Apple patents convertible tablet

Those who are yet not ready to ditch their notebooks completely in favor of a tablet device which is sans a proper keyboard or feel more comfortable punching on a real keyboard than a virtual onscreen keypad and would like to have the best of both are soon likely to have more choice coming their way. For there might soon be a new convertible tablet device vouching for our attention and this time, its coming from the same company Apple that has pioneered the use of tablet PC with the immensely popular iPad.

Now coming to the facts, all the above stems from a recent patent acquired by Apple for a device which they are calling “Application Programming Interfaces for Scrolling Operations,” a term for a device that can interchange from a device with a standard tablet form factor to a tablet with the screen scrolling along to get fixed above the keypad. So what starts out as a notebook device can be changed when needed into a tablet by pushing the screen along the keypad. In fact, with the Connecticut based company already having launched the ultra thin and light MacBook Air notebook, we might already be provided with a glimpse of what to expect of the convertible device where the top screen having being replaced with a touchscreen that eventually rests on the keyboard with a magnetic connector providing the power as well as the optical data connection.

Also, while we do know there will be quite a few twists and turns to the design until a final configuration is reached, what is sure is that what we will have in the end will be a lot similar to what has been depicted in the patent drawings. That way, it will also be an interesting new addition to the convertible netbook saga where we have seen the single swiveling hinge being adopted by the majority of manufacturers until Dell broke in with its swiveling screen design that attracted a lot of rave reviews. Its Apple’s turn now to make things all the more interesting.

via appleinsider

Sovan Mandal (2780 Posts)

Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email

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John Ireland

I am not convinced this will be any kind of improvement. The single hinge design was adopted because it is a good design. It provides a stable pivot and mechanical connection for pass through. In addition, the hinge point serves as a good hand hold (especially in the “bump” designs HP uses). Convertibles are always significantly heavier and you will not hold it the same way you would an iPad. We will have to see the new design in production form, but it just looks like a gimmick that fanboys will fawn over.