Apple taking a page from Windows 8 hybrids?

noreply@blogger.com (Inspector Gadget) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:42:00 +0000

It appears that Apple may be taking a lead from Windows 8 devices by creating their own hybrid laptop/tablet.

Patently Apple have reported patent 250673 was filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office back in 2011, however it seems now Apple may be putting more work into it and using its trademark design prowess to bring something new.

"Apple wants the base to be more than just a dumb keyboard. Not only can the two together work as a laptop when you need to type, but the two communicate with each other when parted. Data can be transmitted between the via a 60GHz wireless chip, Bluetooth, or any other connection. What form the base will take is unclear: perhaps the idea of the two talking to each other is that you can plug in peripherals to the base and still access them when you detach the tablet screen and wander off with it. The screen doesn't always have to talk to the base, either: it can also connect wirelessly to a phone, camera or other device without attaching physically."
Personally, I have always liked the idea of devices like the HP Envy but found them a let down in practice, with Windows 8 still feeling to clunky for a full touchscreen experience. Apple may be able to get this just write.
Thoughts?