Future Apple Hardware? Four Outrageous Prototypes Revealed!

The video player requires Flash 8 Player or later. Please download the latest Flash Player.

FEATURE
100 Snow Leopard Tips, Tricks, and Features

FEATURE
OS X Browser Speed Wars: May the Fastest App Win

FEATURE
The Complete iTunes History -- SoundJam MP to iTunes 9

FEATURE
iTunes 9 Tips and Tricks - Solve the Mysteries of the New iTunes

TOP STORIES

Feature

Future Apple Hardware? Four Outrageous Prototypes Revealed!

Posted 12/02/2008 at 6:01:00am | by Words by Jon Phillips and Illustrations by Adam Benton

Remarkably mobile. Utterly functional. Apple solves the portability puzzle, leaving screen real estate unscathed.

Click image to embiggen

prototype toc The MacBook Air is about as sexy as a notebook gets. Just try pulling one out in a crowd. First comes the oohing, and then the ahhing, and then--sorry, but yes--the borderline-inappropriate fondling. There’s just something about the Air’s katana-thin profile that demands hands-on attention. People need to touch it, and open it, and prove to themselves that it is indeed a functional computer.

But the honeymoon doesn’t last forever. The Air is the perfect computer for a very particular user, but it’s not perfect in toto. No optical drive. No FireWire. The hard drive--anemic. And while the Air’s height is essentially nonexistent, its width-depth footprint is still a bulkmeister. In a lot of book bags and backpacks, the Air is as awkward a fit as any traditional notebook.
Thus the triBook. At first glance, it’s not quite as spectacular looking as the Air, but its amazing story literally unfolds as you put it to use.

At a mere 6.75 inches deep, 10 inches wide, and about an inch tall, the triBook strikes a modest profile--it easily slips into most purses and man bags and completely disappears inside any book bag or backpack. But while portability is nice, it’s typically achieved at the expense of utility, and this is where the triBook is a triumph. When the triBook’s lid is closed, the two side screens tuck in neatly, sandwiched between the main display and the keyboard/touchpad. And when it’s time to use the machine, you lift the lid and unfold the side panels, just as if you were unfolding a cardboard box.

When the two side screens are fully unfolded to form a flat plane with the center screen, you’re left with an ultrawide landscape display of 21 diagonal inches. Indeed, not only is the triBook more portable than the Air, it also offers much more screen real estate. But have fun, play a little. The sides don’t have to pivot by a perfect 180. Cocked at a jaunty angle, each side screen can be set to form a little privacy barrier.

Now, we could claim that the triBook is Apple’s much-anticipated entry into the “netbook” market, but using the term netbook doesn’t do the machine justice. Netbooks are teeny, tiny notebooks stuffed with underpowered parts, including the most insubstantial of screens. In other words, they’re imminently portable, but really only good for surfing webpages and typing out email.

Not so with the triBook. Besides no-compromise screen real estate, the triBook comes with an 8x SuperDrive, a kick-ass hard drive, an array of I/O connectors, and a MacBook Pro-caliber CPU. All that plus a generous keyboard and an expanded multitouch trackpad that supports a whole new complement of touch gestures.

So this is it, the so-called “brick” notebook that’s been rumor-mill fodder for the last three months. An exceedingly simple but effective concept—in short, Apple to the very core.

Next, the GameDock prototype. Ready to bring your iPhone and TV together.

COMMENTS: 65

TAGS: Apple Design, prototypes

COMMENTS

Tricked
Submitted by the_saltminer on Tue, 2008-12-02 08:53

When I read the headline, I thought these were actual prototypes from Apple. Turns out MacLife just made this stuff up. Interesting concepts and pretty 3D renders. But "Future Apple Hardware? Four Outrageous Prototypes Revealed!" implies that MacLife did some investigative reporting when in fact, this is all fiction.

Login or register to post comments

had a great idea. "Hey,
Submitted by adeletwo6789 on Thu, 2009-10-29 07:33

had a great idea. "Hey, let's coursework | coursework writing | coursework help | custom coursework get someone to swallow an iPod shuffle." In theory it sounded like a plan the entire Internet could get behind. Video of a sword swallower placing the button-less iPod shuffle in a safe place.
buy coursework | how to write coursework | online coursework | course work

Login or register to post comments

Maybe we overestimated our
Submitted by JonPhillips on Tue, 2008-12-02 09:40

Maybe we overestimated our audience's familiarity with Apple and its practices? Because with all due respect, it's well established that Apple doesn't share *any* prototypes with anyone, ever, let alone "outrageous" ones. Regardless, I apologize for the confusion.
Login or register to post comments

Jon, are you kidding?
Submitted by user on Sat, 2008-12-06 14:34

You apologize for the confusion? How sincere. Considering that I also initially thought the prototypes were Apple's, I'd like an apology for being called "overestimated."Then I'll apologize for cancelling my MacLife renewal.It was fun while it lasted.

Login or register to post comments

Yeesh!
Submitted by mathue on Mon, 2008-12-15 09:57

Yeesh! Talk about the ultimate in offended indignation. Apology? You're practically bleeding drama! I guess I just can't understand why someone would go into meltdown mode over this, honestly. If this can set you off one wonders how you would manage to get through any day without going postal every hour. You need to seriously take a king sized chill pill. : )

Login or register to post comments

Good my dream teacher sikis
Submitted by Bilinmiyo on Fri, 2009-06-19 14:49

Good my dream teacher sikis

Login or register to post comments

Who is your dream
Submitted by McCain on Tue, 2009-11-17 05:27

Who is your dream teacher?Apartment in Dubai

Login or register to post comments

Manipulation of expectations is not honest
Submitted by cyberlogos on Wed, 2009-01-14 19:36

I was absolutely ready to purchase the infamous tribook when I visited this forum and found out it was a hoax to call more attention from the public in here. I am so disappointed and my hope is that the Apple guys read this to make it come true. The cynical comments about diminishing this effect are only accomplices and claque.

Login or register to post comments

Whu?
Submitted by mathue on Mon, 2008-12-15 10:04

I don't feel there is any apology necessary. Only the overdramatic and adolescent amongst us will get bent out of shape over this. Nicely done and more, more, more!

Login or register to post comments

huh?
Submitted by bryan1884 on Tue, 2008-12-02 10:19

whats the deal with the legos?

Login or register to post comments

Legos
Submitted by Roberto Baldwin on Tue, 2008-12-02 10:56

I'm seriously considering ripping apart the Mac|Life Mac mini and rebuilding it with Legos.
Does that make me a super nerd?
Login or register to post comments

add to my post
Submitted by bryan1884 on Tue, 2008-12-02 10:29

i did want to point out however that I think the tribook and the icom were both very creative!

Login or register to post comments

The Lego Mac's not the only easily breakable one here
Submitted by pauldacheez on Tue, 2008-12-02 12:52

The problem with the triBook is that the screen's obnoxiously wide. Not only will it annoy people nearby, but imagine some guy accidentally elbowing a screen off...

Also it looks kinda ugly and there's too much bezel between the screens.

Login or register to post comments

Perfectly cromulent
Submitted by dizastor on Tue, 2008-12-02 15:06

Clicking the image embiggens us all

Login or register to post comments

its nice to dream
Submitted by djpink889 on Tue, 2008-12-02 15:43

while these products most likely won't become a reality, its nice to dream. i think it would be great to have any of these products. especially the tri-book and icom.

Login or register to post comments

iCom
Submitted by Applefreak72 on Tue, 2008-12-02 16:40

That's not possible at all!!!

Login or register to post comments

Most things are "possible" when Apple and technology converge...
Submitted by saintlouisranger on Tue, 2008-12-02 18:34

Hello applefreak72,It seems that Apple can indeed make a silk purse out of a sows' ear. I have been selling the MacBook Air, light, sexy, under powered, over priced with a perception of weakness in the shell and that, "I am afraid I'm going to break it feeling." If folks will spend $2,700 for a 17" MacBook Pro - What would they pay for a triBook? The iCom is a real winner, I can see a number of those devices in every home... Well done to Jon Phillips and Adam Benton. Imaginative and fun...

Login or register to post comments

Thank you!
Submitted by JonPhillips on Thu, 2008-12-04 11:03

Thank you!
Login or register to post comments

Nothing new with Tri-book
Submitted by DanKnight58 on Mon, 2008-12-15 08:13

Low End Mac conceived of this six years ago - http://lowendmac.com/rumormill/02/1104.html

Login or register to post comments

best product never made
Submitted by jbach220 on Sat, 2008-12-27 07:49

As these products were presented I believed them to be real prototypes. The iCom is by far one of the most intriguing concepts I have ever come across. What makes it so convincing as a true prototype is that it is such a typical Mac design. I'm putting this product on watch. As soon as something like this is put into production - whether it be in 12 months or 12 years - there will be one on my nightstand.

Login or register to post comments

I like the iCom
Submitted by GregA on Tue, 2009-01-20 14:57

I like the iCom concept, and I'm surprised Apple hasn't done something in this area. (forget the holoscreen).

I really think Apple could make a killer product, designed to replace every phone in your home (or business), and also get rid of alarm clocks forever.

Probably based on the iPhone (touch screen, iPhone apps, wifi), but no battery or 3G - just add VoIP, small music speakers, and a wireless buttonless handset on the side.

Login or register to post comments

Love this idea
Submitted by Estrates on Sun, 2009-01-25 12:56

Seriously... who wouldnt love the compactness of this "netbook"?

One open you can then have additional real estate in an instant without sacrificing resolution. watch blu ray and play widescreen FPS games...now this is the "WOW FACTOR"

I would buy 2 of these in an instant, maybe 3 if the GFX card(s) were acceptable.
Awesome concept, apple should consider this...HP will grab this first though since Apple seems to not accept "outside" concepts, tragedy really.

9.9/10 imo

Login or register to post comments

legos
Submitted by mago on Fri, 2009-04-17 08:47

WTF the legos dude?

Also, embiggen? That's german??

--- magos para contratar

Login or register to post comments

great post!
Submitted by server counter 1.6 on Mon, 2009-03-30 20:29

Gread post, very nice!
Server counter strike
Server counter 1.6

Login or register to post comments

GameDock
Submitted by tcbritt on Wed, 2009-04-08 04:30

This concept would work great with the AppleTV box used as the GameDock. The touch control game could be downloaded to the iPhone from the App Store and to the AppleTV through iTunes. The users could begin playing the game on the iPhone while traveling or at work, then could resume or replay the game in its full screen glory on the home HDTV through AppleTV, which the iPhone/iPod Touch used as wireless controller. The accelerometer could provide controls similar to Nintendo Wii, and the touch screen could be implemented as well. Thoughts?

Login or register to post comments

Believe it or not, these prototypes DO excist
Submitted by BoilerMacUser on Tue, 2009-05-05 18:48

So, I noticed that 50% of the comments deny the existence of any of these products and 50% are all thumbs up.

I can tell you all right now, Apple does have these prototypes and they do work.

I have the proviledge of knowing someone working for the R&D department at Apple. Through this individual, I was able to see these prototypes.

The tribook is amazing....they are planning on making some changes to it before releasing it, but you can definitely count on seeing these hitting retail stores with-in the next 3 to 4 years.

Good bye external monitors!!

Login or register to post comments

2009 Sbs Sonuçları
Submitted by vallami on Sat, 2009-06-20 00:56

2009 Sbs Sonuçları
Sbs 2009 Sonuçları
2009 Sbs Cevap Anahtarı

Login or register to post comments

2009 öss sonuçları Ve
Submitted by bugra_12 on Sat, 2009-06-20 01:01

2009 öss sonuçları Ve size son olarak bir öss sonuçları sitesi daha göstermek istedim

öss sonuçları Öss Sonuçlarının bulunduğu internet sayfası

Login or register to post comments

Good info
Submitted by server wow on Thu, 2009-06-25 09:41

server wow
Good info, thank you very match!

Login or register to post comments

san diego real estate
Submitted by max123 on Fri, 2009-06-26 02:58

Hi,
If the current inventory glut continues to decline at it’s current annual rate, and sales stay flat seasonally adjusted, it is possible that the Calgary housing market will bottom in December 2009 after falling further in autumn. I think there are upside risks and downside risks to this forecast.
san diego real estate

Login or register to post comments

Ohh thanks admin
Submitted by vallami on Fri, 2009-06-26 08:27

Thanks admin.. I love site.
Öss Sonuçları 2009 Öss Sonuçları

Login or register to post comments

Thanks admin
Submitted by vallami on Thu, 2009-07-02 06:12

Sbs Sonucu
Sbs Sonuçları

Login or register to post comments

Msn Nickleri
Submitted by sevgi bahcem on Fri, 2009-07-17 12:41

Msn nickleri
Güzel Sözler
Seni Seviyorum

Thanks you friends. :)

Login or register to post comments

i dont wana MAC, i love
Submitted by enokiathemes on Wed, 2009-09-02 20:38

i dont wana MAC, i love Intel Pcs and Windows XP :)

Thanks
James
Nokia Themes

Login or register to post comments

Thanks
Submitted by vallami on Mon, 2009-09-28 01:17

Thanks
porno izle

Login or register to post comments

I like all MAC
Submitted by ptp1123 on Tue, 2009-10-06 21:28

I like all MAC products....

Website Design | Industrial Design | Multimedia Design

Login or register to post comments

Apple is a very great
Submitted by Emad01 on Thu, 2009-10-08 10:55

Apple is a very great company. I like all the things made by apple. I appreciate all the workers of apple.

Free Mp3 Songs

Login or register to post comments

Ed Hardy Clothing
Submitted by huochai203 on Tue, 2009-11-10 17:55

Great post!Recommend a great place for you:Ed Hardy Secret of kissing you know?Ed Hardy Clothing Really? So interesting!Ralph Lauren Polo Juicy CoutureSo in order to keep your beauty

Login or register to post comments

omega watches
Submitted by benet (not verified) on Tue, 2009-11-10 19:05

Every little chat Salon 1000 ah!replica watchYou are my best's buddy
35d

Login or register to post comments

omega watches
Submitted by benet (not verified) on Tue, 2009-11-10 19:26

Every little chat Salon 1000 ah!replica watchYou are my best's buddy
iqhw

Login or register to post comments

vere nice شات صوتي,
Submitted by ammarvvip (not verified) on Wed, 2009-11-11 06:50

vere nice
شات صوتي, دردشه صوتيه, شات مصريه, شات دردشة دردشه دردشة موبايل شات دردشه

Login or register to post comments

nike air max 2009 discount
Submitted by uggshoes on Fri, 2009-11-27 06:13

nike air max 2009
discount air max 2009

Login or register to post comments

ve شات دردشه شات
Submitted by lovestar (not verified) on Sat, 2009-11-28 04:15

ve شات دردشه شات كويتي دردشه كويتيه ، شات كويت60 شات كازنوفا شات سعودي شاات مصريه شات كويت25 12

Login or register to post comments

GGشات
Submitted by sami29 on Tue, 2009-12-01 20:46

GGشات فلسطيني شات مصري شات بنات بنت السعوديه شات بحريني شات ودردشة حدود العرب العاب شات صوت قطرDD

Login or register to post comments

Thanks Admin !
Submitted by dukdukmonk on Mon, 2009-12-21 14:02

Ikutan Kontes SEO Astaga.com lifestyle on the net
Mbah Gendeng
Catatan Zaydan
News Freebies
Stockist K-Link Kelapa Dua
Untuk Kontes SEO
Ikutan Kontes SEO

Login or register to post comments

We have been selling prom
Submitted by wdong on Sat, 2009-12-26 21:27

We have been selling prom dress, evening gown, Formal gown,Homecoming gown,Bridesmaid gown,Prom gown for over 15 years
wedding dresses
evening dresses
cocktail dresses
formal gowns
prom dresses
Prom dresses, prom and graduation. With tons of prom advice, designer dresses and gowns, and How-to prom information.
wedding dresses
wedding shop
ed hardy
Suppliers of Evening Dresses, Prom Dresses, Ball Gowns, Dynasty Dresses, Bridesmaid and Flower Girl Dresses in regular or Plus size.

Login or register to post comments

شات دردشه دردشة
Submitted by christen on Tue, 2009-12-29 09:08

شات دردشه دردشة

Login or register to post comments

Everybody wants to get their
Submitted by bing on Wed, 2009-12-30 23:49

Everybody wants to get their house built in exactly the way they dreamt but it is not always possible. Building one's own house is an intimidating job. It needs a lot of detailing like choosing the architect, then contacting the suppliers, getting the exact materials and negotiating the deals for them all.
sandiego realestate

Login or register to post comments

Great work!
Submitted by Las Vegas Escorts on Tue, 2010-01-05 10:53

Keep up the wonderful work!

-Thanks Cheap websites

Login or register to post comments

ed hardy
Submitted by shichunhui on Fri, 2010-01-15 23:26

Women Ed Hardy Hoodies In women’s wardrobe, Women Ed Hardy Jeans If not the light and colorful tanks. Women Ed Hardy Shoes What?Looking plain, these tanks can be worn with any other clothes in summer and have won Women Ed Hardy Swimwear good reputation for being sexy, glamorous, and elegant.Seeing how stars to match the clothes,Christian Audigier you will know how to wear tanks.cartier jewelry White tank with a brown mini-skirt.A piece of white tank matching with a brown mini-skirt well Ed Hardy Christian Audigier displays Cameron Diaz’s nice figure as well as her unique elegance and personalities.tiffany keys Special Ed Hardy Christian Audigier womens t Shirt tank with knee-length pantsA simple knee length pants and an Ed hardy white tank printed Ed Hardy Christian Audigier womens hoodiesv pirate skull" make Lindsay be full of punk elements and street Ed Hardy Christian Audigier mens hoodies culture and become the focus of the public.Tiffany Earring Black tank with black legging Ed Hardy Christian Audigier mens t-Shirt pantsKate Moss makes her be the focus of the public with a capable and experienced appearance by Ed Hardy Christian Audigier women t Shirt wearing a black tank and black legging pants.ed hardy schuhe Putting gold and green together: Ed Hardy Christian Audigier women hoodies green tank with gold bagParis Hilton well displays the interaction of two contrasted colors: Ed Hardy Christian Audigier men hoodies gold and green. Her fresh green tank is glamorous enough and the gold handbag making her shining Ed Hardy Christian Audigier men t-Shirt at every pore receives wide envy of ladies.ugg cardy The combination of argent and white colorGetting Ed Hardy Christian Audigier t Shirt

Login or register to post comments