Apple has patented a full width trackpad, or perhaps now, "touchpad." If I remember correctly the patent mentioned that the pad recognized palms and did respond to them as input. The machine will not look much different than today's mac pro computer except thinner, no optical drive, and perhaps Flash drives. No screen touch input.
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Apple Sub Notebook Hints: External Optical Drive, MultiTouch Trackpad?
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Apple has patented a full width trackpad, or perhaps now, "touchpad." If I remember correctly the patent mentioned that the pad recognized palms and did respond to them as input. The machine will not look much different than today's mac pro computer except thinner, no optical drive, and perhaps Flash drives. No screen touch input.
SheriffParker
macrumors 6502a
Except... my power brick is almost always on the floor or getting knocked around somehow... A bigger power brick isn't really my idea of a good time either.
CmdrLaForge
macrumors 601
Why does everybody believe those pictures are fake ? They do look quite real to me. We will know at MWSF.
Wild-Bill
macrumors 68030
Laptops, DRM, Multitouch, sub-notebooks, iPods, gadgetry, movie rentals, DRM.................
So where the hell are the Mac Pro rumors? No leaks? No nothing? The Mac Pro is approaching 512 days old without any updates. (If you say the octo-core "option" 271 days ago was an update you are wrong).
If Apple are at all concerned about the low sales of the Mac Pro and the "deep stock" available at many Apple stores, they will be doubly concerned if they don't produce a significant update to the Mac Pro at MWSF.
Penryn, 1600 FSB, good (current) video card options, bigger stock hard drive, 2 gigs RAM standard are all in order and overdue. 😡
So where the hell are the Mac Pro rumors? No leaks? No nothing? The Mac Pro is approaching 512 days old without any updates. (If you say the octo-core "option" 271 days ago was an update you are wrong).
If Apple are at all concerned about the low sales of the Mac Pro and the "deep stock" available at many Apple stores, they will be doubly concerned if they don't produce a significant update to the Mac Pro at MWSF.
Penryn, 1600 FSB, good (current) video card options, bigger stock hard drive, 2 gigs RAM standard are all in order and overdue. 😡
We stated why in multiple posts.
I just can't believe how many people can't see the obvious flaws.
CWallace
macrumors G5
A good point, but I wonder if the trackpad area is where you want multi-touch?
One of Intel's concept laptops had a small LCD display on the backside of the primary LCD display.
Article
[Image courtesy of RegMedia]
Replace that with a multi-touch pad, and you could do a number of things with the laptop that would not require you to open it up:
- When using it to play music, you could move through songs and playlists or use CoverFlow.
- When giving PowerPoint or Keynote presentations, you could move through presentations.
- You could quickly check your calendar or e-mail inbox.
- You could check the time or weather or stocks or something if it had WiFi/EVDO/etc. like on the iPhone.
I thought that a rumor would have leaked as well. Along with new cinema displays. However, given the lack up apple announcing anything at NAB, the update might wait until then (which would be one year since the octo-core update. Also, NAB might bring about DVD studio pro 5 and the successor to shake, so updated mac pros would fit right in.
i think that's an easy rumor to start:
apple will introduce new 4x2 xServers and Mac Pros with intel's 45nm arcitecture.
Like the obvious flaws in the spy shots of the iPod chubby and the new iMac keyboard? I seem to recall long lists of, "the lighting gradient on the shift button is completely different to the, blah, blah...so fake!" on those as well.
And they turned out true.
All this shock and horror about ditching the optical drive reminds of the same shock and horror about ditching the floppy drive on the first iMac. We seemed to cope just fine without one then. History will repeat itself.
There will be something special with the shape of the optical drive.
IF there will be a Mac Touch expect a nice case combination with the BT keyboard.
That's all I can say.
IF there will be a Mac Touch expect a nice case combination with the BT keyboard.
That's all I can say.
Did you even read about the posts about the visual seam in the trackpad, or the super long mouse button, and the impracticallity of it? How about the post about the keyboard being that of an older model.
I guess not. Otherwise you would not have posted this is my guess.
Brianstorm91
macrumors 65816
These were featured on CNET a while back, they were made by Sony as prototypes.
Don't Asus already have laptops with this out on sale?
Oh I certainly read your truly expert and knowledgeable post. It reminded me of a thousand posts when those chubby spy shots were leaked, "it's so ugly!", "Apple have REALLY dropped the ball on this one", "who will buy that!", "fake, fake, fake. Johnny Ive would never design something that looks like that."
My point is that you don't know. I don't know. And with evidence from a mysterious collection of pixels from an anonymous source - it's folly to even speculate.
Real or not, why would the Industrial Design team be using unfinished/buggy pieces of software in their prototypes?
Unless this isn't only an ID project...
mambodancer
macrumors 6502
Paradigm shift
It is past time for a paradigm shift on computer keyboard input. The idea that you "have" to have tactile feedback in terms of key depress in order to type correctly is outdated thinking. The current keyboard designs for the Mac and Laptop lines are completely "flat" with a key depress of only a couple of mm (millimeters) compared to original manual typewriters (about 1/2 an inch or more) or the original IBM selectric style type writers (about 1/4 inch but watch out for twitchy fingers) of about 30 years of so ago-back when typing class was a requirement in junior high school. The Original Apple ][ and IBM PC keyboards were carry overs from the Selectric style typewriter/teletype keyboards. These keyboards even tried to mimic the sound (another form of sensorial feedback) of those keyboards.
Now imagine a new keyboard that requires no depression of a physical key. You would still have tactile feed back in your fingers as you push down on the pad with each keyboard stroke of your finger tips (the pad pushing up in reaction to your fingers pushing down.) Now picture what happens as your fingers approach the screen. At a certain distance, the computer senses your fingers and a a keyboard fades in to view. The home row keys of this virtual keyboard are automatically positioned under each finger, regardless of the size or spread of the users fingers. In fact, if the user so desires, you would be able to change the distance between the keys simply by spreading or squeezing your fingers together making a smaller or larger keyboard depending on need. Now imagine that you're from Europe or Japan or Switzerland, etc. With a simple menu selection you can change your virtual keyboard to any country in the world with the touch of a pop-up menu selection (great for someone doing translations, etc.) Or, pick a DVORAK keyboard, or customize the keyboard to suit your particular ergonomic needs. Say I tilt my wrists at a particular angle and the keyboard automatically adjusts to that angle! (great for someone with arthritis or possible bone disease). Maybe I even want to invent my own keyboard that best suits my needs. Now I can just move my virtual keys to any position on the screen, assign a group to either the left or right hand or set it up for 2 finger typing or one handed typing (maybe I've lost an arm in an accident?). You could save each custom layout and call them up with a flick of a finger. A virtual keyboard gives me infinite possibilities that you don't have with a conventional keyboard.
As you type, the symbols appear above the keyboard, the computer still gives both audible and visual cues if you need them (and they can be customized to the users desires). If you move your hands and fingers away from the keyboard, the virtual keyboard slowly vanishes to maximize your desktop. If a single finger approaches the screen, different touch screen commands are assumed by the OS (touch, flick, tap, double-tap, etc.)
And that's just for typing. Now I call up garage band. Do exactly the same for different musical keyboards. What about other control surfaces? Calculators, keypads, audio/video control boards, electronic testing software, etc.?
Additionally, such an interface eliminates another piece of physical hardware (probably two if you include the mouse as well). Perhaps increasing reliability. Then think about the environmental and manufacturing savings. If you don't have a broken keyboard or mouse to replace that's one less thing to go to a landfill.
I, for one, would love such an interface. Once it becomes ubiquitous, those children that grow up using it will consider the physical keyboard "quaint" to quote Scotty from Star Trek, the Voyage Home.
It is past time for a paradigm shift on computer keyboard input. The idea that you "have" to have tactile feedback in terms of key depress in order to type correctly is outdated thinking. The current keyboard designs for the Mac and Laptop lines are completely "flat" with a key depress of only a couple of mm (millimeters) compared to original manual typewriters (about 1/2 an inch or more) or the original IBM selectric style type writers (about 1/4 inch but watch out for twitchy fingers) of about 30 years of so ago-back when typing class was a requirement in junior high school. The Original Apple ][ and IBM PC keyboards were carry overs from the Selectric style typewriter/teletype keyboards. These keyboards even tried to mimic the sound (another form of sensorial feedback) of those keyboards.
Now imagine a new keyboard that requires no depression of a physical key. You would still have tactile feed back in your fingers as you push down on the pad with each keyboard stroke of your finger tips (the pad pushing up in reaction to your fingers pushing down.) Now picture what happens as your fingers approach the screen. At a certain distance, the computer senses your fingers and a a keyboard fades in to view. The home row keys of this virtual keyboard are automatically positioned under each finger, regardless of the size or spread of the users fingers. In fact, if the user so desires, you would be able to change the distance between the keys simply by spreading or squeezing your fingers together making a smaller or larger keyboard depending on need. Now imagine that you're from Europe or Japan or Switzerland, etc. With a simple menu selection you can change your virtual keyboard to any country in the world with the touch of a pop-up menu selection (great for someone doing translations, etc.) Or, pick a DVORAK keyboard, or customize the keyboard to suit your particular ergonomic needs. Say I tilt my wrists at a particular angle and the keyboard automatically adjusts to that angle! (great for someone with arthritis or possible bone disease). Maybe I even want to invent my own keyboard that best suits my needs. Now I can just move my virtual keys to any position on the screen, assign a group to either the left or right hand or set it up for 2 finger typing or one handed typing (maybe I've lost an arm in an accident?). You could save each custom layout and call them up with a flick of a finger. A virtual keyboard gives me infinite possibilities that you don't have with a conventional keyboard.
As you type, the symbols appear above the keyboard, the computer still gives both audible and visual cues if you need them (and they can be customized to the users desires). If you move your hands and fingers away from the keyboard, the virtual keyboard slowly vanishes to maximize your desktop. If a single finger approaches the screen, different touch screen commands are assumed by the OS (touch, flick, tap, double-tap, etc.)
And that's just for typing. Now I call up garage band. Do exactly the same for different musical keyboards. What about other control surfaces? Calculators, keypads, audio/video control boards, electronic testing software, etc.?
Additionally, such an interface eliminates another piece of physical hardware (probably two if you include the mouse as well). Perhaps increasing reliability. Then think about the environmental and manufacturing savings. If you don't have a broken keyboard or mouse to replace that's one less thing to go to a landfill.
I, for one, would love such an interface. Once it becomes ubiquitous, those children that grow up using it will consider the physical keyboard "quaint" to quote Scotty from Star Trek, the Voyage Home.
MattInOz
macrumors 68030
Sure i put mine on the floor as well to stop it taking useful space, but if it was useful would you still leave on the floor.
What about if one intel magic technologies finally comes about (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-Wideband and you can have a monitor plugged in to the box and you still only need to attach one cable to get all these hooked up. Plus you get USB, firewire and wired network.
While they are at it.
A good upsell option build the lot into a cinema display.
Then you would put it on the floor to get kicked around.
137489
Guest
I was just emailed this Spy Photo from Apple HQ.....😛
I think I seen that before without the apple logos. Looks sturdy. One thing I do want in a laptop, no matter what size is a batter that lasts for more than 2 hrs as a standard. My Toshiba I bought in 2000, that I just gave to my Pastor (he has really only word processing needs) had a battery that lasted 5 hrs before I had to plug it in. Because my wife can't fly - we take the train a lot. The newer trains are good, as they have a plug. But if you get stuck on the older ones, so much for using my laptop after the first 2 hrs.
johnnyjibbs
macrumors 68030
I'm due to replace my 4.5 year old 12" PB in 2008. Since the 12" PB was dicontinued, there has not been a direct replacement; I do not want a MacBook. I was going to go for the 15" MBP (and still may do) but if this baby is sexy, slim and at a sensible price point, I could be in.
Biggest questions would be disk space and processor speed. If either are compromised, I guess I'll be heading for the 15" after all...
Biggest questions would be disk space and processor speed. If either are compromised, I guess I'll be heading for the 15" after all...
137489
Guest
Now that is thin and good lookin. But no ports or battery? How would it be powered. Nice picture anyway, but I really do not think we are that advanced yet.
just the subnotebook?
I'm feverishly awaiting Macworld and hoping for a MBP update. I am hearing a lot about a 13" sub notebook but will they still be offering a 15" and 17" model?
I'm feverishly awaiting Macworld and hoping for a MBP update. I am hearing a lot about a 13" sub notebook but will they still be offering a 15" and 17" model?
FJ218700
macrumors 68000
I'm feverishly awaiting Macworld and hoping for a MBP update. I am hearing a lot about a 13" sub notebook but will they still be offering a 15" and 17" model?
there's no way the 15 inch model will go.
MattInOz
macrumors 68030
With the market demand for portables at the moment they would be crazy not to.I'm feverishly awaiting Macworld and hoping for a MBP update. I am hearing a lot about a 13" sub notebook but will they still be offering a 15" and 17" model?
If anything it's all about expanding the range to service as wide a market as practice.
I think you'll see 15" and 17" get an update along side this new one.
I agree that leaving out the optical drive is the right move for now. Let's say Apple DOES build in a DVD-RW drive to the new unit. In 1-2 years, you're wishing it were a Blu-ray drive. In 3-5 years, you'll probably be wishing it didn't have a drive as optical discs fall by the wayside (the writing is already on the wall). So without a built-in optical drive, I think you get the most future-proof solution plus more portability and less cost.
I currently have a 17" MBP and I'm pretty excited about the ultraportable. While the MBP screen is OK, any new 20" or 24" desktop LCD blows it away in terms of color accuracy, gamut and viewing angle. So I'm thinking of going the ultraportable route, getting a real monitor and still having money left over after selling the 17" MBP.
With a fast flash HDD the new unit should make a very good desktop replacement when paired with an external monitor. True, 64GB isn't a ton of storage, but when I'm at my desk working I have plenty of network attached storage available. And presumably it won't be that hard to upgrade it to a 128 or 256GB SSD as the prices on those plummet.
I currently have a 17" MBP and I'm pretty excited about the ultraportable. While the MBP screen is OK, any new 20" or 24" desktop LCD blows it away in terms of color accuracy, gamut and viewing angle. So I'm thinking of going the ultraportable route, getting a real monitor and still having money left over after selling the 17" MBP.
With a fast flash HDD the new unit should make a very good desktop replacement when paired with an external monitor. True, 64GB isn't a ton of storage, but when I'm at my desk working I have plenty of network attached storage available. And presumably it won't be that hard to upgrade it to a 128 or 256GB SSD as the prices on those plummet.