I knew which one it was before I clicked.
Yep, open in new tab "oh yes that one".
Wait so the patents for "Input Port" so you could make a version that handles two way traffic of those protocols and not infringe the patent?
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Apple Proposes New Multifunction Input Ports, Could Merge SD Card Slot and USB Port
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Yep, open in new tab "oh yes that one".
Wait so the patents for "Input Port" so you could make a version that handles two way traffic of those protocols and not infringe the patent?
Digital audio input
Theory and practice diverge abysmally in this case. Apple, would you please bring back the combined analog/digital audio input port, which you effectively replaced with an inferior digital output/analog input port in recent Macbooks?
Theory and practice diverge abysmally in this case. Apple, would you please bring back the combined analog/digital audio input port, which you effectively replaced with an inferior digital output/analog input port in recent Macbooks?
This shouldn't be patentable by apple. This has already existed prior to 2011 when it was filed. My laptop from 2009 has a combo usb/esata port.
Or, wait, you mean someone thought of combining two ports in one? GASP
How unoriginal Apple, why'd they bother getting a patent on this specific SD/USB port design when an eSATA/USB combo has existed already?
You, sir, are hilarious!
Oh, wait - the article clearly says:
"Apple has applied for a patent on a computer port that combines two connectors such as a USB port and a SD card reader"
"The invention, which Apple calls a 'combined input port', adds contact surfaces for multiple different ports. One such example used in the application adds a SD card to the bottom of a standard USB port, with additional cuts to fit the SD card."
Handy tip - if you're going to try and be witty, try reading the article first.
What does the fact that my Latitudes and ThinkPads have combo ports already have to do with shopping around for motherboards?
This is like the Beatles. Such simple music to play but the first to do it.
Amazing. Can't believe it hasn't already been done.
Surely someone will come along a claim patent to it.
Amazing. Can't believe it hasn't already been done.
Surely someone will come along a claim patent to it.
I'm failing to see how USB|SDCARD = USB|ESATA.
except when they're not
(Thinkpads have had combo esata+USB ports for a few years already)
If the embodiment were used with a micro-USB and a micro-SD card, which I have seen greater than 8gb, this could be the beginning of Apple having cables compatible with the "smart phone and dumb phone" worlds while maintaining Lightning also for the added features. This would facilitate sneakerware file sharing in addition to the existing wireless sharing options. Sneakerware is ubuquitous technology that has stood the test of time and facilitates physical security systems.
Rocketman
Rocketman
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It won't use an "apple connector" it's USB and SD. If you have an SD card, you plug it in. If you have a USB device, you plug that into that same port.
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I have an HP laptop at work with exactly this dual-purpose port. Also pre-dates 2011 in hardware, never mind a patent application.
No! Don't you see? This is completely different, because Apple is doing it.
Apple invented the combined peripheral-device port space and no one has been able to match them! Every new port has tried to be the "Apple SD-USB Killer" and all have failed!!11111
The idea of sticking a solid card slot inside a usb port is not something that should be patentable. Especially considering apple didn't invent either technology.
Fall 2008
The Dell Latitude E-series, introduced in Fall 2008, have the combo port.
The Dell Latitude E-series, introduced in Fall 2008, have the combo port.
It's a nice idea, but I don't think it's patent worthy. Combining ports is really nothing new at all. Unless we're now going to start patenting specific combinations of ports.
My pocket usually carries a number of Micro-SD cards all the time. Different tools and data that I may need on the run. I don't always have wireless, and I don't always have my computer. If worst comes to worst I throw it in an Android phone and send it off somewhere.
As for full size SD-cards I think they're a waste of space. But Micro-SD is amazingly convenient, and you can carry a huge amount of data on pretty much a fingernail.
I have one for coding apps, another for data, a few with OS's, a couple with music and movies, a couple of blanks and a full size converter for whatever, often at parties when a camera card runs full. It really just is very easy and convenient.
It's really the best highly portable storage media that there is which is also supported by so many devices. While also being very inexpensive.
My pocket usually carries a number of Micro-SD cards all the time. Different tools and data that I may need on the run. I don't always have wireless, and I don't always have my computer. If worst comes to worst I throw it in an Android phone and send it off somewhere.
As for full size SD-cards I think they're a waste of space. But Micro-SD is amazingly convenient, and you can carry a huge amount of data on pretty much a fingernail.
I have one for coding apps, another for data, a few with OS's, a couple with music and movies, a couple of blanks and a full size converter for whatever, often at parties when a camera card runs full. It really just is very easy and convenient.
It's really the best highly portable storage media that there is which is also supported by so many devices. While also being very inexpensive.
a new multi-function port ?
Lets see.... that would also mean, more space, or thinner mac designs.
I bet thats bot the only thing though "just so Apple can fir it on the 11-inch Air", although Apple is is flip-flopping....
In just the same way you can now also say "we can't have an NIC port on the MBA." may also be possible ....... How ? I dunno, if if Apple can do a combined port, lets see what else they can do..
This would also be good to eliminate pesky dongles on hand.
Lets see.... that would also mean, more space, or thinner mac designs.
I bet thats bot the only thing though "just so Apple can fir it on the 11-inch Air", although Apple is is flip-flopping....
In just the same way you can now also say "we can't have an NIC port on the MBA." may also be possible ....... How ? I dunno, if if Apple can do a combined port, lets see what else they can do..
This would also be good to eliminate pesky dongles on hand.
Great, just when you thought you had troubles finding the SD card slot now, good luck finding it in the future...
I'm not even sure what the point of this contraption even is??? A few bucks? Is it full SD card or mini? Micro? Don't all the pro camera freaks use the full SD card ? So how would this even help them?
I'm not even sure what the point of this contraption even is??? A few bucks? Is it full SD card or mini? Micro? Don't all the pro camera freaks use the full SD card ? So how would this even help them?
It is full size. And the point is clearly to fit a USB and SD card slot in the same space. Which could permit future 11" MacBook Airs to have an SD card slot.