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Thin MacBook Laptop Concept Images
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I actually like that; A laptop with no keys. You would have to get rid of the trackpad button though. I'm pretty sure a multitouch pad is less thick than a real keyboard. You couldn't really type fast on it, but lots of designers can't touch type anyway <ducking bullets here>. I like the sheer concept of showing content on the main screen and control elements on the big trackpad. Dock, menu bar, toolbars, widgets could go in the trackpad. A simple gesture could switch to pointing mode so you can use the trackpad to point on something on the content screen.
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Yeah. It seems so un-apple. Its not widescreen, you'd have to carry around that gigantic superdrive add-on thing, the keyboard just looks kinda ugly and 90s. I just can't see apple ever doing anything like that.
EDIT: and is that trackpad on the wrong side of the keyboard?
Saw it in half
Take a small saw. Saw along the hinge to separate the display and keyboard halves. Throw away the keyboard half. Add multi-touch to the screen. Optionally add the current thin wireless keyboard. Optionally add a wireless Mighty Mouse. Now you're thinking _different_!
Take a small saw. Saw along the hinge to separate the display and keyboard halves. Throw away the keyboard half. Add multi-touch to the screen. Optionally add the current thin wireless keyboard. Optionally add a wireless Mighty Mouse. Now you're thinking _different_!
At present the trackpad is a visible area on the notebook, what if the trackpad existed however it was either incorporated into the composite that was the notebook would have a clean look. Plus no button, just use multi-touch for gestures.
Not sure if the keyboard will be similar to the iPhone/iTouch since there is no tactile feedback.
Not sure if the keyboard will be similar to the iPhone/iTouch since there is no tactile feedback.
[/QUOTE]I actually like that; A laptop with no keys. You would have to get rid of the trackpad button though. I'm pretty sure a multitouch pad is less thick than a real keyboard. You couldn't really type fast on it, but lots of designers can't touch type anyway <ducking bullets here>. I like the sheer concept of showing content on the main screen and control elements on the big trackpad. Dock, menu bar, toolbars, widgets could go in the trackpad. A simple gesture could switch to pointing mode so you can use the trackpad to point on something on the content screen.
Wouldn't that require and OLED type screen (like the Optimus) to display the keys etc?
[/QUOTE]I actually like that; A laptop with no keys. You would have to get rid of the trackpad button though. I'm pretty sure a multitouch pad is less thick than a real keyboard. You couldn't really type fast on it, but lots of designers can't touch type anyway <ducking bullets here>. I like the sheer concept of showing content on the main screen and control elements on the big trackpad. Dock, menu bar, toolbars, widgets could go in the trackpad. A simple gesture could switch to pointing mode so you can use the trackpad to point on something on the content screen.
Video Mirroring on a trackpad, expensive, pointless and redundant. If you are going to do that might as well have a touch-screen.
Mockups are mockups, but I just thought I would bring Arn's aesthetic tastes into question, no offense, of course.
Maybe Arn meant kontheur's showing was 'the most likely' as it probably is, without a significant design change to the whole line-up.
Just my two cents worth. Australian cents, not worth as much as euro of US cents...
by kontheur is I think quite a poor showing, though the showings of the 2 at the end of the article may be unlikely due to cost in implementation, I think they are by far the most attractive both in terms of apparent features and stylised design. I would particularly like the 'macbook touch' and 'keyboard docking station' designs for aesthetics and the popular mechanics for overall functionality. Watch the video, it's cool. Just the touch pad above the keyboard is not quite right and it should be black anodised aluminium, if you were asking my opinion.
Maybe Arn meant kontheur's showing was 'the most likely' as it probably is, without a significant design change to the whole line-up.
Just my two cents worth. Australian cents, not worth as much as euro of US cents...
Ultraportables should have a touch screen so that the trackpad isn't necessary. Trackpads are annoying and anyone that wants functionality uses a laptop sized mouse. Touch screen for mouse-replacement but not keyboard replacement would be better than either trackpad or mouse.
At present the trackpad is a visible area on the notebook, what if the trackpad existed however it was either incorporated into the composite that was the notebook would have a clean look. Plus no button, just use multi-touch for gestures.
Not sure if the keyboard will be similar to the iPhone/iTouch since there is no tactile feedback.
That actually is not that far fetched. You wouldn't see the trackpad at all. A super wide trackpad would also be welcomed by everyone who uses extended desktop. Also nice for accurate horizontal scrolling in every app that has a timeline (audi/video editing) or for fast action cover flow usage (draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag and drop). Apple likes eliminating clutter. This would make the trackpad disappear totally.
I've been expecting this since the iPhone was introduced.
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/3330350/
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/3330350/
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.
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.
Really? I was thinking it would be a great alternative to mucking up your workspace screen with fingerprints, saving that for your multi-touch trackpad.
Nope, they would show up on the trackpad and be used like a touch screen surface similar to the iPhone.
Does not seem to bother the iPhone/iTouch users. Sure smudges on the screen, however with an ultra-portable you are trying to eliminate weight, size, and power consumption.
Might seem functional, however in day-to-day use people will ditch it and get an external mouse since you will have to move your head between two screens.
This will drain a lot of power even if it implemented power management. Not going to happen.
I'm sure you're right, just throwing some creative vision out there.
Oh and BTW, I own an iPhone but I don't edit video on it like I do my iMac or Macbook.
The Popular Mechanics concept is pretty neat, although I don't like the location they place the trackpad. I think it would be possible to get rid of the trackpad button though. Instead of wasting space with a physical button, just use taps of the pad to indicate button clicks. Kind of like how the trackpads on Dell notebooks have designated areas you can slide your finger to scroll vertival/horizontal, have an area designated for button clicks.
Wouldn't that require and OLED type screen (like the Optimus) to display the keys etc?[/QUOTE]
There is a good possibility that the screen will do away with LED backlit screen and just jump to OLED, considering it uses less power, higher brightness/contrast ratio, lighter, thinner and is currently available in the desired size the ultra-notebook is going to occupy.
I say:
1. OLED display (Sony already incorporates them)
2. Flash drive (16GB min/ 32GB max options)
3. Led lit keyboard (consumer have been asking about this since the 12" PB)
4. Multi-Touch.
5. Wireless across the board connectivity (a given).
6. OS 10.5 (mobile edition, similar to iPhone).
7. Black composite in colour (to relate to the iPhone/iTouch).
8. Price tag $200 more than the top end MB (Black).