steve himself!

LOL!! Those images were great.

[137489]

As stated by Apple:

Apple’s secret product is ‘MacBook touch’
http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/rumor_apples_secret_product_is_macbook_touch/P100

To be like this:

MacBook Touch tipped to be Apple’s secret development
http://www.slashgear.com/macbook-touch-tipped-to-be-apples-secret-development-2212825.php

MacBook Touch mockups from a fan
http://www.slashgear.com/macbook-touch-mockups-from-a-fan-059379.php

With full Mac OS X inside, Firewire, Ethernet, full-quality video out port, 5 to 7-inch screen and a weight like this will be perfect:

OQO model e2
http://www.oqo.com

We need a Mac like that for our University. And we need thousands of units now. For full blown presentations from NATIVE Keynote and PowerPoint files (ie., transitions, animations, video, etc).

THe OQO is a little thick and again typing with thumbs. there are similar models out there. But I do like the docking option, hdd space and it has some ports on board. Your #1 is good. I like the mockups I posted better (they are not mine, I just googled them). I still say a laptop like this is cool:

http://www.dodevice.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/canova-dual-screen-laptop.jpg

http://www.laptopsarena.com/wp-content/uploads/top-10-coolest-laptop-concepts-canova-dual-touch-screen-laptop-1.jpg

http://www.gottabemobile.com/blogimages/MeettheCanovoDualTouchScreenTabletNotebo_128D7/V12_Laptop_1_full3.jpg

Functions as a dual touch screen/tablet each screen is independant, eac screen works together (ie all your tools on one and the drawing on the other, and one part can be used as a virtual keyboard while having a still full laptop sized screen. opens flat (from some of the concepts I seen). Give it 3 screens (top lid as a tablet, so you would not have to open it) and you would be golden. Also enough room for a good CPU, removable battery (like Dell laptops have just snap it out and snap in a new one), and still all the rooom for all your ports (and more than 2 USB's). Also has the room for a CD drive.


the concept is called a Canova-dual screen laptop. I say make is a tri-screen laptop.

[franzmueller]

ugly hand :D

ET phone home :D

[notjustjay]

For a touch-based tablet I think the ideal would be to find a way to comfortably type with one hand while holding the unit with the other.

[iMacmatician]

AppleInsider details (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/08/28/apple_details_next_gen_multi_touch_techniques_for_tablet_macs.html) some of the techniques in accessing small user interface controls when using a your fingers on a multi-touch tablet Mac:Now THIS is what I'm looking for. A tablet with regular unmodified Mac OS X, as the article states, would not match well with multi-touch displays. Also, the modifications would allow a smaller display than otherwise, leading into smaller screened tablets.

So I don't think we will see a tablet until the appropriate modifications are made. After that though, I can see a well-designed Apple tablet that could sell much better than Windows-based tablets for the (G)UI modifications alone.

What I'm also concerned about is that Mac OS X Touch would be yet another environment from Mac OS X and iPhone OS. I wonder if applications would just be able to be moved from one Mac OS X to another with little or no changes. I suppose the multi-touch display-specific functions would just be inactive when the application is on Mac OS X, and active when it is on Mac OS X Touch.

This could also explain why Snow Leopard has "0 new features" (although I know there are low-level developments).

While we've heard rumors of a tablet Mac for years, this year we've heard claims that either a tablet or mini-tablet Mac could be coming soon. Is that a recap of existing rumors or has MacRumors heard additional rumors from their own source(s)? And can't there be both a Mac OS X Touch tablet and an iPhone OS mini-tablet? Maybe the tablet will be announced/released soon, as rumored, and the mini-tablet will be released at MWSF 2009 (as the last rumor about it stated a delay to an undeterminable timeframe).

Also, AppleInsider stated that the mini-tablet's development was delayed by the iPhone. They assumed, since initial iPhone development is over, that the mini-tablet would go full forward in development. If that was true, then I think it would be out by now. But no. Maybe the same team that is developing the mini-tablet is also helping development of the tablet? And the tablet is likely to come out sooner than the mini-tablet... Either that, or the tablet has actually been in (more secret) development, in some form or another, for longer than the mini-tablet.

Except for number 4, I'm sure all of these will be addressed in a fully functioning tablet.Not only that, they could also be addressed in a mini-tablet as well.

As stated by Apple:

Apple’s secret product is ‘MacBook touch’Apple has not stated that, and your first link clearly says it's still a rumor.

[kabunaru]

Is Apple using Aliens from space for these mock-up sketches? :D


Someday, we will have a Tablet.

[CWallace]

These would be perfect in a medical/hospital environment. While many clinics and hospitals have moved to electronic documentation over the past decade, nothing from the Windows world has really provided a device that fits within a doctor's workflow. See patients all day, sit at a desktop through lunch and all evening finishing up typing.

One of the main reasons the Microsoft UMPC concept has not taken off is the sheer price of the components compared to what else is available that can do similar functions, just in a large form factor.

However, something like this, while likely expensive in it's initial form, could appeal to vertical markets like medical where price is not so much an object and functionality is of more value.

[iMacmatician]

Is Apple using Aliens from space for these mock-up sketches? :DMaybe those aliens are helping Apple with the tablet. :D

Someday, we will have a Tablet.Completely agreed. The question is: when?

[kabunaru]

Completely agreed. The question is: when?
Either "One more thing" at September 9th Event or "One more thing" at MWSF 2009.

[iMacmatician]

Either "One more thing" at September 9th Event or "One more thing" at MWSF 2009.My personal guess is that the Mac OS X Touch tablet is coming at the September 9 "One More Thing" for a later release (like the :apple: tv), and the iPhone OS mini-tablet is coming in MWSF 2009.

[Clayne]

My personal guess is that the Mac OS X Touch tablet is coming at the September 9 "One More Thing" for a later release (like the :apple: tv), and the iPhone OS mini-tablet is coming in MWSF 2009.

That sounds right, but I bet it'll be more drawn out.

It's always more drawn out than expected.

[twoodcc]

now i'd love to see this. or at least a mini-tablet that runs iphone apps

[kabunaru]

My personal guess is that the Mac OS X Touch tablet is coming at the September 9 "One More Thing" for a later release (like the :apple: tv), and the iPhone OS mini-tablet is coming in MWSF 2009.
Two tablets??? :confused:

[Lesser Evets]

I love how many people were saying for the past months that Apple will NEVER do a tablet, yada yada, Laptops are FOREVER, yada yada...

All total BS.

It's obvious the tablet is next.

One thing the tablet might never replace properly is the keyboard with its ability to have bumps to keep the fingers registered for ultra fast typing. For tooling around and simple stuff the tablet is fine! And the tablet can do handwriting recog, so using some Gregg shorthand you can rocket through data entry.

[iMacmatician]

It's always more drawn out than expected.Words of gold, man. Words of gold. And I don't just say this because the anticipation makes the wait seem longer than what it is...

Two tablets??? :confused:The obvious way to reconcile the two different types of rumors. I don't think any of the rumors explicitly support or deny the possibility of another type of tablet.

[JackAxe]

Separated at birth?

Edit: To add something on topic, I think it makes so much more sense to have a touch tablet than a touch screen laptop or desktop.

:D

Freaking funny!

<]=)

[Bonte]

As stated by Apple:

Apple’s secret product is ‘MacBook touch’
http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/rumor_apples_secret_product_is_macbook_touch/P100

I love to get my hands on a tablet Mac but this is hard to believe, P.A. Semi's chips cant be used with full osX because Apple is moving the OS to Intel only. Apple wants to be in control of the hard and software so everything will be sold via the Appstore, but i can see more freedom for devs to write browser and other plugins.

I don't think a full OS is the best option for a 7-8' touch device, we need special apps geared towards a smaller screen and touch.

[boss1]

• Screen size: between 9" and 13".
• Price: $1700 - $2500 +
• Battery life: 3 - 5 hours
• Launch Date: Simultaneously with 10.6 (they need to shave off the bulk, and support for this device)
• Internet: I have big doubts that Apple will include a 3G / ATT option, so if you have WiFi where u need it , great. If your traveling and need email/internet on the spot I would hope this thing has at least a single USB slot. If there is no USB then many will probably opt for an iPhone as a better mobile device.

[iMacmatician]

I love to get my hands on a tablet Mac but this is hard to believe, P.A. Semi's chips cant be used with full osX because Apple is moving the OS to Intel only. I've heard that Snow Leopard still has internal PPC builds, but yeah, you're right. That would somewhat limit the number of apps the tablet can use as more apps go Intel-only.

I don't think a full OS is the best option for a 7-8' touch device, we need special apps geared towards a smaller screen and touch.Neither do I. Not only is there a smaller display, there are lower specs, and that's more problematic when you consider the overhead Mac OS X and its apps provide. Generally, devices with desktop OSes are fairly thick, and we know Apple doesn't like "thick." And I'm not sure if the modifications noted in the patent are enough for such a small display.

As I've said before, I think an enhanced version of the iPhone OS is best for a 5"~8" multi-touch display device.

[bredlo]

Here's a few more - Steve really gets a lot of hand modeling practice...

[t0mat0]

Seeing as Apple usually obfuscates as to which Mac this might go to, isn't it a real possibility that the touchwheel multitouch interface could just as easily make it to the iPod? Or even be the groundbreaker, to introduce the concept for a Tablet, and then bring in new gestures like the iTunes interface to all the Maccs that have a touch screen. (for those that don't - a wonderfujl iPhone app would be the way, linked via BT or WiFi).

[JPIndustrie]

The tablet mac is coming. And when it comes, I guarantee it will change the game.

[kabunaru]

The tablet mac is coming. And when it comes, I guarantee it will change the game.

But is it going to cannibalise MacBook or MacBook Air sales? That is the question.

[Firefly2002]

Ugliest fingers..... ever.

[Loge]

As I've said before, I think an enhanced version of the iPhone OS is best for a 5"~8" multi-touch display device.

I disagree. It will be a far more functional device if it can run standard OS X, (perhaps with some processor intensive parts disabled), but with the ability to run standard OS X apps rather than just those available in the iPhone app store. I see it closer to the Air than the iPhone.

I don't think Apple will do another OS X just for this device either.

[iMacmatician]

I disagree. It will be a far more functional device if it can run standard OS X, (perhaps with some processor intensive parts disabled), but with the ability to run standard OS X apps rather than just those available in the iPhone app store. I see it closer to the Air than the iPhone.But are the hardware specs up to it? Can Apple make it thin enough and still be at a reasonable price point? And will the user experience be suitable on such a small display?

[Marx55]

Apple has not stated that, and your first link clearly says it's still a rumor.

I meant this bit:

"We are working to develop new products that contain technologies that our competition will not be able to match. I cannot discuss these new products, but we are very confident in our product pipeline. - Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer, during Apple's Q308 Financial Results Conference Call, July 21, 2008".

Later on confirmed by Steve Jobs talking not just of a product, but of products in plural. And remember the product will be for Q3 and the products for next months.

[jnc]

i want it to be more "official Modbook" than "10 inch iPhone".

Make it happen plz. :apple:

[thebassoonist]

That looks spiffy!

[iMacmatician]

I meant this bit:

"We are working to develop new products that contain technologies that our competition will not be able to match. I cannot discuss these new products, but we are very confident in our product pipeline. - Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer, during Apple's Q308 Financial Results Conference Call, July 21, 2008".

Later on confirmed by Steve Jobs talking not just of a product, but of products in plural. And remember the product will be for Q3 and the products for next months.Yeah, but it still doesn't say that those products include a tablet.

[Marx55]

But are the hardware specs up to it? Can Apple make it thin enough and still be at a reasonable price point? And will the user experience be suitable on such a small display?

The key is Intel Atom chip. You will see it in September.

[/dev/toaster]

I don't think the problem with the success of tablets in the marketplace is as simple as the clichéd "Windoze sucks" mantra.

Typing on a keyboard with a stylus is just not a natural way of entering data to a computer. And handwriting recognition systems continue to remain sub-par at recognizing input the way people naturally write. Sure, I can train myself to write in a certain way at a certain speed to allow the software to have the best chance of correctly interpreting what I am writing, but that defeats much of the perceived benefit of being able to "write" on my machine.

Tablets certainly have a market, albeit a small one. And multi-touch keyboards will help by allowing people to type with their fingers (however the lack of any tactile feedback will likely result in a high error-rate). But I just don't know of a feature (or feature-set) in OS X that is so compelling when executed on a tablet that it will immediately drive the sale of a million units a quarter - which may very well be what we're going to need to see for Apple to launch the product.

I have played around with some Windows tablets and they are down right awful. Sorry, but MS just doesn't understand user interfaces. Look at how well the iPhone is doing compared to Windows Mobile, interface is a huge part of that.

[Spid]

http://www.iphonebuzz.com/wp-content/gallery/iphone-buzz-gallery/apple_tablet.jpg

http://stuff.tv/productimages/908500a8cgt.jpg

Yep! That's almost what I would like... but not only another tablet!

I would like a Tablet with more controller on each side of the screen, such 4 directional arrows, joystick, 4 x action buttons and 2 x menu buttons... (something like the Sony PSP).

I want a small-mobile device which fit in a pocket or a purse for multi-usage: travel, some basic office work, internet, music, movie, game, ichat, draw (with both finger or optional and not required stylus such the wacom tablet)...

The optical drive shown in the second picture is not require is there's already a lot of things onboard (wifi, BT, 3G, GPS, large SSD such 32 or 64 Gb) and USB port(s) to connect the same drive than the MacBook Air.

And it could be easily be done between $599 and $799, mostly if you will also have another AT&T plan for the data (pretty useful to really have your office when you travel).

Apple said in 2007, we will see more "post-pc" devices... AppleTV, iPod and iPhone are perfect example.... something like that (iMove, iPlay, iGame, whatever could be the name) would really create a new market! It will not be a bigger iPhone or a smaller tablet-mac or UMPC/MAC or modbook... it will really be a new product we didn't see until now... something than every other company will copy later!

I really want something like that for September this year, so Pleeeeeeease Mr. Apple... DO IT!

Spid

[Marx55]

I don't think a full OS is the best option for a 7-8' touch device, we need special apps geared towards a smaller screen and touch.

Then see this, with just 5-inch and a bestseller. If only it had Mac OS X inside and Firewire...

OQO model e2
http://www.oqo.com

[tgildred]

Here's a few more - Steve really gets a lot of hand modeling practice...

In that last one, Steve has a mustache that says, "Yeah, I've been naked on film. What of it?"

[Lesser Evets]

Here's a few more - Steve really gets a lot of hand modeling practice...

Thanks for that!
Very funny.

[iMacmatician]

The key is Intel Atom chip. You will see it in September.There's still the display issue, but that could be at least partially solved by the modifications noted in the AppleInsider article.

The September/October tablet rumors center on a 12"~13" tablet device with an optical drive (so it's thicker than a MacBook Air). Maybe there is a smaller version of that tablet (~8~9") too.

In comparison, the mini-tablet rumors mentioned a 5" or so device about as thin as an iPod touch.

[kabunaru]

http://www.iphonebuzz.com/wp-content/gallery/iphone-buzz-gallery/apple_tablet.jpg

http://www.geeksquad.co.uk/uploadedImages/Blogs/Pennants_blog/MacBook-Touch.jpg

http://stuff.tv/productimages/908500a8cgt.jpg

I want Apple to release something similar to these if anything. These are very nice.

[Trajectory]

Just because the illustration shows a tablet-like device doesn't mean that's where the technology will be used. The patent is for the technology, not the device. This could easily for be the next-generation iPhone or iPod. I think that's more likely, IMO.

[Desamell]

Remember when the MBA was released and jobs showed the grid with the notebook family..there was an empty space. That space will be filled by this tablet

[macshill]

http://i33.tinypic.com/2m6rfpu.jpg :D :D :D

:apple:

[iMacmatician]

Then see this, with just 5-inch and a bestseller. If only it had Mac OS X inside and Firewire...

OQO model e2
http://www.oqo.comIt's 1" thick. I highly doubt Apple will release a similar product that thick. Apple's all about thin, thin, thin. Less thickness = Less performance = Less suitability of Mac OS X.

A thin device about 2x~4x the display area (7"~10") would have a similar internal area and would be at the lower limit of Mac OS X.

Remember when the MBA was released and jobs showed the grid with the notebook family..there was an empty space. That space will be filled by this tabletYou may be on to something there...!

Does anyone have a picture of this?

[kjs862]

I wonder if it has anything to do about SJ's health.

[macshill]

I wonder if it has anything to do about SJ's health.

Ooh... do you mean one last great hurrah (releasing a lot of great updated products all at once)? Here in Apple Country, dems fightin' words. Steve Jobs is like the Star Trek franchise-- he's unkillable! :D

I hope Steve's getting better and wish him the best. :)

[alphaod]

I hope they call it the Mac Mini touch.

[mac*jedi*g]

Who drew the rendering? :eek: Someone who worked on "Lord of the Rings"?! Now I'm afraid to touch something like that if my hands manifest into creature features. ;)

[mikeinternet]

http://i33.tinypic.com/2m6rfpu.jpg :D :D :D

:apple:

these have clearly been photoshoped.

[Loge]

It's 1" thick. I highly doubt Apple will release a similar product that thick. Apple's all about thin, thin, thin. Less thickness = Less performance = Less suitability of Mac OS X.


This may be true, but it needs to offer something that the iPhone doesn't. In other words it needs to be a small computer, not an oversized phone - which suggests something closer to Mac OS X. I am keen that this is should be a creative device rather than a passive device.

Performance should at least be up to that of the computers from several years back, which could run Mac OS X, although not necessarily with all the new features of Leopard.

[boss1]

I'm inclined to believe that the product pictured in the patent is the possible outcome, as opposed to the technology in the patent being infused into Apple's current product line up.

The transition of ditching the physical keyboard on any current product (iphone aside) is too harsh and risky, even for a company as bold as Apple.

Apple will likely want to test the market of consumers effectively using and demanding a full OS with a touch screen before transitioning this into desktop and laptop products and discontinue selling keyboards.

So we probably are going to see a tablet way before we ever see an iMac, Macbook revamp.

That also means this product is going to be in a category of its own. Which means a unique naming scheme as well.



But what do I know, they might just release it as a huge freaking iPhone via AT&T and call it iPhone XL. :D

[haravikk]

I want one! But only if it looks exactly as shown in the diagram, 'cos my hands totally look like that :)

[iMacmatician]

This may be true, but it needs to offer something that the iPhone doesn't.
...
I am keen that this is should be a creative device rather than a passive device.You are thinking what I'm thinking...except that we have different implementations of it.

The larger display of this mini-tablet would better facilitate editing modes for iPod (iTunes), calendar, etc. Basic editing modes could be on the same "window" as the display (easy and simple) and more complex editing modes (if they exist) on a separate window.

Also, I have time and again emphasized that this device should/would have mobile versions of iLife and iWork, where the bigger display definitely helps. These versions would have much less overhead than regular Mac OS X versions, which helps with the lower specs on the device.

Also, the larger display of the device allows for more complex applications.

[137489]

Seeing as Apple usually obfuscates as to which Mac this might go to, isn't it a real possibility that the touchwheel multitouch interface could just as easily make it to the iPod? Or even be the groundbreaker, to introduce the concept for a Tablet, and then bring in new gestures like the iTunes interface to all the Maccs that have a touch screen. (for those that don't - a wonderfujl iPhone app would be the way, linked via BT or WiFi).


http://www.iphonebuzz.com/wp-content/gallery/iphone-buzz-gallery/apple_tablet.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5804/appletabletpatent3ao.jpg

Uh huh, uh huh - looks pretty similar to me....

[MrCrowbar]

these have clearly been photoshoped.

I think they're real. It's highly unlikely that those have been photoshopped this perfeclty from so many angles. The colors match. I say those are real.
:p

[farmboy]

I want one! But only if it looks exactly as shown in the diagram, 'cos my hands totally look like that :)

We are here and hiding until the time is right.


Gort, Klatu barada nictu. Live long and prosper. Don't forget to turn off the antimatter generator before you leave the cube...black holes leave such a mess on the other side.:D

[gcmexico]

can't wait till this thing comes out...should be off the hook!

[macfan70]

With a small touch screen there is always the issue of key size.
I always thought that the Virtual Laser Keyboard was an interesting concept but still needed some work. If it were incorporated into a tablet then I think we may have something.

You could prop it up like a screen and project the "keyboard" on any surface. No additional hardware.

Please excuse the roughness of this mockup.

[macshill]

I love how the hands are getting so much talk. :)

I didn't know Steve went by the alias " Ray McKigney" during his downtime from Apple. ;) Glad he kept... uh, "busy". :p

('Seinfeld', "The Puffy Shirt"; season: 5 episode: 66; 09/23/93)

[Sam Yikin]

With a small touch screen there is always the issue of key size.
I always thought that the Virtual Laser Keyboard was an interesting concept but still needed some work. If it were incorporated into a tablet then I think we may have something.

You could prop it up like a screen and project the "keyboard" on any surface. No additional hardware.

Please excuse the roughness of this mockup.
Ummmmm..... OK....

[CWallace]

The tablet mac is coming. And when it comes, I guarantee it will change the game.

In what way do you believe it will do so?

I'm honestly interested, and not trying to start a debate.

[boss1]

In what way do you believe it will do so?

I'm honestly interested, and not trying to start a debate.

I'll make a point for him.

It's the second significant, step in commercially applying a full touch screen environment to a major consumer OS. The first step was the iPhone . Remember Job's words at introduction for the 1st gen iPhone were "OSX in your pocket"

The 3rd step will be the dismemberment of the keyboard from the iMac in 2010 .

[137489]

Seeing as Apple usually obfuscates as to which Mac this might go to, isn't it a real possibility that the touchwheel multitouch interface could just as easily make it to the iPod? Or even be the groundbreaker, to introduce the concept for a Tablet, and then bring in new gestures like the iTunes interface to all the Maccs that have a touch screen. (for those that don't - a wonderfujl iPhone app would be the way, linked via BT or WiFi).


http://www.iphonebuzz.com/wp-content/gallery/iphone-buzz-gallery/apple_tablet.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5804/appletabletpatent3ao.jpg

Uh huh, uh huh - looks pretty similar to me.... Could this be the device? Add in the slide in imac dock?

http://www.iphonebuzz.com/wp-content/gallery/iphone-buzz-gallery/0512_imac_tablet_inset_450.jpg

http://www.dabbledoo.com/ee/images/uploads/appletell/xDock.gif

Too Separate patents coming together - and yet I found photoshops of both on the web? And one that perfectly combinds the two? Either we have great imaginations and two many people thinking alike - or this could be a leak of what will really happen???

[kabunaru]

Please excuse the roughness of this mockup.

Year 2050 technology. :D I would buy it if I was in the year 2050 worldline right now. ;)

[O. Frabjous-Dey]

I think they're real. It's highly unlikely that those have been photoshopped this perfeclty from so many angles. The colors match. I say those are real.
:p

When you find out about CAD modeling your mind is going to be blown.

[jnc]

or this could be a leak of what will really happen???

No.

When you find out about CAD modeling your mind is going to be blown.

When you find out about sarcasm, ditto. ;)

Year 2050 technology. :D I would buy it if I was in the year 2050 worldline right now. ;)

Already here dude :D - http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/input/8193/

[137489]

I'll make a point for him.

It's the second significant, step in commercially applying a full touch screen environment to a major consumer OS. The first step was the iPhone . Remember Job's words at introduction for the 1st gen iPhone were "OSX in your pocket"

The 3rd step will be the dismemberment of the keyboard from the iMac in 2010 .


Besides the have to keep up with Microsoft :p

But no seriously, Apple started Multi-touch and we seen where MS displayed a multi-touch system earlier this year (remember that?). If Apple does not release this now, well - then people will say MS did it and Apple copied it, and Apple is losing its innovation. Apple needs to do this right now...

[t0mat0]

Apple is such a darn tease with multi-touch and gesture patents!
Fingerworks IP got passed to them, and some from Fingerworks are working at Aple now (we've seen several patents with named ex-Fingerworks employees).

I think that the multi-touch is a much bigger story than the tablet. Woo hoo, it's a tablet - you can create a tablet from a decently folding cscreen over a laptop's keyboard - see the IDF MID video showing one of these off - the MIDs on that video show Apple isn't even in that ball park playing currently.

Wacom have shown it's possible, Lux et al have shown it's feasible to move to the Macs.

Presumably multitouch is baked into Snow Leopard - anyone have any ideas as to how they'd fit it in transparently? Presumably as part of the SDK - the OS can recognise if there's multitouch enabled hardware, and turn on those features - just trying to think if there is a few precedents or examples of this previously for Apple products.

[jnc]

But no seriously, Apple started Multi-touch

Whoa, let's stop you right there.

[137489]

No.

Why would you say that. There are a bunch of images on Google that put this exact thing? would not be the first time it is leaked. I remember some of the first leaks about a tablet markup and quess what - it was the axiotron that came out. Also a number of macs and ipod/iphone supposed markups turned out to be that exact thing. And like someone said, these markups have it shown at too many different angles - Yes I know about rotating and inverting images, but come on they appear on different websites at different times. Beside we are talking about two different patents that photoshops were done for, and yet one of photo shops combinds both rumors perfectly?

I dunno seems too coincidental......


Already here dude :D - http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/input/8193/


Yep, see that. Not sure how much a market (other than a toy). But then again Livescribe just gave us the paper based tablet.

Laser keyboard. Hmm - need room to project the image. How accurate is it. Wow, they say it works with OSX, but there are some driver compatibility issues. People complain about my loud typing now.... Tapping on a table is much louder... It shows what technology can do, but I do not see that lasting.

[bobertoq]

Hahahahaha... Look at those hands hahaha.... Anyways, if this ever happens, cool. But I doubt a patent means it will actually happen.

[alex018]

not like others ms palm u need really press on it.

[lgoodlove]

i think it's about time apple responds to the HP all-in-one touch system. From what i've seen it doesn't look that bad. not a horrible price mark up. and i guess it's got multi-touch (though it's definitely not apples)

wouldn't it be nice on the imac?

I just hope they don't mark up the price to something ridiculous...which is likely... i can only hope if they do then they would drop the price and improve the ipod touch.

also i wouldn't mind a multi-touch laptop, but i don't want to pay for a macbook that is priced like the air. which is expected if you ask me.

I hope apple is sincere about dropping there nasty 34% gross profit on there Average product. I mean wasn't one of apple's primary goals to put a personal computer in every persons house... i hope they do still believe what they dreamed about when they were just a baby computer company.

[heisetax]

If Apple releases a tablet they are really going to kick the crap out of MS. Many companies have tried a tablet and failed, however I think Apple can pull it off.

I know I will buy one, I do see a big use for it. Especially, if it somehow can connect or work with the AppleTV. Not talking iTunes, I mean applications. Could you imagine if Apple got into the game market with a tablet and AppleTV ? Not sure how well it would do, but OMG you would be able to create some cleaver applications.

Apple has already made a handheld computer of this size. Steve Jobs killed it when he came back a few years ago. Remember, it was called the Newton.

[heisetax]

With some of the markups floating around the web. I wonder if this patent hints at the size of what they may be releasing? Here are some close markups I have seen. I only chose a few as God knows there are 100's of guess. Personally I like the last 2 options. If the touch tablet had enough power or the dock would give it a boost in power (not sure how), then I could see forgoing my macbook and getting a tablet/imac combo. With my Wacom, I now only type if I have to write long letters/messages or do programming. Everything else is just click, sketch, or handwriting recognition.

One word of advice - don't ever have inkwell/handwriting recognition turned on and then turn on omnidazzle without stopping the inkwell - talk about your conflict and perpetual beachball and fans kicking on extra high. I had to shut if off and turn the macbook back on.

http://studiografiko.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/atom-iphone.jpg

http://www.iphonebuzz.com/wp-content/gallery/iphone-buzz-gallery/apple_tablet.jpg

http://www.geeksquad.co.uk/uploadedImages/Blogs/Pennants_blog/MacBook-Touch.jpg

http://www.iphonebuzz.com/wp-content/gallery/iphone-buzz-gallery/0512_imac_tablet_inset_450.jpg

http://stuff.tv/productimages/908500a8cgt.jpg


The first photo looks like a fat iPodTouch/iPhone. The last one has a dvd drive in it. Apple took the dvd drive out of the IntelMacBookAir, so why would they put one in such a small unit?

[Kwill]

The patent attorney was told have the "author write us," which was obviously misunderstood to be "arthritis."

[Marx55]

It's 1" thick. I highly doubt Apple will release a similar product that thick. Apple's all about thin, thin, thin. Less thickness = Less performance = Less suitability of Mac OS X.

A thin device about 2x~4x the display area (7"~10") would have a similar internal area and would be at the lower limit of Mac OS X.

That would be great for us, as far as it can be used for true full blown wired and wireless presenations from NATIVE Keynote and PowerPoint files (in other words, as far as it runs the native iWork and Office for Mac). With Ethernet and Firewire ports as well. And no more than 500 g or so.

[davidstechshow]

I bet that at MacWorld 08 they are going to release a Macintosh Tablet as there major product and a new Cinema Display as a minor product release.:apple:

[t0mat0]

i think it's about time apple responds to the HP all-in-one touch system. From what i've seen it doesn't look that bad. not a horrible price mark up. and i guess it's got multi-touch (though it's definitely not apples)

Wasn't a nice interface all told - see Walt Mossberg's review on allthingsd.com - he panned it. As for gross margins - they're likely to stay in some form. It's not suddenly going to drop down lower than 27% or so i'd imagine.

The first photo looks like a fat iPodTouch/iPhone. The last one has a dvd drive in it. Apple took the dvd drive out of the IntelMacBookAir, so why would they put one in such a small unit?

How about actually putting DVD burning in the base mini model 1st eh? hehe... A Tablet is a great contender to not have a DVD drive in, ala MacBook Air, and to also basically use the MacBook Air drive add on, as an optional buy if you wanted one. DVD burning and someone moving around with it at the same time seems a little counter-productive.

Intel pegged more information coming out in the Taipei Taiwan IDF I believe (Oct 2008)- i.e. Before MWSF, before WWDC. WWDC would seem a good time to bring out ACDs in a way - as the OS might have resolution independence, they could bring in DisplayPort ACDs, have HDMI, possibly but maybe not HDCP etc. Atom or the MacBook Air chip would be a good contender to run the Tablet. I'd imagine user's would be expecting a fair bit of power from it anyhow. A Tablet could soft-launch multitouch features and be the test bed for sorting it out on OS X.

Edit: Why can't a hypothetical Apple Tablet not have pressure sensitivity, and add that into the SDK?

[Pigumon]

This really pretty cool, BUT the one reason it WON'T ever kick Tablet PC's butt is there is no pressure sensitivity.

Apple would be shutting out half of the tablet's niche market if you can't use it to draw on. Check out a Cintiq to see what I mean.

[Delicious-Apple]

This really pretty cool, BUT the one reason it WON'T ever kick Tablet PC's butt is there is no pressure sensitivity.

Apple would be shutting out half of the tablet's niche market if you can't use it to draw on. Check out a Cintiq to see what I mean.

NTrig now produce a panel that combines Stylus/Pressure Sensitivity with MultiTouch. So you never know. It only supports 256 levels at the moment though.

[mrthieme]

these have clearly been photoshoped.

I doubt it, imagine the skill and technology needed to paste the photo of the hands over such a lifelike rendering of Steve. Who would devote such resources to a prank?

[bredlo]

I doubt it, imagine the skill and technology needed to paste the photo of the hands over such a lifelike rendering of Steve. Who would devote such resources to a prank?

LOL :D

[kjs862]

These mockups are really nice!

[ZigZagLens]

Yeah guys I gotta echo the previous comments on the fingers. So let's not get too excited, as clearly the product line is aimed at Spielberg aliens.

[Raidersmojo]

that mock of up combining the imac and a tablet would be a cool idea (No idea how practical though) they could even have a tad bit bigger screen if you bought a 24 inch model over the 20 inch.

be neat to have all your files up loaded before class the throw over a movie or song you were working on then go to class take notes on it and it transfers automatically when you plug it into the home station.

or you could just carry around a laptop....

[Pigumon]

NTrig now produce a panel that combines Stylus/Pressure Sensitivity with MultiTouch. So you never know. It only supports 256 levels at the moment though.

:eek: Wow, that is VERY promising! Apple is good at acquiring the best technologies to add to their own. Even 256 is way better than 1. Yeah I was thinking, I wish you could have the option of using a stylus for certain apps.

Now I'm back to drooling.

[iMacmatician]

And no more than 500 g or so.Which would be more easily achieved with a thinner mini-tablet.

[deftdrummer]

E.T Type Home!!!!

WAHAHAHAHAHHA!!! :D I nearly fell over laughing when I read that.

[deftdrummer]

Here's a few more - Steve really gets a lot of hand modeling practice...

oh my GOD I ABOUT DIED WHEN i SAW THIS ONE TOO!!!!! I've never laughed so hard at something on the net before, how embarassing to be at work and see this...

[Baffles]

Atom is not a good contender for this at all. Atom chips are horribly slow and inefficient. An underclocked Athlon 64 chip clocked at the same speed as an atom chip not only outperforms it for the same clock speed, but also draws less power to boot. They should stick with the MBA chip for any tablet they may or may not make.

[sushi]

Atom is not a good contender for this at all. Atom chips are horribly slow and inefficient. An underclocked Athlon 64 chip clocked at the same speed as an atom chip not only outperforms it for the same clock speed, but also draws less power to boot.
Source please. TIA.

[iMacmatician]

Source please. TIA.I've also heard that the Atom chipset draws a ton of power, so it's not really that efficient. The upcoming one is supposed to help in this regard.

[sushi]

I've also heard that the Atom chipset draws a ton of power, so it's not really that efficient. The upcoming one is supposed to help in this regard.
Okay.

Still waiting on the source (reference) for the AMD 64 comparison.

[steamtoy]

When it comes out, it'll be my time to drop my last gen powerbook g4 12'

[Marx55]

AMAZING VIDEOS:

Apple "MacBook Touch" New MultiTouch Tablet Concept
http://superglide.posterous.com/apple-macbook-touch-new-multit

What is Apple's New Secret Product
http://superglide.posterous.com/what-is-apples-new-secret-prod

The question now is: WHEN?

[flottenheimer]

Have you guys checked out the HP Touch PCs that are already shipping?

http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/touchsmart/#/Main/

I discovered this today and was actually rather impressed, that HP had gotten this far. Gives you a pretty good idea of where the touch technology is heading (check out some of all the videos on the site). With a dose of Apples UI magic, this will be awesome.

[jnc]

AMAZING VIDEOS:

Apple "MacBook Touch" New MultiTouch Tablet Concept
http://superglide.posterous.com/apple-macbook-touch-new-multit

Well, I'm sold. Everytime I hear MacBook touch I just envision a "giant iPhone". If it was more of an official modbook (Wacom-esque pressure sensitivity with third party support would be a must imo), I'd be a day one customer!

I think 09 is generous, though... MWSF 2010 maybe :(

[t0mat0]

One concept:

Ive makes a decent stand for a tablet - to be used as a poor man's iMac at a desk, then as a tablet on the move.
- The stand plugs in with a power brick within the frame/external. It provides USB etc, and some sort of support and link needed to the Tablet - You could then just pick up the tablet and place back in Potrait position (or you could use a mount connecting in the middle of the back of the tablet.

Then a wireless mouse and keyboard attach to the stand. When you're done - Just grab the tablet and go. So use the multi-touch when it's a tablet, use mouse and keyboard when it's on the stand (you could pair a Touch or iPhone).

Would help solve working in cramped spaces - eg train seats or plane seats where you might nothave much room/right height to angle a laptop screen.

[kdarling]

Have you guys checked out the HP Touch PCs that are already shipping?

I have two of them, and everyone who's seen one has gotten their own. Used ones sell like hotcakes on eBay. The touchscreen is camera based, so the screen has nothing to obscur it.

We keep one in the kitchen as a combination central lookup, calendar, note taker, news video display, Flickr slideshow frame, video Skype phone, and so forth.

As you suggested, Apple needs to throw their UI magic into a home computer like this.

Personally, I'm hoping that the rumored 10" touch devices are combination couch media / kitchen / wall computers, not useless full application tablets. (Touch tablets have been around for a decade, and need keyboards and mice to be good for anything other than dedicated field workers.)