Apple has a growing number of interesting patent applications. These patents often cause Apple fans to ponder what the company is planning. However, the Cupertino, California-based company’s latest approved patent might be considered the weirdest patent ever.
In the patent, first filed in June 2021 and approved on Tuesday, Apple talks about its ideas for “Modularized Computing and Input Devices.” This kind of kickstand will act as a kind of slotted slot that can accept multiple displays and keyboards, and potentially more. The whole concept is based on some kind of basic device that can connect both displays and keyboards in multiple configurations. The base itself is hinged to allow these devices to rotate.
Some of the diagrams in the patent application show how you can attach a keyboard and display to the base to create a kind of tablet with a keyboard setup. Other examples include illustrations showing how you can connect two or three screens together. As explained in the patent, one screen can display content while the other can act as a drawing tablet or keyboard.
turntable notebook
One of the most interesting and fun aspects of the patent might be the inclusion of a large, vintage-style vinyl record player. In the application this is described as an “input device” that can only provide information to the base. This base will basically allow physical or wireless communication with the attached device, in this case a turntable that can be used by DJs.
Further, the patent explains how “the computer device can be used by a music producer, disc jockey, sound engineer or the like to produce music in a single configuration and is also modular, allowing the user to remove the input device.” The patent refers to how the base will be attached to this turntable to respond to certain toggles, such as physical buttons.
Another part of the patent describes how you can hold the connected laptop upright like a book. Any connected device can be superimposed like a laptop. Another configuration includes a display connected to a shorter keyboard. Another touchscreen combined with the keyboard is described as acting as a kind of drawing tablet. These extra hinges have already appeared in other experimental designs, such as this laptop with foldable wrist rest. Companies like Framework have experimented with laptops with replaceable keyboards and docks for PC upgrades. Given all the questions about the convenience of usability, it’s no wonder why no major company has tried to iterate on an ultra-customizable laptop.
Of course, it’s worth noting, as always, that Apple’s filing for a patent doesn’t necessarily mean it will convert its design into a production product. Apple has applied for quite a few patents for its wearables, phones, and many other device applications. Given the time between Apple filing patents and receiving approval, these patents may not be indicative of where Apple is going with its technology.
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