Prototype 3G MacBook Pro Actually had a 'MagSafe' Antenna

Over the weekend, there had been a lot of interest in what appeared to be a 3G-capable MacBook Pro with an extendable antenna. The original eBay auction reached as high as $70,000 before being removed from the site. The listing was removed at the request of Apple. The seller, however, joined our forums, and provided additional photos and details about the unit.

Much of the initial commentary was about the look of the antenna, but it was actually felt to be nicely designed by the seller of the notebook. He wrote, "really in person it seems quite well designed, and not out of place with the rest of Apple's look."

IMG 20110814 232635
The seller describes the antenna as "quite tiny" and attributes some of the initial reactions to the bad angle. It is said to protrude about 2" from the display when extended. Most notably, it's actually attached to the MacBook Pro with magnets, and can come off. This is shown in the following photos:

magsafe
IMG 20110814 232738

Apple has used magnets in their power cords for a number of years to help prevent damage from users accidentally tripping over cables. Apple applied this same design theory to the antenna. Apple had actually applied for a patent on this kind of magnetically attached and extendable antenna back in 2008, and recently republished.

antennapat
In the patent application, Apple explained the reasoning behind the external antenna. According to Apple, metal enclosures, such as in the MacBook Pro, have a high conductivity which poses a challenge when designing an internal antenna.

The antenna may exhibit improved transmission and reception efficiencies when the antenna is placed in an extended position away from the conductive housing

They also acknowledge that external antennas that permanently protrude have an unattractive appearance and may be susceptible to damage. Their solution was to offer this retractable antenna design. When not in use, the antenna can be stowed and take on the look of the rest of the case design, and when extended, can break away with magnets to avoid damage to the computer.

Obviously, Apple decided against pursuing the design ultimately, but its very interesting to see an actual prototype of a concept that Apple had also submitted a patent for back in 2008.

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Top Rated Comments

foobarbaz Avatar
181 months ago
I was tempted to put a $10,000 bid in myself as I knew for a fact that I would have either been beaten or the auction would be removed before it would concluded

If you don't mind me asking: Why?!
I've never understood those people. Is it supposed to be a joke?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Yumunum Avatar
181 months ago
Apple's design team is brilliant... not a fanboy here. They've just made some pretty great and creative designs.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cloudsurfer Avatar
181 months ago
70.000$? Heck, I would've sold it no matter what Apple wanted me to do.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rafterman Avatar
181 months ago
Even if the 70K bid was legit, that's a ridiculous price to pay for a prototype, with a feature that doesn't even work.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
acidfast7 Avatar
181 months ago
Interesting and sad at the same time.

I still can't believe that the MBA doesn't have 4G/LTE built-in like some of its brethren. Hell, I'd even take a crappy Turbo 3G connection. It wouldn't even draw more battery live if it able to be "turned off" at the software level.

I am glad that the iPad received unlocked 3G, but I just don't see why it didn't make it into the MBA

:(
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Yumunum Avatar
181 months ago
70.000$? Heck, I would've sold it no matter what Apple wanted me to do.

Wait, can he not just sell it to anyone he wants? Obviously not through Ebay though... I'm probably missing something
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)