Thin MacBook with Bottom Mounted Optical Drive?

[Hurmoth]

Apple may be focused on reinventing the phone with the iPhone, but that doesn't mean that it has forgot about it's notebooks. Recent Apple's patent filings (see here and here ) show that they put their R&D types on one insurmountable problem that limits the possibilities of ultraportable laptops to get thinner and smaller. And that problem is - " Where to put the Optical Disc Drive (ODD)? "

The drive itself is a pretty bulky thing. With all the necessary EMI shielding and structural integrity elements it gets even bigger. It is the biggest component of ultraportable laptop apart from LCD and keyboard. And it waists even more space because it has to be mounted along one side edge of the computer, usually in that precious space in front of the keyboard where a lot of other goodies might be stuffed in. Right? Right?

Not necessarily. Apple thinks that it has found a much better place to put the Optical Disc Drive: at the bottom of the MacBook:

Sounds stupid, doesn't it? The first thought that comes to mind is -"How on earth I will access my disc if it's underneath my laptop?". But it's not as stupid as it appears in the beginning.

Think about it. How often do you really need the optical disc access? And when inserting or taking out the disc you stop other things you are doing on your Mac Book anyway. So is it really that much more trouble to close the lid, turn over you notebook and then insert the disc?

If implemented the right way it really might work. And if anyone can do it right, it's Apple. They will go about it the following way:

• Implement mobile motion module (MMM) that detects the orientation and movement of the computer, so you can not open ODD accidentally.
  
• Put the optical drive underneath the laptop just behind the keyboard area thus saving a lot precious space in the front area of the notebook.
  
• Put an active user interface to operate the ODD. The active user interface includes:
  • The actuation button which may be, for example, a capacitative sensor for user contact to initiate opening of the door.
    
  • The indicator light may illuminate (e.g., blink) to provide a warning that the door is about to open.
    
  • In order to keep the surface of the bottom of the portable computer smooth, the actuation button and the indicator light may each be mounted flush on the bottom surface
    

The motion sensor determines the position of the laptop and keeps the ODD door closed when computer is in normal operation mode. When you turn it over and press the "Open" button, the door pops up. Or you can give "disc eject" command with a keyboard shortcut and mouse command. After giving such a command you close the lid, turn over your ultraportable and the door is released automatically. You put in or take out the disc. Close the door and resume your work. That's it.

And you don't even have to remember to put the disc in upside down, as is the case with many of the slot loading drives today.

If this makes my ultraportable Mac Book thinner, lighter and smaller then any PC around and the only difference is that I have to turn it upside down when changing DVD's?

Well, I think Apple is on to something here.

News Source: Unwired View

[+StevoFC MVC]

i don't see how a slot loading drive takes up more space than this...

[russellc]

As great as this may seem, I can only see this becoming a hassle. Maybe it's just me, but I'd never want to turn over my laptop just to pop in a CD or DVD. Don't even get me started on taking out the CD/DVD :p

[DeadOnArrival]

I like apples innovation but I would have to put this in the realm of bad. Mainly because, making a computer thats already small don't help wear and tear. Other issue is having to flip the computer around to put a disc in, its very uncommon. Not only putting a drive underneath is a bad idea but another one to think about is heat and the disc staying stationary correctly.

[.Neo]

Looks annoying. :/

[QuarterSwede]

i don't see how a slot loading drive takes up more space than this...

the mechanics of the loader takes up a good deal of space. Most of it actually.

[tony-inpo]

Looks annoying. :/

:yes: I agree

[McSmiggins]

Ok.. I'll just unplug everything I've plugged into it first! genius!! </sarcasm>

There's no way anyone would do that!

[Hurmoth]

Looks annoying. :/

I have to agree. I think the thing to do is have a top mounted optical drive. Right where you put your palm to rest while typing, having it there :yes: That way it is easily accessible and doesn't get in the way either.

[Southern Patriot]

Am I the only one who thinks this sketch (from a patent application?) is pretty old? The sketch is of a G4 Titanium Powerbook, not a MacBook.

By the way, what's up with this quote?:

And you don't even have to remember to put the disc in upside down, as is the case with many of the slot loading drives today.

What slot loading drives have you ever seen where you put the disc in upside down? I've never seen one. The site seems to be down at the moment.

Edited January 25, 2007 by roadwarrior

[noroom]

Oh wow. I hope this never comes to PC laptops. And LOL @ Mac users if they implement it! :laugh:

[QuarterSwede]

My guess is this is just part of Apple's thought process and a patent came out of it. Just like many they receive and never use. What is obvious is that they are trying to figure out a way to slim down the laptop without having to sacrifice the optical drive.

[HistoricalNeowin]

Ok.. I'll just unplug everything I've plugged into it first! genius!! </sarcasm>

There's no way anyone would do that!

Good point, what if you drop your macbook while trying to put a cd in with one hand and holding it in the other? because you sure as hell ain't putting your macbook on the desk face down! Or does it come with rubber feet on both sides :p

[none_needed]

Turning ur laptop upside down everytime just to insert the damn disc? Silly.

[hotdog666al]

I highly doubt that they'll actually do this... :/

[Pc_Madness]

Why not put it on the lid? would make more sense :\

[Colin-uk Veteran]

That doesnt look very practical :unsure:

[Quillz]

Aren't modern notebooks compact enough? I mean, having a paper-thin notebook is far less practical than a moderately sized one with a CD/DVD burner in it.

[osirisX]

Seems more like it's part of Apple's bajillion defensive patents that they never use.

[zeroday]

So is it really that much more trouble to close the lid, turn over you notebook and then insert the disc?

err...yes :huh:

This is a silly idea, not something I'd expect from Apple who have a history of designing sweet looking laptops (and desktops).

[Lare2]

Good idea, but it?s prety much the clamshell openning that sounds useful here. Why not a popup keyboard to give access to a center-mounted optical drive?

Someone mentioned that on the comments, I think it's not a bad idea, imagine a popup keyboard:woot:t:

[.Neo]

Seems more like it's part of Apple's bajillion defensive patents that they never use.

Yeah. Doubt this will ever see the daylight.

[Quillz]

I agree that a pop-up keyboard would be much more practical than constantly turning your laptop upside down.