Apple patent dug up docks iPod in PowerBook

You know how much we love patent applications—especially Apple's patent applications, since they love to stonewall everyone on their plans. Which is why we're totally giggling to ourselves at their latest to surface, which proposes iPod integration directly into a laptop. Granted, this patent application also proposes iPod docking into just about every device imaginable, including images of the device docked in a regular dock, speaker dock, wall mount, and so on. And yes, they specifically outline that the "[media player's] user interface may be the primary user interface of the notebook… for example, the touch pad of the media player shown… may be used to perform actions on the notebook computer." Take it for what it is though, people—something that not gonna happen by Apple's hand (at least not anytime soon).

It's also worth noting that a huge portion of the patent covers a "wireless media player system that includes a hand held media player capable of transmitting information over a wireless connection and one or more media devices capable of receiving information over the wireless connection," which could imply anything from PAN networks, WiFi devices, cellular data, to FM transmitters—so don't be too surprised to see Apple as the eventual sole patent owner of all wireless music and media transmissions.

[Via Macsimum News]

[Jason @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

LOL

[Tyler @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

Does that mean that any non-Apple handheld DAP that's capable of streaming media over a wireless network violates this patent?

[formula420 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

PAN networks, is that like a NIC card, or a GUI interface? Score one for redundancy.

FYI PAN=Personal Area Network
NIC=Network Interface Card
GUI=Graphical User Interface.

[Alex @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

'so don�t be too surprised to see Apple as the eventual sole patent owner of all wireless music and media transmissions.'

Sonus alredy do this?

[Jon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

#1, i hope it isn't like that. If it is, it seems ridiculous that you can patent something that is so obviously the next logical step in this industry.

[Alan Cheung @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

#2 thanks for explaining. Very useful and relevant.

[Josh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

How old is this patent? Look at the iMac.

[Corey @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

Just remember, filing for a patent doesn't mean it is going to be granted. There are thousands of patents that get rejected every year, so I wouldn't be to worried about this one going through...not if it as assanine as it seems.

[Paris Hilton @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

Powerbook with direct ipod integration. That's Hot

[Antonio @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

Pretty sweet.
Will never see the light of day.

[Jesus @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

I'm a huge mac fanboy, and even I think this is retarded lol

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

I remember reading, just days after the Mac mini launch, that someone had found traces and printing on the logic boards that seemed to indicate that Apple had, at least at one point, considered running Firewire to the top middle of the mini's case. At the time, speculation was that this could have been for an iPod dock of some sort.

http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000263034087/

[Samuel Lago @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

I didn't get passed this "which proposes iPod integration directly into a laptop" - I really think this spoiler stuff should be kept in a seperate area!

At least until the surpise is over, I had no idea they were doing this and its a real shame if it comes to product.

Please could you create a spoiler section so that I don't have to worry about getting my christmas early, which I hate.

thank you,

Samuel

[matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

ok ummmm ipod in the powerbook cool idea in theory but how the hell would it work in place of your mouse pad. Its a freckin scroll wheel!!!!!!!! second how the hell would you control the notebook with out the ipod? oh i am on a business trip and i forgot my mp3 player that is designed only to to be used for entertainment purposes only that is now putting my work on the line. Its one of those things that looks good on paper but never works, like communism. You apple fans really need to pull your head out of your ass and look around do we really need stuff like this!??!

[Callum @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

Hey, that mouse has two buttons. What's the deal!

[Paul Renner @ Dec 19th 2005 1:01AM]

Finally explains the previously non-sensical moniker "iPod". Without a dock into the mother ship, a "pod" is just a seed-holder, or a group of whales.