Apple patent points to tablet PC

With light-up Apple logo

By James Sherwood • Get more from this author

3rd February 2009 12:25 GMT

A recently filed Apple patent application has revealed the firm’s idea for a tablet-style Mac.

The concept computing device from Apple's patent application

The “Display Housing for Computing Device” application – which specifically mentions a portable computer - was filed last month.

It describes how such a device would be constructed and, to a lesser extent, what its internal components would be.

For example, the application talks about an invention with “a suspended frame" able to support “a display panel within a display housing”.

An internal antenna would be included, Apple said, and be configured to transmit or receive RF signals.

Talk of “a logo or other symbol” that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display sounds suspiciously like the potential device could sport a light-up Apple logo on its rear, just like its laptops currently do.

An unknown designer's vision for Apple's tablet
Image courtesy of Gizmodo

The application also mentions how the display’s backside could again be used to illuminate design elements or features. A translucent housing is pointed out too.

A drawing of the potential device has also been included, although it’s annoyingly vague and so difficult to visualise how the tablet could look when encased in shiny silver or aluminium and adorned with an Apple logo. ®