Apple patent filing reveals hybrid notebook/tablet

A newly published patent filing reveals possible Apple plans for a hybrid notebook/tablet computer, according to a report. The invention could involve a keyboard-laden base and removable display — two components that could communicate wirelessly.

Also noted as a possibility is the ability to transfer power wirelessly, perhaps through coils or capacitive plates.

Apple patent filing reveals hybrid notebook/tablet

In some embodiments of the patent filing, the removable display would incorporate touchscreen technology.

Novel in the invention is a set of retracting magnetic connectors that would enable the screen to physically attach to the keyboard when necessary, while disappearing to make the screen a standalone tablet when not in use. It’s unclear whether the fruits of this concept would be a Mac, iPad, or something inbetween, but the images are disclaimed as merely illustrative of a design possibility.

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