A new rumor has surfaced that Apple is looking at at least three protypes for its next-gen iPhone. The kicker? One model would actually have a slide-out physical keyboard.
These latest details are coming from tw.apple.pro. The site's source is claiming that Apple has built three prototype models of the "iPhone 5," one of which would have a "sliding cover" that would conceal a keyboard.
Another would also look fairly similar to the iPhone 4, but would contain improved hardware, such as longer battery life and an improved camera. The report said that it would not be a major physical change from the iPhone 4, and would be comparable to when the iPhone 3GS replaced the iPhone 3G.
The site also restated earlier rumors that the next version of the iPad would include a built-in camera, and would also be thinner than the first version.
What may or may not make the rumors interesting is that in the past, Apple.pro has on numerous occasions received reveals of upcoming hardware from Apple's suppliers overseas. For example, least year they were able to obtain a white panel of the iPhone 4 before it was even announced and also obtained an iPhone 4 batter last June. In 2008, they got a glimpse of the redesigned MacBook.
Last July, they also revealed a small touchscreen which would eventually turn out to the new iPod nano that came with a small multi-touch display.
However, in 2009, they said that Apple had been working on a 15-inch MacBook Air, but as we know by now, that product has yet to see the light of day.
On that note readers, how would you feel about an iPhone with a physical keyboard? Would you adapt to it well, or not? Feel free to leave your thoughts below!
via AppleInsider
Follow this article's author, Matthew Tilmann on Twitter
(Image courtesy of techshout.com)
WM
September 06, 2011 at 8:04am
Rather than have a slide out keyboard from 5-10 years ago texting, why not move forward to something better. I'm thinking that Apple would really like to establish itself in the game market. Why not flip open like a Nintendo DS so you can have a D-pad and roughly 4 buttons. Much better for video games. So then you could get an Apple TV and play on the big screen or play the same games while mobile.
CryojenX
February 18, 2011 at 12:51pm
Replace the keyboard with gamepad style control buttons and you'll have my vote.
thealientrader
February 17, 2011 at 8:13pm
A slide out keyboard may be a cool draw for some, but I have never liked typing on those tiny buttons. I much prefer the virtual keyboard, so I am NOT interested going back, no matter who makes it. Besides the personal preference, a slide out keyboard is just more hardware to fail in the field! KISS is the rule to observe.
macbookair13
February 15, 2011 at 2:37pm
I think it would be a bad idea, mostly because i like the touchscreen. However, as long as it is not bulky and is apple-like, i would get it.
ilikeimac
February 15, 2011 at 2:00pm
I would not love a physical iPhone keyboard, but…
Has anyone made an iPhone case that has a slide-out keyboard?
brina0214
February 15, 2011 at 1:26pm
I personally would LOVE it!! The only reason I went for the Blackberry Torch vs the iPhone is because it has the slide out keyboard and with as much typing as I do on it for work, I needed the security of touching the actual keys. This added feature would make me definitely switch from BB to iPhone!!
Andarian
February 14, 2011 at 10:30pm
I don't mind the touch keyboard, but in some apps like IM+, you can tap above the keyboard, causing it to hide. This would be nice like in the Messages app when you like to type with a landscape keyboard, and the message you're replying to is long.
I have no doubt that some people would prefer the physical keys, but I think if Apple did some fine tuning with the touch keyboard, people would like it a lot more.
stevengu
February 14, 2011 at 9:40pm
An iPhone with a physical keyboard is a bad idea. Trouble is, it simply takes up too much space on the device. And also, it doesn't fit with the Apple design.
