Apple files patent for flip phone design ...

jbarrack · 03-17-2008, 02:44 PM

Read this on Engadgetmobile this morning ... looks interesting. Though you guys would like to see this.

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/0...ne-flip-phone/

psylichon · 03-17-2008, 02:55 PM

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

)

jbarrack · 03-17-2008, 02:59 PM

I like the candy bar style too. If Apple does come out with a flip phone it will be interesting to see how much they pack into it. I don't think I would every buy a phone that wasn't a Smartphone again. But I'm sure Apple would like to target the audience that when sees the iphone says "what do I need all of those features for?"

Eragon · 03-17-2008, 03:57 PM

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

DUKEL · 03-17-2008, 04:10 PM

This is what I've been waiting for. This would be an awesome innovation. The most popular form factor in the world with iPhone software in it? I will definitely be getting one of these should it ever drop!!

Edit..Just saw, 3 touchscreens!! I'm in.

Luckykelleyk · 03-17-2008, 04:13 PM

I don't really like the idea either. I really prefer it how it is. I hope that if this idea ever does make it to production, that they still have the other style as an option.

chrismmm · 03-17-2008, 04:16 PM

i dont think i would ever make it to production

acosmichippo · 03-17-2008, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by chrismmm

i dont think i would ever make it to production

aw, man... i would totally buy one of you, too.

on a serious note, it's way too early to tell if i'd like this better or worse than the current iphone. Chances are against it, but i'd never bet against apple when it comes to designing new products. at the very least, the option to choose between two designs can't be a bad thing.

the other thing to consider is apple may only be filing a patent to prevent someone else from "altering" touchscreen designs temporarily until they can explore the idea first.

Luckykelleyk · 03-17-2008, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by acosmichippo

aw, man... i would totally buy one of you, too.

on a serious note, it's way too early to tell if i'd like this better or worse than the current iphone. Chances are against it, but i'd never bet against apple when it comes to designing new products. at the very least, the option to choose between two designs can't be a bad thing.

the other thing to consider is apple may only be filing a patent to prevent someone else from "altering" touchscreen designs temporarily until they can explore the idea first.

Yeah, Rim files all kind of crazy patents all the time but nothing ever comes of them.....

x999x · 03-17-2008, 04:34 PM

Apple is very calculating with their designs that they use and even the ones they don't. This very well may be a design idea that didn't make it, but they're patenting it anyway to prevent a competitor from creating something similar and directly competing with their flagship products.

Big companies file lots of patents, and its extremely frustrating as a consumer when the more interesting filings never make it to the store shelf.