14 DAY TRIAL // When Apple introduced the MacBook Air in 2007, the ultra-thin design sent notebook vendors scrambling to get on par with the newly set standard. This year, Apple may pull a similar stunt.
A patent filing with Apple’s name on it has sent shivers down the spines of notebook vendors who fear that future laptops will be designed based on a new standard.
Citing Taiwan-based supply chain sources, DigiTimes reports that Apple’s patent application for a hybrid port – which combines USB and SD slots – will save space on the exterior design of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
As such, “Ultrabook vendors are concerned because they are worried that if Apple obtains the patent, it will gain the upper hand in competition for slim notebooks,” the same supply chain makers said.
Based on measurements of conventional SD card ports and USB plugs, connector maker Kuang Ying estimated that “If the two ports are combined, brand vendors will be able to save about 12-13mm of space on their notebooks' exterior design, allowing them to add more functions,” according to the report.