A computing device, comprising: an enclosure defining an internal volume, a first vent, a second vent a keyboard positioned on the enclosure a processing unit disposed within the internal volume a memory communicatively coupled to the processing unit, the memory disposed within the internal volume and an air-moving apparatus disposed within the internal volume to move air along an airflow pathway from an ambient environment into the internal volume through the first vent and from the internal volume into the ambient environment through the second vent.ġ7. Then there are two claims directed to the cooling modes, as discussed in the article:ġ3. Personally, I don't think so, given Apple's Ligthning interface and USB-C. Now whether you think this single port concept is obvious, that's a different question. So all of those who cite prior keyboards with computers, none of those would directly block this claim, since in all probability they would have had separate power, mouse, display etc. This claim defines a computer in a keyboard with the specific requirement: that there is a single I/O port for both power and signals. A computing device, comprising: an enclosure at least partially defining an internal volume and an external surface a keyboard positioned at the external surface a processing unit disposed within the internal volume a memory communicatively coupled to the processing unit, the memory disposed within the internal volume a singular input/output port positioned at an orifice defined by the enclosure and communicatively coupled to the processing unit and the memory, the singular input/output port configured to: receive signals and power and output signals from the processing unit. The only thing that matters is what is claimed. Third, when you talk about patents, its not enough to gloss the concept and then argue against it. And yes, Apple files on anything that it thinks it has even a small chance of getting patented. You can file a patent application on anything you want. Apple cannot enforce this against anyone.Īnd since this is just a published application, all those complaining about how can Apple patent this, isn't there prior art etc., please check your outrage. What we have here is a published application. The writer here does not understand the difference between a patent (which provides an enforceable right against others) and a published patent application (which you can use use for toilet paper if you print it out, but I don't recommend it). I'm a patent attorney with 30 years of experience.įirst, and most importantly, Apple has not patented anything, contrary to the article's title and the assumptions in the comments. Please allow me to correct a number of misunderstandings here that drive the comments and criticism. If this keyboard appears in any form at all, though, it certainly won't be for a while. It opens up possibilities of a trackpad built into the keyboard and a design that folds the keyboard into the form factor of a sandwich (above). It would dispel the heat into the table like a hot plate might.Īpple gets a bit creative towards the end of the patent.
![apple keyboard with numeric keypad and apple mouse apple keyboard with numeric keypad and apple mouse](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/dac3db4e-4fce-468d-97ef-95bdc8a2d9f5_1.ac8d050e91a87c511f151a7a0f7729ee.jpeg)
A passively cooled keyboard would have a thermally conductive base that acts as a heatsink connected directly to the processor. The intake and exhaust would be on the back and point away from the user. The patent describes the former as a fan-fed multi-chamber cooling loop (pictured above). And, compared to a laptop, it would have a more comfortable typing experience and more room for cooling and hence more performance.įor cooling, Apple envisions both active and passive solutions.
![apple keyboard with numeric keypad and apple mouse apple keyboard with numeric keypad and apple mouse](https://itc.ua/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/0.jpg)
In either comparison, the keyboard is the simpler device, and simplicity could make it more affordable. It's just a desktop that uses less space, involves fewer cables, and is easier to move. On the other hand, it's also a desktop system hidden inside a keyboard.
![apple keyboard with numeric keypad and apple mouse apple keyboard with numeric keypad and apple mouse](https://images.pexels.com/photos/1714205/pexels-photo-1714205.jpeg)
Minus a battery, it might even be lighter than a laptop. Plug it into a monitor, and it's the same as using a MacBook plugged into a dock but without the hassle. On the one hand, this is a laptop without a screen.
APPLE KEYBOARD WITH NUMERIC KEYPAD AND APPLE MOUSE PORTABLE
It would undoubtedly steal some market share from MacBooks and desktop Macs and change our notion of portable computing. Regardless of what it's called, this keyboard could be revolutionary if it ever materializes.
In a nutshell: A newly published patent authored by senior Apple engineers describes a "keyboard that houses a computer." It could replace laptops for users that exclusively use them docked either at work or at home, and it would benefit from being simpler and possibly more powerful.Īpple has patented some strange things over the years, which, sadly, have never materialized.