Apple Computer has been granted a patent for an “Electronic device.” The patent application was filed on March 17, 2004 and granted today, Tuesday, May 10th, 2005. Illustrations show what looks like a Mac Tablet with a touch screen and the patent filing does mentions the “HP Compaq Tablet PC,” the “ViewPad 1000,” and the “Tablet PC V1100.”
Being granted a patent is one thing and actually creating a product is quite another. Apple may be making a Tablet Mac or may have simply secured a patent and decided there isn’t a sufficient market for the device.
MacObserver has some more details and a few more angles of the device in their article by John Kheit here.
[Thanks to MDN reader “James” for sending us the link to the patent database who got it from MacObserver.]
Related MacDailyNews articles:
Apple looking to add wireless connectivity to iPod, rumored Tablet Mac? – August 25, 2004
Apple hints at ‘handheld tablet computer’ with European design trademark filing – August 13, 2004
The Age ponders video Bluetooth iPod; tablet Mac possibilities – January 22, 2003
Apple readying secret iTablet for Macworld unveiling? – January 03, 2003
Tablet Mac watch begins – November 17, 2002
Pssshhh!
Fingers crossed! And if Apple do it, you know it will be better. The Tablet is the way of the future, so it makes sense for Apple to be planning for that.
are they doing well in windows world?
The tablet isn’t kust about the gizmo, it’s about the interface.
I want my Minority Report Honda Civic with flux capacitor and handwriting recognition!
That guy in the illustration is really freaking me out.
I know there is no shortage of intelligent naysayers out there on the topic of Apple producing something like this, but I’ve always felt when the technology is ready, such a thing could be huge. I’m not talking about the ugly monstrosity known as today’s tablet PC, but rather something that could truly take on the the book (or be a pleasing alternative – the book will never die of course). This would be something sufficiently thin, light, as pleasing to hold in your hands as an iPod, relatively inexpensive, and could access a new ITMS of literature, student textbooks, perhaps a new generation of interactive children’s books, and if the screen is large enough, it could be used for remote Web surfing and maybe even video playback. From the production side, it could be a truly usable notetaker and drawing/painting slate, which would eclipse the Wacom tablet (I’ve still never been able to get used to drawing in one place, and seeing the results in another!).
If such a thing is ever going to happen and truly catch fire, it will be Apple who will pull it off.
If only this would do double-duty as a second PowerBook screen for mobile editing. That would be extra nifty!
That guy’s got a stiffy.
“That guy in the illustration is really freaking me out.”
You’re right: he is a bit sinister. I wonder what he’s doing on his tablet that would elicit such an expression?
Why a patent? Just looking at the images doesn’t exactly explain to me why Apple needs a patent for such a product. What is unique about this tablet design compared to non-Apple manufacturers (besides using OSX, which guess it will)
I fail to see the appeal of these Tablet PCs. Two grand for an electronic tablet with buggy handwriting recognition software vs. $1.29 for paper and pencil. I’d rather spend the money on a full-blown Powerbook.
And unless it’s the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I don’t want an electronic book. The real ones work just fine.
Thanks for the link.
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Bryan
Editor
TMO
Hey, I just figured out what’s creepy about the guy in the illustration (other than his boner): he’s got six fingers on his right hand! And his left thumb is very, uh, well-endowed. I sure hope “freakish alien hands” aren’t part of the system requirements for that thing.
Don’t you get that’s part of the patent! Macmutants™!
They need a patent because it uses magic sorta like the Keebler Elves.
“You’re right: he is a bit sinister. I wonder what he’s doing on his tablet that would elicit such an expression?”
Downloaded a porn widget
I thought the iMac was the tablet mac, just standing upright.
to ‘winston’: clearly you’ve never used a tablet, so i would refrain from making comments that reflect such. the handwriting recognition isn’t anywhere NEAR ‘buggy’, and if you’re making comparisons to pencil/pen & paper, then you’re missing the whole point.
NOTICE ONE IMPORTANT THING IN THE DRAWING??
THE GUY IS USING HIS FINGER – NOT A PEN OR STYLUS!!!!
A touch sensitive screen portable mac?
Very interesting…
What about a Tablet with a “lite” version of OS X that is Spotlight based?!? Doesn’t it make more sense to open applications with a stylus by just writing the name of the app, rather than browsing through folders while your other hand gets tired?
So this is a touch screen PDA only bigger. I don’t see the practical use. Unless it’s a touch screen you can detach from a laptop ??? Time will tell
Solar…
You can use you’re finger on a PDA, it’s just that the stylus is more acurate.
Solar Flare, another important fact about the photo is he’s not wearing a turtle-neck either!!!!
Will this be a video ipod? Sems the screen’s big enough.
I don’t see any ports besides the standard power adapter. I do see a latch button as if the thing flips open. Perhaps there’s a keyboard inside. I’m guessing not though. Still, it seems strange that there’s a latch.
I’ve used convertible tablet/laptop PCs from a couple different makers. They all have a weakness: The screen hinge. They are awkward and flimsy.
The other thing I don’t like is that the resolution is so tight that it’s nearly impossible to use your finger. I find myself squinting and I’m used to my 12″ Powerbook.
Tablets are neat, that’s for sure, but when it comes to usability they are nothing more than a PDA with a huge screen. A keyboard is king. Apple would better serve their customers with a more rugged laptop option.