Apple Creating iMac-like Docking Station
A patent application submitted in 2006 and published for the first time today has revealed that Apple is working on a docking station for portable computers, the exterior of which closely resembles Apple's iMac line of desktop computers.
Apple argues that its docking station concept is superior in that it requires less desk space due to its vertical orientation. It is also simpler, as the display is integrated and wireless network technologies will be employed for communication between the dock and the portable.
There has been some speculation around the internet that the patent could be tied to the rumored Apple ultra-portable. While the timing of the publication is interesting, the application itself remains generic in nature, and appears to be applicable to any notebook computer.
Raw Data: Patent Application #20080002350
A docking station is disclosed. The docking station includes a display and a housing configured to hold the display in a manner that exposes a viewing surface of the display to view. The housing defines a docking area configured to receive a portable computer; The docking area is at least partly obscured by the display when viewed from the viewing surface side of the display at an angle substantially orthogonal to the viewing surface.
Apple argues that its docking station concept is superior in that it requires less desk space due to its vertical orientation. It is also simpler, as the display is integrated and wireless network technologies will be employed for communication between the dock and the portable.
There has been some speculation around the internet that the patent could be tied to the rumored Apple ultra-portable. While the timing of the publication is interesting, the application itself remains generic in nature, and appears to be applicable to any notebook computer.
Raw Data: Patent Application #20080002350
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54 months ago
54 months ago
you beat me by two minutes!
They also have a cool keyboard patent :)
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/03/apple-patents-a-maxiumus-alike-keyboard-imac-macbook-dock/
They also have a cool keyboard patent :)
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/03/apple-patents-a-maxiumus-alike-keyboard-imac-macbook-dock/
54 months ago
That is certainly a Different way of doing things. It must have a DVI Connector in there or something to allow the laptop to connect to the screen.
54 months ago
That seems weird, I don't really see any point in it.
If the dock is a whole computer with an ability to dock a laptop, it's kinda weird because you can only use one of them at the same time. It's like having a desktop computer and then unplugging all peripherals and replugging them into your laptop - why would you do that on a regular basis? In my experience, dock users usually have powerful laptops and use them as primary systems and docks just provide them with easily available extensions.
On the other hand, if it's just a monitor, it's awkward because you can only use that single Apple display, they don't give you any choices.
I'd prefer they just release a regular dock - not having one is currently a major downside of their laptop range.
If the dock is a whole computer with an ability to dock a laptop, it's kinda weird because you can only use one of them at the same time. It's like having a desktop computer and then unplugging all peripherals and replugging them into your laptop - why would you do that on a regular basis? In my experience, dock users usually have powerful laptops and use them as primary systems and docks just provide them with easily available extensions.
On the other hand, if it's just a monitor, it's awkward because you can only use that single Apple display, they don't give you any choices.
I'd prefer they just release a regular dock - not having one is currently a major downside of their laptop range.
54 months ago
Yeah that look pretty interesting. But screen should have also possibility to work with other devices
54 months ago
The concept reminds me of the good 'ol Duo's, but the sketch is a little rough... I'm not sure if there's a big enough market for this, but I could see how some might find it useful.
54 months ago
Let's chalk this one up next to the Folio. Is anyone going to really shell out a ton of money for a "companion product" like that?
54 months ago
I wonder if the dock will have an integrated LCD and the whole laptop just tucks in behind it, or if it will be an open area that a Mac tablet (with multi-touch?) would slide into, as kontheur mocked up:
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