Ok, so Apple isn’t really into the whole netbook scene. It’s a shame really, but given its history of producing quality devices, I’m not surprised. But maybe, just maybe, Apple would produce a touchscreen tablet.
A recent patent application titled, “Display Housing for Computing Device”, buries within a variety of other claims a tablet with radio communication.
From Gizmodo:
[0015]As a housing for a computer device, one embodiment of the invention includes: a front shell; a back shell coupled to said front shell to produce said housing, electrical components for the computer device being internal to said housing; and a foam stiffener provided internal to said housing to substantially fill unused space internal to said housing, thereby providing stiffness to said housing.
[0017]As a computer system, one embodiment of the invention includes: an antenna, said antenna being configured to transmit or receive RF signals; and a computer housing, said computer housing being configured to enclose said antenna such that said antenna is entirely contained internal to said computer housing and is operable while being internal to said computer housing without having to extend any portion of said antenna outside said computer housing.
This doesn’t necessarily mean much. We’ve seen Apple file a patent for touchscreen-compatible winter gloves, but I doubt the company will ever mass produce them. Apple likes to cover all its bases though, a filing a patent for a possible future device at least lets us know that an Apple tablet could be a possibility.
via gizmodo
