Apple Developing Mini CD/DVD-ROM Adapter For Slot Loading Drives
Apple has issued a patent application for an adapter to convert mini CD/DVD-ROMs to standard 12 cm size for use in slot-loading drives found on many of Apple's computer models.
Apple points out that the use of reduced-size media when possible would reduce shipping, manufacturing, and packaging costs. However, such media cannot be played in slot-loading drives that are designed to only accept standard-sized 12 cm media.
As a solution, Apple presents an adapter that would fit around reduced-sized media, making the media work as if it were standard 12 cm media in slot-loading devices.
The patent application, which was first published last Thursday, was filed in May of 2006 and was brought to light today by AppleInsider.
Raw Data: Patent Application #20070271577
Apple points out that the use of reduced-size media when possible would reduce shipping, manufacturing, and packaging costs. However, such media cannot be played in slot-loading drives that are designed to only accept standard-sized 12 cm media.
As a solution, Apple presents an adapter that would fit around reduced-sized media, making the media work as if it were standard 12 cm media in slot-loading devices.
The patent application, which was first published last Thursday, was filed in May of 2006 and was brought to light today by AppleInsider.
Raw Data: Patent Application #20070271577
Top Rated Comments
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55 months ago
How does the Wii manage to handle Gamecube discs now? That's a much nicer way of handling smaller discs than an adapter would be.
55 months ago
Hang on, I've one of those for adapting CD single to play in a normal CD drive???
55 months ago
Yeah, the old-school ones from the '80s when 3" CD singles were rather popular in the UK.
The argument for these foldable ones seems to be that including a standard one is the same as issuing a full-size CD. Why don't computer manufacturers just include a regular adapter or two in the box with their slot-loading machines? You don't need an adapter with every mini CD.
Wii technology is certainly an easier option for end-users, but does anyone know the drive height of those Wii drives? (ie. Would such a drive fit in laptops?)
The argument for these foldable ones seems to be that including a standard one is the same as issuing a full-size CD. Why don't computer manufacturers just include a regular adapter or two in the box with their slot-loading machines? You don't need an adapter with every mini CD.
Wii technology is certainly an easier option for end-users, but does anyone know the drive height of those Wii drives? (ie. Would such a drive fit in laptops?)
55 months ago
I just wish the odd size/shape CD and DVDs would just die out. I'd hate to have to keep an adapter around. I don't see how making smaller CDs and DVDs could save enough money to justify the pain in the a$$ they cause.
55 months ago
Some slot loading drives handle 8cm discs without a problem, it just depends on the drive and if it's designed to do it or not.
55 months ago
Nintendo Wii slot drive anyone?
I've seen these adapters before though.
Yes, the Wii slot drive can handle smaller disks (gamecube games). However, try doing something like that with your MacBook, MacBook pro, iMac, or whatever, and you'll be making a trip to a Mac genius station.
It would have been nice if Apple had included a Wii-like drive in all of their computers so they didn't have to deal with an adapter, but they didn't.
Remember that reduced sized media = reduced packaging = good for environment as well.
55 months ago
Yeah, the old-school ones from the '80s when 3" CD singles were rather popular in the UK.
The argument for these foldable ones seems to be that including a standard one is the same as issuing a full-size CD. Why don't computer manufacturers just include a regular adapter or two in the box with their slot-loading machines? You don't need an adapter with every mini CD.
Wii technology is certainly an easier option for end-users, but does anyone know the drive height of those Wii drives? (ie. Would such a drive fit in laptops?)
I'm pretty sure its a slimline drive as is. Its definitely not full size at least, the whole Wii's the size of a full size device!!
55 months ago
One more thing to carry in your laptop bag. I've never had a smaller than regular sized CD for anything other than novelty trade show stuff. And these were in funky shapes - like a house or a brick. Where are those adapters? :D
Will shipping smaller than 12cm media really save that much money in manufacturing and shipping costs? Smaller disks = less capacity too.
Will shipping smaller than 12cm media really save that much money in manufacturing and shipping costs? Smaller disks = less capacity too.
55 months ago
I am kind of wondering how they would paten something like that. To me it just common senses that something like that would be formed (which means it might not hold up if apple tries to sue any one over it)
Also I though there where items like that already out there long before apple filed the patented.
Now how the Wii does it is another story. I am kind of wondering how they do it on the Wii.
Also I though there where items like that already out there long before apple filed the patented.
Now how the Wii does it is another story. I am kind of wondering how they do it on the Wii.
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