"Monitors are so 2013: Apple patents a ‘desk-free’ computer with smart laser projector"

[TopWargamer]

http://venturebeat.com/2013/12/17/monitors-are-so-2013-apple-scores-patent-for-a-desk-free-computer-with-smart-laser-projector/

 

 

Apple today has received U.S. Patent No. 8,610,726, “Computer systems and methods with projected display,” reports Apple Insider. It offers a glimpse at a new face of computing that isn’t shackled down by traditional monitors, and which could potentially do for in-home projectors what the iPhone did for smartphones.

 

The patent describes a featureless computer box, dubbed a “desk-free computer,” with a laser projector system built-in that can produce a 40-inch image from under 15-inches away. It connects to all of its accessories wirelessly, and it also supports inductive wireless charging (so you can just place it on a wireless charging surface to receive power). Apple could potentially include a battery in the computer, as well.

 

Not even gonna lie, this sounds really cool. This is true innovation in the works right here, and I am VERY happy to see that Apple is finally doing something different. Took them long enough. Anyways, it sounds like the computer and "monitor"/projector would all be built into one box. So you would just setup the box high enough, and then it would project everything onto a wall, projector screen, etc.

 

Again, this sounds really cool, BUT I can see there being some technical challenges when making this. One thing is the actual projector, and by this I'm referring to those special projector light bulbs. Something tells me that Apple MIGHT make it not accessible, which is a bad thing, because it eventually it will die, and you will have to replace it. So HOPEFULLY Apple will make that part easily replaceable, but if not, whenever that light dies, people will have to buy another one of these "projector-computer hybrids", which would be a dirty trick on Apple's part to bring in more revenue while screwing over their customers.

 

Anyways, what are your thoughts on this?

[wng_kingsley7]

Sounds nice. It'd really like to use a projector for gaming and such but if Apple can pull off the idea of using smart laser projectors for general use it'll be good, although many people are good stick with a proper descent monitor.

[AMICLG]

Is laser projector their magical new word for a DLP projector.

[thedigitalmilk]

What if your wall isn't white, or flat, or if you have a corner desk, or if you want a higher resolution. To increase the size you would have to be further away, I wouldn't call it innovation, I would call it integration.

[ZetZet]

4k projector from Apple in 2014 confirmed.   30% sRGB coverage and you can't see shit during the day, but you got 4k.  :lol:

[Fetzie]

So it is a projector that has a computer integrated in the box?

[DecThePixter]

I'd be worried about the refresh rate. Would this projector be capable of 60hz or more?  

[TymmVonD]

Does a laser projector use bulbs? LG has a really cool laser product that sits exactly where you'd put the flatscreen and projects onto the wall. It looks like the future of projectors. It's very close to LED/LCD quality. My issue with mine was that it was never as crisp, colorful, bright enough, dark enough. So I sold it and got an LED again... It was an Epson 8350.

 

LG HECTO

[TymmVonD]

http://venturebeat.com/2013/12/17/monitors-are-so-2013-apple-scores-patent-for-a-desk-free-computer-with-smart-laser-projector/

 

 

 

 

 

Not even gonna lie, this sounds really cool. This is true innovation in the works right here, and I am VERY happy to see that Apple is finally doing something different. Took them long enough. Anyways, it sounds like the computer and "monitor"/projector would all be built into one box. So you would just setup the box high enough, and then it would project everything onto a wall, projector screen, etc.

 

Again, this sounds really cool, BUT I can see there being some technical challenges when making this. One thing is the actual projector, and by this I'm referring to those special projector light bulbs. Something tells me that Apple MIGHT make it not accessible, which is a bad thing, because it eventually it will die, and you will have to replace it. So HOPEFULLY Apple will make that part easily replaceable, but if not, whenever that light dies, people will have to buy another one of these "projector-computer hybrids", which would be a dirty trick on Apple's part to bring in more revenue while screwing over their customers.

 

Anyways, what are your thoughts on this?

Laser diodes last about 25000 hours vs 4000 hours of lamp life in eco mode, but I believe LCDs last 100k hours. .

 

I'd be worried about the refresh rate. Would this projector be capable of 60hz or more?  

Similar to 600hz sub-field drive, like plasmas. It still 60hz at 10 sub-fields instead of refreshing the whole image, but results in "almost blur-free" motion.

[Chevaishr]

actually there are led projectors which are not as bright but they will last for basically a lifetime... most likely that is what they will do  

[OneGun]

Will it be 640p like the new iphone?HAHA

[DefinitelyNotAPedophile]

I like my monitor and it's beautiful ips display...

[Khraft]

[totjup5]

Gigabyte already makes one.

[El_indian]

Can it run G-Sync? 

[Sidiox]

If you are still in school you have seen beamers, if this is anything like a beamer it will be shit for real work. Bad contrast is very annoying. Also you need to place the computer box in a weird position I think, now my desk is clean

[Kamina]

I'm sure Apple fanboys would love to do some photoshop work on this... oh wait.

[jrfox87]

Meh, it's interesting but at the end of the day its just a patent and Apple has patented tons of stuff that has never made it into any product of theirs.

[Lukiose]

I'll pass, this thing may sound cool but it'll never live up to the colour reproduction of monitors.

Not to mention it's apple and this will cost you 3 monitors

[Kajornkeat]

Meh, don't really see a point doing this unless they want to sue Gigabyte.

[LOST TALE]

Apple patents a ‘desk-free’ computer with smart laser projector

 

Not even gonna lie, this sounds really cool. This is true innovation in the works right here

II believe you are drunk.

[IdeaStormer]

Sorry OP but this is some of the worse news of the week, nothing personal but is directed at Apple. (we need such a category) Since when is a freaking projector news or new? As stated before in the day its freaking crap, and we all know how un-dusty our homes are who owns a projector now and have seen those small specs of dust float by not to mention the random bug or the fellow house dweller who squishes a bug on the wall or screen, heck most damn theaters have such splotches on the screen, totally annoying!

 

Apple Fail...

 

As for a desk free computer, anyone with a projector can accomplish this today, how can they patent that? Man those Apple lawyers sure are bored.

[LOST TALE]

Quality Control: Analyzed by an extremely dedicated production manager that is obsessed with perfection

 

 

 

 

-Digital Storm

 

Made me lol

(Off topic)

[miyabwah]

Sounds cool.

[TheNinjaNextDor]

For the low price of...