Apple Patents Design of the MacBook Air
We all know that Intel has not invented the Ultrabook - perhaps it invented the name, but certainly not the form factor (even if Intel says that Ultrabooks are not just about the size, but about the user experience.)
Apple just patented the design of the MacBook Air, which is really the image we imagine when we talk about an Ultrabook.
Patent infringements on ornamental designs are not pursued as often as technology patents, and it is unlikely that Apple would go after Intel as long as the chipmaker is delivering the hardware for its computers, but this patent surely is interesting in the light of Intel's $300 million fund to support the launch of its Ultrabook idea. Could go Apple go after Acer, Asus and Samsung, once those firms are releasing Ultrabooks? Possibly.
However, history has told us that PCs look different than Apple computers and there may not be really an issue as Ultrabooks are unlikely to resemble the visual appeal of the MacBook Air.
I asked my mother, "Do you see this laptop?" and she said "Isn't it like your sister's?", witch is a dell laptop . My sister does not have apple products and my mother is not an expert in tech stuff. So i would say, how can you patent a generic laptop design?
I don't see anything different that stands out from other laptops.
problem averted!!!!!!!
Apple went after Samsung, the chip manufacterer of every one of Apple's iDevices. Since Intel is pushing the ultrabook design if Apple gets this patented and sues Intel I think there will be a huge falling out over this (hey Apple already uses Radeons in its Macs).
The picture also look like a Netbook.
Such patient shouldn't be accorded in first place.
I asked my mother, "Do you see this laptop?" and she said "Isn't it like your sister's?", witch is a dell laptop . My sister does not have apple products and my mother is not an expert in tech stuff. So i would say, how can you patent a generic laptop design?
I don't see anything different that stands out from other laptops.
The (cr)apple decide when they loose some of their market to sue everyone for patent infringement. Harldy an ethical move by a company that claims to be the be all and do all of the tech / audio world.
Honestly, I never understood what's so "appealing" about MBs in general and MB Air in particular... it's just a boring white laptop. Asus VX series is WAY better looking.
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/ultrabook-notebook-fund-investment-capital,13207.html
... so intel don't copy it... read articles to see, what i think with that...
Especially since that is how they caught Their second wind (the Macs). They ripped off the Xerox Star, complete with single button mouse.
Having said that, I will agree that patent system in this country needs a reform. Its old, outdated, and not ready for the technology world.
So... before anyone rants about this, I suggest you take a look at ALL the figures included in the patent; there are 42 which explicitely define the design monopoly granted to Apple.
BTW I am not an APPLE FANBOY and do not onw any Apple products.
With respect of design I think every company should develop its own image and don't try to mimic others emerging designs. Arguing tablets or ultra-books have a default design is trying to ignore why we have a difference appearance and why it represents an advantage.
Design have been a powerful distinction fundament of mayor civilizations and a great contribution. Today, design is key in the entire industry, so why go blind now with tablets or ultrabooks? Because, not for the best user experience or advantage most companies are chasing some Apple designs. I am sure in the next incarnations we will see key design differences in tablets, smartphones and ultrabooks. Saying this I think the SAMSUNG tablets look very impressive, even better than the iPad, I just can't ignore they are Apple based. I don't have an iPad or an AIR and I am not temped yet with tablets, with the AIR, not even.
Otherwise capitalism will be replace by monopolies made through the systematic undermining of the patent system. Patents are a good thing, but this patent application just takes advantage of the process to get an undeserved competitive market advantage.