Usually when users want to dock a laptop, it is because they have a larger screen on their desk than the laptop.
And a "sub notebook" would have a SMALLER screen than your typical laptop.
This design makes perfect sense.
Except that you end up paying a lot more to be stuck with an underpowered machine. Sure, you're docked and that saves space while giving you a larger screen at home. But you're still using the processor and weak integrated video card of the ultra thin laptop.
Wouldn't it be better to just hook up an external monitor and EXTEND the desktop for less money? Sure, it takes up more space, but it's cheaper and better. Or better yet, buy an iMac and just sync the two computers via WiFi. It'll probably only be a few hundred dollars more.
Plus, think about how messed up your window arrangements are going to be when constantly switching between two main monitors of different resolutions. The Finder can't remember where its windows are supposed to be as it is.
I'm glad Apple is making an ultra portable. But I don't think it's going to be as popular as everyone thinks it is.
I hate to admit it, but I think this dock looks like a terrible idea -- why should I buy another monitor that won't be the same size/height of the one I already have? If I'm doing the dual monitor thing, then I want a matched pair so it all has a similar feel (one big and one small makes it easy to "loose" open windows -- a minor but very irritating issue. I'd be happy with a single dongle that I plug into one port on my laptop and is hooked to everything else. there's your "no footprint" option.
Although the ipod-based option is pretty cool too.
I don't need a large screen and I like being able to take my computer out of town with me. I've got a MacBook, with a keyboard and mouse from a previous Mac, with this stand (which is extremely stable):
Which gives the appearance of a 13.3" iMac:
The stand also supports a 17" MBP with stability as well.
Here are some options if you're looking to buy one:
I tried using a notebook stand, but the bulk of the notebook sort of destroys the deskspace; I ended up buying an iMac. Nice solution for people on a tighter budget than me, I guess.
I think this looks great. It could be improved if it had additional ports to hook up a second (or third) monitor, but it is great for those of us with limited desk space (the docking station for most laptops is just one more thing I have to find a space for on my desk, so I'll pass).
The angled docks that use the laptop screen are nice, but they wouldn't work for current Apple laptops; the screens don't open far enough. If your laptop is angled at -45 degrees, and your screen needs to be at at least 90, the minimum range would be 135-145 degrees open. At present, the macbook pro opens to maybe 100 deg. Something like this design might manage a retrofit, whereas most other docking solutions would require an overhaul of the current product line.
I agree w/ Mr Piddly, wireless is the way to go. I mean really, what is this the 20th century?? A wireless screen that docks wirelessly, whether or not the laptop screen is open or not. Of course all your home peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.) are linked to your wireless screen, preferably wirelessly!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrpiddly
I think it would be more interesting in reverse, by having a wireless screen linked to your home computer.
if this happens, im getting one. this would actually be so useful to me. since i finished school i dont really need the mobility that my macbook has, i only really need a desktop, with this i could just plug it in and use it as a desktop!! i want one! please...
There's no particular reason why the iMac-like dock would have to only have a screen and ports. If it's as large as a real iMac there would be plenty of room for e.g. an optical drive and a hard drive, at minimum. That would (mostly) obviate the need for either in a subnotebook. You could sync the notebook iPod-style when you dock it, run Software Update and Time Machine, etc. and then take whatever particular things you need with you on the plane in a super thin laptop with, say, 32GB of flash RAM (64GB if you splurge) and an Intel UMPC chipset and nothing else under the hood.
Steve could skip all this and provide a low-cost mid-tower that docks your iPhone and/or iPod for enhanced features (something that I think would actually appeal to a lot larger market than a docking screen-station for what's bound to be an overpriced and underwhelming sub-notebook).
I've had the Duo 210 and 230s (actually still have them and all the various "docks" and utility connectors). A closed system that does what Steve thinks you should want is not quite the same as having a real system you can modify to do everything you want.
I wonder where those came from, because they don't follow the conventions required by the patent office. They would be rejected.
Can you cite a reference? It is my understanding that the "claims" section is the meat of a technical patent. A design patent requires specific drawings, but I thought for a technical patent the drawings/prose/intro were just fluff that didn't really affect the patent's viability.
Comments
Usually when users want to dock a laptop, it is because they have a larger screen on their desk than the laptop.
And a "sub notebook" would have a SMALLER screen than your typical laptop.
This design makes perfect sense.
Except that you end up paying a lot more to be stuck with an underpowered machine. Sure, you're docked and that saves space while giving you a larger screen at home. But you're still using the processor and weak integrated video card of the ultra thin laptop.
Wouldn't it be better to just hook up an external monitor and EXTEND the desktop for less money? Sure, it takes up more space, but it's cheaper and better. Or better yet, buy an iMac and just sync the two computers via WiFi. It'll probably only be a few hundred dollars more.
Plus, think about how messed up your window arrangements are going to be when constantly switching between two main monitors of different resolutions. The Finder can't remember where its windows are supposed to be as it is.
I'm glad Apple is making an ultra portable. But I don't think it's going to be as popular as everyone thinks it is.
It slices, it dices, it juilienes.
It's a floor wax.....It's a dessert topping!
Ooh, I think I just dated myself.
Although the ipod-based option is pretty cool too.
A desktop... a laptop... a tablet... but wait!... these are all one thing! (crowd goes nuts)
Which gives the appearance of a 13.3" iMac:
The stand also supports a 17" MBP with stability as well.
Here are some options if you're looking to buy one:
Mstand Laptop Stand By Rain Design - Google Product Search
Here's the company's page:
mStand - specs
This is more like it:
http://gizmodo.com/339918/apple-dock...a+slim-macbook
What? A drunken dog?
Perhaps the iMac will become this? A desktop, a laptop and a tablet all in one
Would that ever be a cool keynote...
-Presenting the new iMac...
-Drumroll, followed by audible disappointment as the camera displays a pretty vanilla looking 24" iMac.
-Followed by gasps as Steve ejects the new ultraportable from the side
-Followed by more gasps as Steve disconnects the screen from the portable's keyboard to show the tablet.
-Followed by a real-time $50 jump in AAPL.
Ooh, I think I just dated myself.
That sounds painful (and illegal in several states.)
The angled docks that use the laptop screen are nice, but they wouldn't work for current Apple laptops; the screens don't open far enough. If your laptop is angled at -45 degrees, and your screen needs to be at at least 90, the minimum range would be 135-145 degrees open. At present, the macbook pro opens to maybe 100 deg. Something like this design might manage a retrofit, whereas most other docking solutions would require an overhaul of the current product line.
Usually when users want to dock a laptop, it is because they have a larger screen on their desk than the laptop.
And a "sub notebook" would have a SMALLER screen than your typical laptop.
This design makes perfect sense.
But it comes with a large Fresnel Magnifying sheet to stick over it.
It slices, it dices, it juilienes.
What! No Ginsu Knives if I order now?
It slices, it dices, it juilienes.
... and then you can cook it on an Apple TV!
I think it would be more interesting in reverse, by having a wireless screen linked to your home computer.
It could happen.
I've had the Duo 210 and 230s (actually still have them and all the various "docks" and utility connectors). A closed system that does what Steve thinks you should want is not quite the same as having a real system you can modify to do everything you want.
I wonder where those came from, because they don't follow the conventions required by the patent office. They would be rejected.
They were accepted because Jonathan Ive's twins drew them.
I wonder where those came from, because they don't follow the conventions required by the patent office. They would be rejected.
Can you cite a reference? It is my understanding that the "claims" section is the meat of a technical patent. A design patent requires specific drawings, but I thought for a technical patent the drawings/prose/intro were just fluff that didn't really affect the patent's viability.