Apple files patent for flip phone design ...

[Swagger]

Originally Posted by Eragon

In looking at the concept phone design, one can't help but wonder whether Apple will partner with one of the foundering smartphone competitors. The flip phone looks almost like an old Samsung Palm design (i500).

http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=187

I don't think you have to partner with anyone, when you are KING!!! Mark

[Griffinaz]

With their new laptop being wafer thin it would be nice to see some of the same thin technology in a folding phone that is as thin as a few quarters stacked on each other. I am hoping this actually comes to bear. I wont give up my iPhone but the wife is due for a new phone and if I get her one then I can play with it too. ;-)

[Lincoln]

Originally Posted by psylichon

I understand those are just concepts at this point, but even as a concept, I prefer the format of the current iPhone. Anytime you add moving parts, things get clumsier and more likely to break. I was really happy Apple went the candybar format for the iPhone (albeit, old-school Hershey bar in width )

I agree. It has more of a solid form the way it is now. A flip iPhone just wouldn't do it for me.

- John

[IphoneTony]

I think it might have a chance. Think about this... If they take the current look of the iphone and add another part that looks similiar to the one we have now that flips up, it might be pretty cool looking... It can be used as a webcam, and even turn to use as a camcorder.. apple might have something going here..

[x999x]

What if its not just a phone? But an always connected pocket internet device, something the MacBookAir "isn't."

With all this work put into Entourage, why not apply that to a product that is built from the ground up as a business tool instead of trying to coax that from the iPhone?

[acosmichippo]

what **I** really want to see is a LAPTOP like this.


let that marinade in your noggin for a minute.

[Eragon]

Here's a link to the patent filing courtesy of Apple Insider. Looks like the potential applications are on the laptop front more so than phone.

Not sure I understand the advantages of a translucent screen (see right through it?).

http://images.appleinsider.com/dual-...pleinsider.pdf

[acosmichippo]

yeah, that's exactly what i was thinking. Imagine a laptop with a two touchscreens instead of a normal screen and keyboard.

[phsycology]

I prefer the candybar style too, though I would like to see this concept in the form of a laptop.

[Indy]

Originally Posted by John

I agree. It has more of a solid form the way it is now. A flip iPhone just wouldn't do it for me.

- John

I also agree with the above John. Although I do like the idea of the see through flip down part acting as a solid screen protector, but, meh...I want a solid device, no large moving parts that could snap off at the slightest bump or jar...you should see my sk3 right now, sheesh!

I for one hope they are not focused on this model and are hard at work on our beloved 3g 32+gb version.2 iphone...enough with this nonsense!