I find it hard to see how this will enable them to shave off any thickness.
What?! You say Apple is going to make the ports out of soap?So suddenly we are all authorities on a design that isn't even known to exist yet? Give Apple some credit. I don't think they would add functionality like that without at least ensuring that it is robust and somewhat idiot proof.
The dimensions for the new alu-wired keyboard are 17" wide, 4.5" deep, .75" high.What are the dimensions for the new alu-keyboard?
I for one hope Firewire has a nice long life with apple, I love it. And for many current applications it is indispensable. I actually miss it from the iPod, it is faster. It is the de facto standard for camcorders (including some older ones, which many people have). USB simply is not up to transferring DV. And eSata and such is not nearly mainstream and FW 800 while it can be argued isn't exactly common either, is a fantastic interface for external HDD's (which are used very commonly with laptops, especially i would imagine with an ultraportable which would have a small HDD, maybe flash SSD).
my 2.0000000000000000000000000000000001 cents
I find it hard to see how this will enable them to shave off any thickness.
Looks like something begging to break, very un-apple. Collapsible systems have rarely been reliable or durable. Just look at the old collapsible notebook modem jacks. They were popular for a while and then disappeared because they always broke.
You got all that from a cryptic diagram? You can predict when something will break that may never even be built? And that it will trash a laptop that also does not yet exist?Exactly my thinking. I was wondering if the half-inch of width this saves is justified considering we just added a moving part with at least two points of failure [hinge pins on each end of the panel]. They are subject to wear and tear, too, under normal use, so it's not just a risk that the panel will be broken -- it's a question of when the hinges fail. Remember you'll have to open that panel every time you use a port -- that's a lot of opening and closing.
Maybe they'll outlast the typical life of the computer, but if it breaks after 3 years, you can't just go to Fry's and get a replacement. Your laptop's trashed. Is that half-inch of space worth it?
Dear Apple,
Just give me the option to ship you my 12" Powerbook G4, have you throw in a new chip,bigger hard drive, and brighter screen, then ship it back to me.
I swear to God I'll be happy for another 3 years.
If it's reasonably priced, count me in for buying an ultra-portable.
Looks like something begging to break, very un-apple. Collapsible systems have rarely been reliable or durable. Just look at the old collapsible notebook modem jacks. They were popular for a while and then disappeared because they always broke. I hope apple is taking care not to cheapen there products.
I'd add a DVI link to that....
Apple is really neglecting the folks who want their "life" on their laptop, but want to connect it to a big monitor/keyboard/mouse at work, and at home - yet still have the portable form factor for traveling or working outside the office.
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Apple takes a cheap shot at Dell for the cable tangle behind a desktop, yet an Apple portable has a mess of individual cables to (dis)connect every time it's moved, and most Dell's have a simple docking station quick (dis)connect.
It's a bit too complex. Apple likes to create simple products that are capable of doing a lot. Apple's emphasis is on ease of use, not on feature-saturated hardware.idea: supply the notebook with only one ueberport and relocate all other ports to the power adaptor.
this "apple universal adaptor" is connected to the wall outlet, provides multiple usb, hdmi/dvi, audio in/out, ethernet so that all cable clutter goes into this thingy rather than the laptop itself.
with your macbook, you get not one, but two "apple universal adaptors". one for your home. so tv, hifi, printers, cameras, etc. will always be plugged in. another one for the road, maybe a lighter, more transportable version with less ports. (the "home adaptor" could be merged with the airport adaptor.)
the cable between macbook and power adaptor (yes, the "apple universal adaptor connector cable") can thus transpond any cable-based data and/or energy needed. it uses a magsafe connector whose ends can be connected into each other which facilitates storing. also, the cable can be lengthened by simply using multiple cables. make that connector a standard on all apple devices, so that when you're only using apple devices, you only need one type of cable.
get the idea?
of course, 2 or 3 usb and maybe the audio ports should additionally be left on the macbook, since they will be needed most in mobile usage. once you connect to a second monitor or an ethernet, you're more likely to be close to a wall outlet.
why not patent it right?
Dear Apple,
Just give me the option to ship you my 12" Powerbook G4, have you throw in a new chip,bigger hard drive, and brighter screen, then ship it back to me.
I swear to God I'll be happy for another 3 years.