Purcher reports, “Computer systems and methods disclosed in Apple’s patent, according to Apple, may provide an entirely new category of computer systems as compared to desktops and laptops. Various embodiments contemplate using an integrated projector output as a primary visual output, as opposed to the conventional display screens involved with desktop and laptop computers. Such an approach may allow the computer system to be a ‘desk-free computer,’ by allowing the computer system to be placed wherever desired, on a desk or table, but also on a shelf, on a floor, or even suspended from a wall or ceiling.”
Much more in the full article, including patent application illustrations, here.
Here comes the future. 2012 is just next week.
If the project code name is “Borg Implant” I may start to worry.
Amazing as Apple’s innovation is, what’s more amazing to me is how this kind of innovation is not common, not appearing everywhere. Why are most other companies so dull? Why are most of the things we get ‘offered’ such load of same old crap with a different case or just minor increases in speed etc?
I think it’s because those other companies have been lazy and trained us to accept a 20% speed increase as ‘innovation’, and that is the revolution Apple is leading. They are breaking our training and raising our expectations. that’s why they are hated by the others.
Looks like “Minority Report” is around the corner.
Reason is to play it safe. Shareholders want large profits, but freak out when the risk doesn’t pay off. The larger the group involved, the less chance for innovation. Think about grade school classes, where smart and dumb students are ridiculed. Or Congress. Or Apple, before Jobs & NeXT came back.
The first 30 years were just the beginning!
I can’t wait for Apple to implant things in my brain.. come on! .. think different.
Next up… MS sues Apple for 100 billion for ripping off their Natapuaahahahahhahhaha sorry I couldn’t even say it.
I’m not using a desk now.
Sounds like the holographic display from Paycheck.
I am Apple fan, so don”t take this as bashing…
But – Oooooooo – Two boxes instead of one.
What the heck is so amazing about a mac mini with a projector glued inside & a wireless mouse and keyboard?! This is hardly revolutionary. Unless there’s something I’m missing, I can go buy a projector and set this up with a ‘puter in 5 minutes.
What’s amazing is that it will be contained in your belt buckle !
Wait, is this a story from December?
have y’all seen this? sounds like some of the same ideas
http://www.ted.com/talks/pranav_mistry_the_thrilling_potential_of_sixthsense_technology.html
This isn’t new. We were speaking of this 20 years ago. Not necessarily this exact configuration or idea but the general idea is the same.
When I used to teach a computer literacy class at Seattle Central Community College I used to tell my students that the computer of the future will not be on your desktop. The specific example I gave was that your “computer” will be built into the wall and accessible from anywhere and viewable from anywhere.
this patent seems like it will not be able to be defended
projector as a computer display is nothing new and is not patentable
i have used a projector as a computer display and sat back 5 feet with a blank desk and my keyboard and mouse, not a new idea.
@Zek
My take on why Apple is innovative and inventive is pretty simple:
Apple strives for Excellence while it is the norm to strive for Mediocrity.
Look at our educational system, our politics, or any field you choose – we humans push and prod one another to conform, to seek the summit of the bell curve, not the leading edge. Most people are most comfortable being somewhere in the middle. It is clear from observing human behavior that for the most part “average” gets accepted and the really bad or really good gets rejected.
I have been an Apple user for decades, and I sit here in awe of the fact that people are actually choosing Excellence.
… ‘such an approach may allow the computer system to be a desk-free computer,
Geez….I hope this isn’t Apple’s version of a ‘Big-Assed Table’ computer
Come on Apple. Still no implants? I had my left brain removed already.
@ploogman
Yeah, thats what Apple did – they went and filed for a patent on your idea of hooking up a projector to your computer and sitting back five feet away – once they heard about that they went nuts and said, “We gotta patent that!”
So when they come up with a Mac Mini the size of a matchbook that has a built in projector – they’ll give you credit cause it’s your idea.
Sheesh
Does the projector have to be a wall/screen projector? Could it not be something like a “heads-up” or “direct vision” type of projector? – It would need a new type of control interface!
Now we’re talking about existing Technology but with leading edge software, applications and marketing. That’s what Apple is all about.
All the pieces are finally in place. It begins.
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@Wha
Motoko Kusanagi and Section 9 from THE GHOST IN THE SHELL are on their way.
Hmm, new computer category? I hope we can use them without having a “traditional” computer. I wanted to buy an iPad for my mother – it looked like the perfect device for her, e-mail, internet, photos, iWork… And all with the UI she knows from her iPhone. But to use it you actually need a computer or anything that can run iTunes – a crappy netbook? Is it easy to print out the documents you make in iWork from the iPad? (with Wi-Fi possible? I heard there is not even a USB on the keyboard-dock).
The iPad could be a real game changer, for older people, who don’t want to buy a computer. But at the moment, it’s just a bit expensive (if you consider the 300$ you need for the netbook to run iTunes….)
@zak, ET,
My take is that, it is not that companies strive for mediocrity, but they strive for short term profit and quick glory first and foremost. Look what happended to Toyota, Sony, HP, IBM, and plethora of recent tech giants. And we all know where this mentality comes from and dominates our economy.
Apple is committed to 1) heavy in-house R&D;, 2) Build the best product – no matter how long it takes, and 3) Close the deal – create finished products that sell, not just betas and lab projects no real consumer wants. Profit follows accordingly.
Meanwhile, most other companies and execs believe in cutting investment in your own people as a means to “cut cost” and gain profit. All future profit then flows elsewhere.