Thin MacBook Laptop Concept Images

[MacRumors]

With Macworld approaching, many concept designs are circulating to demonstrate how Apple might design the upcoming "thin" notebook. Our multitouch article generated a long discussion with a number of unofficial mockups posted. The most attractive, perhaps, is this image posted by kontheur:




This image shows a mockup of what a thin MacBook might look like complete with a large area for a multi-touch trackpad.

An image that has already seen wide circulation is this one posted by greenrabbit which preserves the MacBook Pro's aluminum casing:




Both images introduce a wide touchpad which is derived from an earlier Apple patent. In 2006, Apple described implementing a wide trackpad and provided the following rendition:



Apple describes its functionality as follows:

"the wide touchpad may be a cursor control device having the capabilities of conventional computer mouse devices, such as the ability to point, drag, tap and double tap objects on a graphical user interface, as well as more general purposes such as scrolling, panning, zooming, and rotating images on display screen."

Other design concepts that have been circulating include:












Article Link

[MacNut]

Looks like it would break easily. Any idea on weight.

[P-Worm]

I don't know what I think about a multitouch trackpad. With that said, I hate trackpads in general.

P-Worm

[MacNut]

A trackpad that long does seem pointless. How are you supposed to type on it.

[arn]

Originally Posted by MacNut

A trackpad that long does seem pointless. How are you supposed to type on it.

the patent went into detail about how it would ignore palm contact

arn

[Muzzway]

The Popular Mechanics mockup, erm, now that's odd (and not going to happen).

[MacNut]

Originally Posted by arn

the patent went into detail about how it would ignore palm contact

arn

I would have to see a demo before being sold on it.

[MLeepson]

Originally Posted by arn

the patent went into detail about how it would ignore palm contact

arn

I just read the patent summary (well, part of it) linked from MR to macsimumnews.com and I'm convinced that an extra wide track pad could be used. The only issue I see now, is getting it to blend in to the casing a "regular" track pad. I don't think a long gray strip will be that aesthetically pleasing.

Edit - I just searched MR and found it. Thanks though.

[iDAG]

I love how people always try to make up what things that Apple is going to introduce look like. This is why Apple is great. They come up with way better ideas that none of us could ever think of and we love them.

[poppe]

Is the first image see through? Towards the top left corner? And it looks like a part of the bed pattern might be seen through it?

[Masquerade]

Originally Posted by iDAG

I love how people always try to make up what things that Apple is going to introduce look like. This is why Apple is great. They come up with way better ideas that none of us could ever think of and we love them.

ibooks gets a handle in 1999 and a white body in 2001; a magsafi connector at 2005.
powerbook gets titanium body in 2000, then in 2003 aluminium and the magsafi connection somewhere too..


they redesigned the power adapter about 3 times.
i love apple ideas!!.

[eric55lv]

i like the second concept its ok

[MLeepson]

Three of the images have long track pads. The issue with a long track pad is that there is nowhere to rest your hands. Most people rest their hands on the sides of the noteboook, and with a long track pad there would too much accidental input. I don't think Apple will be going with a lock track pad because of that. I guess we'll have to see what happens on Jan. 15.

Edit - Just saw arn's post. I'm going to take a look at the patent, I'm curious to see how that would happen.

[arn]

Originally Posted by MLeepson

Edit - Just saw arn's post. I'm going to take a look at the patent, I'm curious to see how that would happen.

Here's the patent:

http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-...de+touchpad%22

arn

[CWallace]

I have to say none of those laptop concepts floats my boat.

[ap9]

I can't imagine the new keyboard won't be similar to what FingerWorks used to offer.

[Schtumple]

really love that first image, i could see disposable income going on that

[ipearx]

The current aluminium design has been around for years and years now, surely it's time for a change? Maybe a merging of the Macbook and macbook pro ranges?

The recently released keyboards and imac design must indicate the style direction apple is heading. At the very least the new laptops will have a new keyboard.

[MarlboroLite]

What exactly is wrong with the current trackpad that needs to be fixed?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Those massive trackpads look hideous!

[Popeye206]

I hope none of these concepts are close to the reality! Sorry to the originators, but these are boring and something I would expect from HP or Dell. Yuck!

[twoodcc]

some of those look pretty good to me. looking forward to seeing Steve show it to us

[Merkuryy]

the track pad of my MBP is really enough, I don't think what the suppose for such wider track pad(But it's beautiful anyway). The height is amazing though.

And I think we will see a SDD+HD for data saving (like Sony)

[luminosity]

You know, all the talk about a long trackpad button supposedly interfering in typing bugs me, because typing with any part of your hands on the laptop is bad ergonomics. The vast majority of people do it, but that doesn't make it healthy.

Now, I don't really believe that image is genuine, but if it was, the long button wouldn't be any kind of problem. Maybe it would get a few more people typing ergnomically.

[chubad]

I had something a bit more radical in mind.

[CJRhoades]

How about a 24-karat gold plated macbook pro?
Turns out, they actually make em. Some company will hook u up for about $2500 bucks... (you provide the notebook)