Yeahhh, that sounds great
, maybe we will get an update this year anyway :-D -thx for the link
The backlash after the "new" Mac Pro made Apple realise that this is something that they need to fix so they did something that's quite unusual for Apple and released info to the press that they are working on an update and this is an interim thing. However, the press took it to mean all desktops so Apple wanted to clarify that.
As I've said already in other threads. I think you'll see an Ivy Bridge spec bump and USB 3. They will want to keep all of their mainstream computers in line (USB 3, Nvidia graphics etc).
I think we'll see a more radical redesign in 2013 (maybe sooner but I doubt it).
This will include Hi-res graphics, vibrating pen patent and the folding Mac patent. This will be Apple's answer to Metro. However, now that I've said that, Metro is meant to release later this year so it would make sense for Apple to pre-empt that and create a "touch" computer that isn't really touch, but much better.
Craig Federighi (Vice President Apple OSX Software) said at last year's WWDC that dirty fingerprints on their computer monitors is not something that any one likes. He made Apple's thoughts on the matter very clear, although one must caution that Apple can and do change their mind (Steve Jobs said at AllThingsD that tablets are silly back in 2004 / 2005). A vibrating pen gives you much more precise control, especially for graphics work.
People have often touted the folding Mac patent as evidence that the Mac will go touch based. I think that's only half the picture and the picture is complete when you combine it with the vibrating pen patent.
I am not interested in trying to reach my monitor with my hand that is over 1 foot away from me and wave my dirty fingers over it causing smudges. Just try and see how ergonomic and comfortable that is, by reaching towards your screen and then pretend you're using it to do some work with your hand.
But if you fold the computer down onto the desk and use a pen, in combination with voice input (Mountain Lion), a normal keyboard and a mouse or trackpad it does make sense.
http://www.cultofmac.com/169875/what-apples-vibrating-pen-tells-us-about-the-future-of-everything/
The chances of a vibrating pen being added to your iPhone and iPad are next to zero. We already have mobile touch screens with a stylus. I had such a device back in 2005. That's why Apple went for capacitive touch screens on the iPhone and the iPad. So why would Apple patent such a device? I would guess that it's for your Mac.
From the article above:
Apple is unlikely to do what existing products with styluses do. We’re not going to see iPads and iPhones with skinny little styluses inserted into a slot for the device. We already have a wide range of third-party pens and styluses for iOS devices.
Apple isn’t the kind of company that will add a usage model (like pen input) just because other companies offer it. And they’re not the kind that will avoid using it because others have it.
Apple will offer haptic pens because they’re a great idea. Apple is leading the charge into the post-PC world. And that means touch screens. But illustrators, architects, designers, cartoonists, photo editors and others aren’t going to use their fingers for fine drawing and image manipulation. They use pens now, and they’ll use pens in the post-PC world, too.
Average users want to sign documents, doodle, hand-write notes, annotate texts and photos by circling things and scribbling in the margins.
steve
