[nassau]

From News.Com.Com

Apple Computer has filed a patent for a laptop that has a camera built into the latch between the lid and the base, suggesting that it is working on such a feature in an upcoming laptop model.

The patent application, which was published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last week, is for a portable computer that includes a camera in the housing that secures the lid to the base. The camera, which is integrated into the PC, includes an image sensor and a lens assembly, according to documents on the government agency's Web site.


The patent, which has not yet been granted, was filed by Apple in March 2004.

An Apple spokesperson declined to say whether the company is planning to include the feature in any forthcoming products, explaining that the company doesn't comment on "rumor and speculation."

An image of the proposed device is included on the front page of the patent application.

http://news.com.com/Apple+planning+a...l?tag=nefd.top







could this be a camera built in for use with iChatAV perhaps? sounds interesting.

[BlueRabbit]

This would be pretty cool. However, the iSight costs a lot, and would probably raise the cost of a Powerbook by a hundred dollars, at least. Unless it was some sort of crippled iSight, in which case it wouldn't be as desirable. I'm ready for Apple to prove me wrong, though.

[flail]

Actually, I can see this happening. It would really allow iChat AV to take off. And about a price increase, I doubt it—It seems Apple is always adding features but keeping the price the same—It's all marketing.

[nassau]

it would probably be the same type of camera found in cell phones, and i doubt they cost more than a "few" bucks.

forget about the iSight blurb, that was my wording. just think "small camera in laptop".

i like it. i'd never ever buy an iSight but i'd love to use one everyonce in a while. just image hi5 ect with that. (not that i ever use hi5 either but with an iSight i might have...)

[Robo]

Slightly off-topic...

Apple needs to get the iSight under $99.

It's been $149 for how long? I know that the iSight is a superdeluxe webcam, but in most people's eyes, $150 is far too much for any webcam, now matter how nice.

Get it under the double-digit price barrier, however, and you might see more takers.

[Wrao]

I think it's a fantastic idea. Just so long as it's done right, done at the best quality possible, in an elegant way. It would be a little like the backlit keyboard... gimmicky, but still very neat.

[The Return of the 'nut]

Originally Posted by Roboman Slightly off-topic... Apple needs to get the iSight under $99. It's been $149 for how long? I know that the iSight is a superdeluxe webcam, but in most people's eyes, $150 is far too much for any webcam, now matter how nice. Get it under the double-digit price barrier, however, and you might see more takers.

why apple never had a double pack for a discount is beyond me. the iSight has suffered from absolutely terrible marketing

[Wrao]

Originally Posted by Roboman Slightly off-topic... Apple needs to get the iSight under $99. It's been $149 for how long? I know that the iSight is a superdeluxe webcam, but in most people's eyes, $150 is far too much for any webcam, now matter how nice. Get it under the double-digit price barrier, however, and you might see more takers.

I think they should either lower the price or start offering bundle packs. I personally think that a bundled iSight deal would be excellent to encourage people to get into using them. Sure it's $150, but what if you could get 2 for $220 or so? Those would sell like mad AND it would increase the amount of iSights that are out there in use.

[Robo]

Originally Posted by Wrao I think it's a fantastic idea. Just so long as it's done right, done at the best quality possible, in an elegant way. It would be a little like the backlit keyboard... gimmicky, but still very neat.

Backlit keyboards aren't gimmicks.

I couldn't count all the times when I was typing in the dark that I wish I could see my keyboard better. Hell, now is one of those times.

I don't care if Apple doesn't upgrade anything about the 12" Powerbook at all - just give it a backlit keyboard, and I'd be able to finally justify buying it over an iBook.

[Wrao]

I know, I use my backlit keyboard all the time. I love it, but it's still something of a gimmick. Actually, I personally think that *every* keyboard should have a backlight, but I suppose that'd be impractical in some places, but you get the idea.

anyway, I do really like the built in camera for a laptop idea. I just see many ways it could go wrong, so I would be hesitant to go for something like that unless I was confident that it would actually work, and work well.