Ever wonder if Research In Motion would be working on a BlackBerry Laptop? Well, according to a recently filed patent, RIM might be working on a ‘Windows Surface’ -type tablet, which is arguably a cross between tablet and laptop.However, RIM’s idea takes it a step further by adding a concealable keyboard to the mix. The patent gives the following abstract on the idea:An electronic device having a concealed keyboard includes a first housing, a second housing rotatably coupled to the first housing, and a concealment cover coupled to a rear of the first housing. The first housing has a coupling edge and two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the coupling edge of the first housing. The second housing has a coupling edge and two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the coupling edge of the second housing. A receiving portion is formed on a rear surface of the first housing and is configured to receive the second housing. When the second housing is in the receiving portion, each respective side of the first housing and the second housing are co-terminal with one another. The concealment cover is exteriorly positioned with respect to the second housing when the second housing is in the receiving portion.Though nothing concrete on it ever coming to fruition, would you be interested in a hybrid BlackBerry laptop/tablet? The concealable keyboard design looks genius. It would be far easier to use than having to lug around their Bluetooth keyboard. Sound off in the comments if you’d use a BlackBerry product like this.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
RIM Building BlackBerry Tablet with Concealable Keyboard (September,2012)