Apple is reportedly exploring putting a full-featured Mac into a single keyboard, according to Mac Rumors. The concept is evocative of 1980s home computers like the Commodore 64 and Sinclair ZX Spectrum.
This concept was revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Office in a new Apple patent titled “Computer in an input device”. The patent document describes a thicker Magic Keyboard-style chassis. Underneath the keyboard is “all the components of a high performance computer”.
A single I/O connector intended to receive both data and power can be used to connect this keyboard to an external display. As a result, the gadget will connect to the touchpad or mouse wirelessly.
Apple allows customers to carry a single device while yet being able to work with a desktop computer at any time (where a monitor is required, of course) by embedding computer components in the keyboard.
The device may contain a touchpad that is attached to it in some examples. In other examples, the device can be folded and the keyboard area has a “accessory screen” that shows graphics, or the keyboard itself has a projector to display the information.
The remainder of the invention discusses various computer component combinations.
Apple has already received patents for a number of items with pretty creative designs. However, there is still a long way between a patent and commercialization, and new patents are not guaranteed to be commercialized by Apple.
