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Apple iPad Design Patents Showing Dual Dock Connectors
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iPad Intro Keynote
I could swear I saw a dock connector on the side of the one Steve was using to demo during the keynote and was surprised when it wasn't on the shipping model. I should probably go back and watch the keynote again to see if I was just imagining that feature.
Either way, I think a second dock connector would be more beneficial than just one.
I could swear I saw a dock connector on the side of the one Steve was using to demo during the keynote and was surprised when it wasn't on the shipping model. I should probably go back and watch the keynote again to see if I was just imagining that feature.
Either way, I think a second dock connector would be more beneficial than just one.
Couldn't care less about the MacBook air, that's why I'm reading a thread about the iPad...
I was kind of surprised they put the dock on the portrait edge, mainly because it would look better docked to a keyboard in landscape orientation,..
That's a matter of personal preference. I think, first and foremost, docking Portrait was a better pick for what users might use it first: more room on your desk + photos would look more like a typical 8 x 10 aspect. I think very few people use the iPad for typing and those that do, can use it in portrait. I seriously doubt dual dock connectors as it seems out of place for Apple. Apple (Steve) wants the sides and all of the visible aspects of the pad to be as uncluttered and clean as possible. This idea would kind of booger up the side. and would be very noticeable to your hand when grasping it in horizontal mode. And not in a good way.
Exactly my thought. Some people complain about how you can't type landscape. This would allow for an even more "laptop alternative" feel.
Isn't it unusual for a patent to depict a design so close to an actual shipping product? Seems to me that this is a relatively new patent seeing how it shows off not only the current iPad but also the current keyboard dock accessory. As such, I think this patent could have some bearing on future ipad designs.
Of course, I'm still waiting for them to come good on their iMac-tablet docking patent and the induction-dock patent:
http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/15936/
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/11/13/apple_pushing_for_patent_on_versatile_tablet_docking_station.html
Patent troll!
Let's make this thing clear I hope that this didn't patent the idea of dual connectors. There is no way that this is patentable, if it does I might just go patent anything dual to a device. Then I can go after any companies and make millions. Makes me wonder, would Apple go after Samsung if they put two usb port to their devices? This is just too vague to be patentable unless it only specifies only for 30pin dual connector then this is more specific.
Let's make this thing clear I hope that this didn't patent the idea of dual connectors. There is no way that this is patentable, if it does I might just go patent anything dual to a device. Then I can go after any companies and make millions. Makes me wonder, would Apple go after Samsung if they put two usb port to their devices? This is just too vague to be patentable unless it only specifies only for 30pin dual connector then this is more specific.
I don't get it with Apple's patents. SJ said the iPhone and its OS were well covered by patents. It doesn't seem so judging by Palm and Goggle's rapid copying.
That was my first question, too.
Since when have the Chinese been interested in protecting anyone's patents? The minute Apple announces a new product, they gear up another factory to produce cheap knockoffs.
They'll probably come out with a new MacBook Air before Apple does.
Uhh...it makes no sense to put two docks on...why not make a stand that has the connector on the side?
?
?
Or maybe it's for a camera attachment to put on either dock connector...I wish
...So you can plug a front AND back facing camera for facetime?
They probably keep track of the patents they are infringing, just in case. Doesn't mean they enforce any protection.
Or maybe it's for a camera attachment to put on either dock connector...I wish
I wish too
Old design
I think it is a old design. Don't you remember the firsts cases from dealextreme and so? These had two openings for Dock connectors. Also, it should be "uncomfortable" to use it whit docking stations if you are using a flip case because the lateral connector is in the interior od the case.
About the idea of being a USB or SD port ... No way (I think), Apple will never open the door to let the users put movies or music or anything else in the main memory of the device (straight) whitout passing first foro iTunes. Altrougth there are no JB options to do that (FTP by wifi) or photo connector, the are relatively umconfortable or crapped wats to do it.
They have a business to protect with the tv studios.
I think it is a old design. Don't you remember the firsts cases from dealextreme and so? These had two openings for Dock connectors. Also, it should be "uncomfortable" to use it whit docking stations if you are using a flip case because the lateral connector is in the interior od the case.
About the idea of being a USB or SD port ... No way (I think), Apple will never open the door to let the users put movies or music or anything else in the main memory of the device (straight) whitout passing first foro iTunes. Altrougth there are no JB options to do that (FTP by wifi) or photo connector, the are relatively umconfortable or crapped wats to do it.
They have a business to protect with the tv studios.
I think it's a great idea but I still agree with the speculation of the article that yes, it may be an original design that they might have scrapped, or yes, possibly coming out in the next rev. Each premise seems plausible to me, and each is certainly much more plausible than the idea that iPads will be refreshed before next spring.
Why do you say this? Steve Jobs already announced iOS 4 for iPad this spring.
Having a facetime capable OS, and already a facetime enabled iPad (the space to put the camera is already there remember?) it would be very unlikely to not include a 1 USD frontcam.
I can see it being a small update, probably also bringing RAM in line with the iPhone, but i'd be very surprised if there wasnt a small refresh coming to the iPad any time now.
In spring we will see a serious refresh (maybe also redesign to bring it in line with the iPhone?) with an A9, perhaps higher res screen. I also hope they change the aspect ratio from 3:4 to 2:3 so it's in line with the iPhone/Touch.
Why they didnt do this from the start (as well as not include facetime) is still a riddle to me.