Apple regularly patents new concepts. One of the recent applications describes a “computer in an input device” . We are talking about a full-fledged PC that fits in the keyboard case.
Computer internals
Cupertino does not reveal all the details about the potential product. But the document says that the keyboard can fit a cellular antenna, and its body should be made folding (for the sake of greater portability). The keyboard may include a trackpad, eliminating the need for a mouse.
In such a concept, the Apple Silicon single-chip system is useful. Its architecture will save space, and low heat dissipation will eliminate the need for an active cooling system. However, the patent describes a variant with holes for blowing in and blowing out air. The use of thermally conductive materials is also discussed.
Nothing is said about autonomy. It is assumed that the keyboard will have to be connected to a power source to work.
What is the use
The main advantage is portability. At the same time, the form factor outperforms the MacBook in terms of cost, because the display is considered one of the most expensive components of a laptop. A striking example of this is the Mac mini, which allows the owner of the gadget to connect a monitor and accessories.
Are there analogues?
The idea to put processing power in a keyboard dates back to the 1980s. The creators of the Commodore VIC-20, ZX Spectrum and Sinclair QL even brought it to life. The case of the Apple II computer, released in 1977, was also a bulky keyboard. These traditions are developed by a recent patent, the description of which states that “components such as processors, batteries, memory and integrated circuits now fit in smaller areas.”
Recall at least Raspberry Pi 400 . The single-board computer was dressed in a plastic keyboard and actual ports were added. There was enough space for a quad-core processor and 4 GB of RAM. There are many similar devices from not so well-known manufacturers.
