“Here’s hoping that Apple’s feverishly-anticipated ‘Brick’ project is the world’s first all-screen laptop — like this mockup of the OLPC version 2 by designer Yves Behar,” Leander Kahney blogs for Cult of Mac.
“There’s slim chance, of course, but I for one would love a computing device like this: A hybrid iPhone-meets-Macbook-Air that would put hot netbooks like the EeePC to shame,” Kahney writes. “Apple’s ‘Brick’ would be a hybrid laptop/tablet/ebook that dispenses with a physical keyboard and trackpad in favor of a virtual, adaptive UI that blends multitouch, gestures and its own orientation to switch between different modes:”
• Laptop
• Tablet
• eBook
• Tabletop
Kahney writes, “And why’s it called “Brick”? Because it smashes Windows!”
More in the full article here.
I hope that the Apple Keyboard becomes a smooth Multi-Touch panel that adapts to each Application.
Imagine the end of ‘Shortcut Keys’, just a Multi-Touch screen that changes dynamically to suit whatever App you are running…
If Apple does create a product like this; It certainly won’t have a hinge in the middle of the screen. I think you’d see a tablet(think larger iPhone) before you’d see a “book” shaped product.
While I am a huge Apple Fan I think this one is a little far fetched. They still haven’t got the keyboard on my iphone sorted using contacts. I doubt this device would be part of the mix in the next few weeks. It is possible in time but there are many steps necessary before something like this is feasible. Even for Apple!
I think it looks amazing. I think it would be a revolution. I think kids growing up on those will wonder how we managed with only mousing menus (and keyboard shortcuts) for a whole generation before them. It will change computing forever.
If anyone can do this, Apple can. And Apple should. The question is when not if but when, and what will their version be like?
While I too am hoping for something like this to emerge, it has to be said that this article is just re-iterating the current rumours and speculating based on the OLPC future-concept mock-up images (which the author seems to really, really, like).
To those that think this is a good concept (the OLPC thing), I would ask one thing:
Why have the thing fold in the middle like a laptop that separates screen from keyboard, if the screen can be the keyboard and the keyboard can be the screen? One of the two halves of this machine is redundant by definition.
The only advantage is larger screen size which could also be achieved by, well … making the screen larger. On the other hand there are numerous disadvantages to this arrangement, most notably the fact that cost of the second screen doubles the cost of the device.
The designers of this dual screen concept are thinking of the past, not the future. They are making the thing look like a laptop, only because they cannot conceive of a portable being useful if it doesn’t.
No way. A product this revolutionary would never be just dropped into the market. Apple would devote a whole Macworld to it.
The “Brick” is probably an updated Mac mini; the computer Apple never talks about.
As the poster above said, aren’t those the OLPC concept images?
While I would love to see an Apple Table or bigger iPhone, I think this should not be classified as a “rumor.” It is more of a wish from the author. Rumors come from actual inside information or details.
Why is this listed as a rumor?
Jeremy,
The answer is you get half the space in your pocket when it’s folded up. If it were one fixed flat screen, look at it — that would not fit in your pocket.
Yea, I agree. In the future, you may see something like this. But we still have 5-10 years more of keyboards and screens.
Actually, I would like to see an iPhone / Touch connect with a 9 in diag screen and apple bluetooth keyboard so that you have a traveling computer in a box but its an iPhone too. Just a thought.
en
Wait, MDN, this isn’t a “RUMOR”, it’s a “here’s hoping”.
Big difference!
Why not! When can I get 1 or 2?
Apple has all the key pieces and software developed. Just sort out what you need and it is another “Just one more thing”!
How’s this for a rumor… with Apple having current AppleTV advertising and store displays destroyed, maybe the “Brick” is an AppleTV replacement.
An AppleTV Plus.
Cool concept.
I wonder how much something like this with TWO monitors would cost. Surely, it would need TWO Batteries as well, since displays are the biggest juice suckers on a laptop.
The thing would HAVE TO have Haptic feedback. There’s no way one could touch type on a smooth glass keyboard like this thing has. Not that I can touch type… ;^)
Growl… I gotta agree the “Brick” is the next generation Mac mini. Since the TV is being taken OFF the shelves today, my crystal ball sees a hybrid Mac mini/TV.
Nope, the most plausable guess for “Brick” is a mini server
An Apple Table? I assumed that was a joke but I rather believe it wasn’t. Apple curtains will do me as long as they blank out the windows.
I’m a fast typer. I can see my typing speed dramatically reduced, however, without a physical keyboard.
The touchscreen keyboard is great on my iPhone, because I’m not typing with all of my fingers.
Full screen keyboards are another case entirely.
I do not think it is such a stretch to ask for a 13″ iPhone…
ie. 13″ iTablet. I mean seriously AAPL has ALL of the pcs. to the puzzle to make this happen.
I say come on!!! how cool would it be to surf the web with a 13″ touch screen. Third parties can design & develop all the add-ons. U know keyboards & what not….. I don’t care if the thing is a bit thicker than the iPhone…
MSFT was working on that type of device like 2-3 years ago… REMEMBER..? Origami or some such windoze half baked hardware design. I feel MSFT could not pull it off because they are STUCK with that OS of theirs….
Boys & Girls Apple will wow us once again in the near future, lets all just be patient and let the others bumble thru their offerings & then….. when the time is right POW!!!!! another major blow to the PC industry will come from Jobs & Co.
Pray for Steve for we want his health to remain in good standing.
Thats all I have to say for now.
iJah420 believes greater things are yet to come from the great minds @ Apple Inc.
Would this run afoul of Nintendo al ah DS?
…of enjoying porn.
mmmmmm
Well number 1…put down that tablet, take the conn and go ahead one quarter impulse power….
No Captain, I know you want to play Dungeons and Dragons with it…..
Apple is soooo ahead of the curve
The “brick” is the trackpad.
“The thing would HAVE TO have Haptic feedback. There’s no way one could touch type on a smooth glass keyboard like this thing has. Not that I can touch type… ;^)”
Not saying this rumor is true but Apple has a patent on a Virtual “keyboard” that raises to the touch with tactile feedback.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/10/26/apple_patent_hints_at_tactile_multi_touch_keyboard.html
Yep, the OLPC2 mockup is what I’ve been dreaming about. It’s NOT the Brick, though.
that would be beyond “the shit”. I really hope Apple has something like that coming out…. I think I could give up my Touch for that… or maybe just add it to the “i” family.
The Dude abides.