Microsoft patent application reveals "VEDa" multifunction handheld with slide-out keyboard

We can't say we know exactly what Microsoft has in mind with this patent application for a mobile device with a slide-out keyboard, flip-up screen, and a numeric keypad, but apparently it's based around the idea that users won't have to understand the inner functions of a computer if provided with enough hardware controls. According to the application, "in device mode, the computing system truly assumes the look and feel of a less intimidating multi-media device, rather than that of a sometimes more intimidating computer." Similarly, the keypad lets you simply start dialing to use the phone -- all very well and good, but we've got a feeling most people would rather figure out how to use a smaller handheld than cart this monster around.

[Via Unwired View, thanks Staska]

[Mam00th @ Jun 16th 2008 3:44PM]

WTF?

[Ayman @ Jun 16th 2008 4:06PM]

Now it all makes sense,
thats why vista sucks, all this time i thought it was bad softwares. turns out it needs a crappy looking (BOTH-handsheld) computer to run the crappy OS

thanks MikySofty

[Ayman @ Jun 16th 2008 4:07PM]

Now it all makes sense,
thats why vista sucks, all this time i thought it was bad softwares. turns out it needs a crappy looking (BOTH-handsheld) computer to run the crappy OS

thanks MikySofty

[Brad @ Jun 16th 2008 4:55PM]

This is probably an embedded device, more likely than not to be used in vehicle applications. Imagine a car stereo that ONLY looks more complex when you need the complexity, in a system where you have a high throughput of new users (like in a rental car or taxi cab).

It actually does make sense - keep it simple and only introduce complexity where complexity is needed. Why all the complaints?

[fred @ Jun 16th 2008 5:30PM]

Oh for crying out loud.

The patent isn't for an actual, for sale device, it's for a "type" of device based on the concept they call "VEDa".

when you apply for a patent, guess what you have to do?

Supply a drawing.

Are you going to supply some stylized piece of art for a concept like this? No!

You toss together something quick and hand it to the patent clerk. they dont care what it looks like, as long as you provide a picture.


But hey, you got patent story + wacky drawing + Microsoft = OMG an opportunity to unload about how much you think they suck and how awful they are and how stupid they are and stuff!!!

[Mam00th @ Jun 16th 2008 8:06PM]

Well thanks Fred for sorting this out for me, I did though it was an actual device.

I guess you understand how I felt then!

[Jarhead2012 @ Jun 16th 2008 8:21PM]

Well said, fred.

(haha, that rhymed). Anyways, yes, the drawing is goofy. Yes, Microsoft has sort of a track record as of late of coming out with less than satisfactory products, but this type of device certainly has potential.

[Lowest Ranked @ Jun 16th 2008 3:45PM]

First!

Will it play Doom?

Will it run Crysis?

Will it blend?


(Hate to do it guys, but I've been wondering if the 'lowest' rank is back and this is the best way I thought to find out.)

[Lowest Ranked @ Jun 16th 2008 3:50PM]

Thanks, your clicks are appreciated but it looks as though Engadget has disappointed.

=[

[ddub @ Jun 16th 2008 5:06PM]

You might have to change your name to Low Ranked.

[deyanimay @ Jun 16th 2008 5:14PM]

no i'm here to save the day
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/15/amd-offers-up-ati-radeon-hd-3870-mac-and-pc-edition/comments/12666625/

[Lowest Ranked @ Jun 16th 2008 3:46PM]

It looks like the bastard love-child of the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player and a laptop?

[CosterMonger @ Jun 16th 2008 9:16PM]

I guess they had to do something with all the extra external HD-DVD cases that aren't getting sold.

[Kique @ Jun 17th 2008 4:00AM]

@CosterMonger: LOL

[thedesolate1 @ Jun 16th 2008 3:48PM]

FUGLY.

[Sarge @ Jun 16th 2008 3:49PM]

Oh good god...

[Niki @ Jun 16th 2008 3:50PM]

ummm...
UMPC, Netbook...
wtf do we call this one?

[Mam00th @ Jun 16th 2008 3:51PM]

it's called diarrhea

[Pochi @ Jun 16th 2008 3:51PM]

Hideous.

[peshue @ Jun 16th 2008 4:25PM]

Y'know patent drawings almost never look much like the finished product. It's just a proof of concept.

[Homeboy @ Jun 16th 2008 3:51PM]

My IQ just dropped. Someone buy me one of these:

http://directonlinestores.com/images/2006nov_main%20photos432.jpg

[Mam00th @ Jun 16th 2008 3:53PM]

Let's put him at neutral

[NHAnimator @ Jun 16th 2008 3:52PM]

If ever I was rooting for a patent troll...

[Decoy @ Jun 16th 2008 3:52PM]

Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft. What price is beauty?

[Derek @ Jun 16th 2008 3:55PM]

Leave it to Microsoft to make an ugly "handheld", df you can even call it that.

[Philippe @ Jun 16th 2008 3:56PM]

Ah, thanks Microsoft, I've always been scared of computers...

[Zoesch @ Jun 16th 2008 4:00PM]

Looks eerily like the Apricot Portable or the Amstrad PPC

http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=492
http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=195

The design is really retro, I wonder how big they envision this thing to be to have a usable keyboard.

[mr.me! @ Jun 16th 2008 4:06PM]

That amstrad one actually looks like a better design than this. The keyboard folds over, so its tilted slightly rather than completly flat (which i hate), it has a carry handle, and also a disk drive.

[Zoesch @ Jun 16th 2008 4:37PM]

And it can really smoke the competition at running WordStar, Lotus 1-2-3 and dBase III.

[dzhiurgis @ Jun 16th 2008 8:07PM]

"And it can really smoke the competition at running WordStar, Lotus 1-2-3 and dBase III."
Unfortunately, there is yet no multitasking in Vista.. :(

[mr.me! @ Jun 16th 2008 4:02PM]

Is this a handheld? with that huge keyboard? Bet it would be pretty fragile too. That screens just asking to be snapped off or get smashed.

[Dan @ Jun 16th 2008 4:03PM]

The new sidekick coming in July??? ....o_O

[Brad @ Jun 16th 2008 8:09PM]

That's actually the first credible guess I've seen in this entire post.

[Todd @ Jun 16th 2008 4:03PM]

That's the ZunePhone!

[Mr. S. @ Jun 16th 2008 4:03PM]

Thats 90's-rific!

[Michael Mapstead @ Jun 16th 2008 5:28PM]

I'm actually into it. The design works for me better than an iphone and other small mobile devices. Call me old, but I like to see what I'm doing.

[eggothewaffle @ Jun 16th 2008 4:08PM]

This is an intriguing idea...I bet you could use this computer right on top of your lap.

Hmm.

[vagvoba @ Jun 16th 2008 4:17PM]

Holy crap... Reminds me of an ugly typewriter from the late 80's.
Where are the visionaries in Microsoft???

[TareX @ Jun 16th 2008 4:20PM]

I think it's a really intriguing patent.

Make a thin, portable, pocket-sized device out of it with a big touchscreen, make it run WM7, and they may be on to something huge.... in 2010... probably after Android devices have taken over.

But if they manage to put it together early enough, it could make a really slick convergent smartphone device.

[farinasa @ Jun 16th 2008 4:21PM]

This is the reason there are Apple Fanboys.

[retro77 @ Jun 16th 2008 4:31PM]

/agree

[Jason @ Jun 16th 2008 6:24PM]

I just became one.

[gad get @ Jun 16th 2008 6:28PM]

Because Apple's patent drawings look sexy? Are Apple fanboys really that shallow?
What am I saying? Of course they are!

[Lee @ Jun 16th 2008 10:01PM]

This is a travesty. Microsoft must own the company that makes all of these little buttons

[Emre Aydinceren @ Jun 16th 2008 4:27PM]

You are missing the point. You should ask ugly or not:

What is "NEW", "NON-OBVIOUS" and original or authentic about this INVENTION????

[Eddie W @ Jun 16th 2008 4:39PM]

I agree... I don't get it. It's a mobile computer with a slightly different form factor.

Although, it does look like an alarm clock or a desktop phone with a sliding keyboard. I bet there's a huge market for alarm clocks with keyboards... add GPS and I'm sold. Take that Chumby!

[retro77 @ Jun 16th 2008 4:31PM]

Why does it still have a keyboard? I though Balmer was trying to get rid of that.

[dennis @ Jun 16th 2008 4:37PM]

This looks like a computer in the form of a fax machine.

[Biff Superman @ Jun 16th 2008 4:43PM]

I'm guessing someone already patented PERSPECTIVE!

[CraziestGadgets.com @ Jun 16th 2008 4:44PM]

it's the microsoft labelmaker!