Could Apple Patent Be Hinting at a Desktop iPad/iMac Hybrid?

[Maura]

​

CNN has picked up on a story from Patently Apple, the website which forensically examines Apple patent applications for anything juicy, which this time has revealed a very interesting looking device which is referred to in the patent as an “Apple iMac Touch with Flex Baseâ€. This has led many experts to conclude that Apple might be in the process of developing a computer that looks like a desktop computer, and indeed sits on a desktop exactly like a normal computer would, but then, hey presto, it tilts and turns into a huge desktop iPad! Ingenious, no?!

According to CNN, the patent explains how the device would switch to iOS when in “Slant Mode†from OS X (the iMac’s current operating system) which it would engage when in “Upright Modeâ€.

Although the patent was first published in January, Patently Apple says that it was only recently able to verify the authenticity of the documents.

Source: CNN, Patently Apple

 

[Drag Bunt]

If it's got enough juice to run OS X, why does it even need to switch to iOS? Doesn't OS X support touchscreen technology?

Looks like an HP600 TouchSmart with a tilt screen.

 

[Prasius]

I think it is a natural progression for apple really. I'm guessing the idea about running iOS is to enable a more iPad/iPhone type user experience with certain applications; a desktop version of Flipboard for instance - I think would work very well with an iMac with this technology; and I think the iPad style display would work better than a "traditional" PC layout with window controls and other "clutter".

 

[DroidUser84]

Personally I don't think I would really need to have an iPad on my desktop computer, but certainly would take it as a feature if that's the way the iMacs go and I was in the market for an iMac, which in a year or two I just may be in the market for.

 

[iVan]

Oh, goody! I've been waiting ages for that tablet!

 

[Digikid]

Hmm....It would STILL need an optical drive though.....but otherwise looks like an awesome design.

 

[edbern]

Hmmm...this brings to mind a two year old story about an Apple monitor patent that allowed a "computer" -- and that's what an iPad ultimately is of course -- that slides into a monitor to create a desktop solution. Could they have been thinking iPad even back then? Rumor has it that iPad was in development even before iPhone. I'm a newbie here so can't yet post links but do a search on "apple patent monitor slide in" and view the Mac Daily News hit and you'll see what I am referring to.

 

[iVan]

It's ironic that when I first saw a Macbook Air I thought that parts must be small enough to make a tablet with them. The Air must be a grand parent to the iPad.

 

[Temp40]

Source: CNN, Patently Apple

looks like the URL has been changed to: The Mother Lode: Welcome to the iMac Touch - Patently Apple

 

[pallentx]

I would rather they make OSX touch friendly and skip the iOS part. It reminds me of the laptop they made a while back that had a windows mobile device on the lid that allowed you to access your Outlook data without booting the laptop. I cant remember who made that one - maybe toshiba?

 

[Digikid]

I would rather they make OSX touch friendly and skip the iOS part. It reminds me of the laptop they made a while back that had a windows mobile device on the lid that allowed you to access your Outlook data without booting the laptop. I cant remember who made that one - maybe toshiba?

Agreed. No more of this iOS bs. Make us a REAL OS!!!!

 

[King Hal]

For how long did they hint at a tablet?

 

[pallentx]

no hint needed - every computer manufacturer has either already made one or experimented with the form factor.

This is Compaq from 2000 I think

 

[Royster14]

Nice Thought!!
Just like the H.P touchsmart!!

 

[Drag Bunt]

Nice Thought!!
Just like the H.P touchsmart!!

Not quite. The Touchsmart actually has a full-blown operating system that supports multi-touch.