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Apple patent suggests flip iPhone

by Dave Caolo Mar 25th 2008 at 9:00PM

We don't want to use the term "iPhone nano" because we've heard it before, both formally and informally. Yet, it isn't unreasonable to guess that Apple will release additional iPhone models, a small one among them.

According to Everything iCafe, Apple has applied for a patent which describes a hinged phone with a "dual sided trackpad", implying that it could be operated (at least certain functions) with the "lid" open or closed. When the iPhone was first introduced, prior to its release, I imagined the lack of a lid would be a detriment (I'm scratch-phobic). Yet, the only scratches my iPhone has acquired are on its rear (poor little guy).

Of course, Apple -- like so many other companies -- patents ideas and such that they'll probably never use. So, take the whole thing with a grain of iSalt.

Thanks, Allen!

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We don't want to use the term "iPhone nano" because we've heard it before, both formally and informally. Yet, it isn't unreasonable to...
 

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iPhoneinator

wonder if this could be 3g iphone.. hmmm. i hope! im tired of my old 4gb... i repeat 4gb.. iphone that cant hold all my stuff, whose internet is slower than slow, and whose screen is always flickering.

3G 32GB GPS IPHONE!!!! -my wish! :^)

April 08 2008 at 6:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
David MacMillan

Yeah, it's rather old news - check this article at Gizmodo:

http://gizmodo.com/370581/macbook-touch-concept-based-on-apples-latest-transparent-displays-patent

March 26 2008 at 11:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CUBSWILLWIN

Engadget put this up ages ago. I thought TUAW posted fresh news.

March 26 2008 at 3:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Geoff

iPhone DS?

March 26 2008 at 9:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ed

As others have said - old. Was on Apple Inside 9 whole days ago!

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/03/17/apple_exploring_dual_sided_translucent_touch_screen_panels.html

March 25 2008 at 11:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Zoli

Kind of old news, but unwired has a photoshop mockup of the iPhone Flip/ Nano.

http://www.unwiredview.com/2008/03/17/iphone-20-iphone-30-or-iphone-nano-a-clamshellflip-phone/

March 25 2008 at 9:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Si

Isn't this concept fairly similar to some of the recent MacBook rumors we've seen lately? With a translucent screen which is touch sensitive which may or may not be laid over the primary display?

March 25 2008 at 9:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nik

This is like old news...

March 25 2008 at 9:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Nik's comment
Ryan Trevisol

Yeah, what's with TUAW mirroring Engadget's Apple news like a week later? This story is from March 17th.

Especially a rumor like this? That news gets old fast . . .

March 25 2008 at 11:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Christian A. Strømmen

I think they might give us an iPhone Nano when they introduce the 3G iPhone. Would make sense, could keep the Nano GSM.

March 25 2008 at 9:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Christian A. Strømmen's comment
waiownsyou

I think you're confused between the difference between GSM and 3G. You probably mean keep the supposed iPhone Nano as EDGE.

(btw, one of the Gs in 3G ("GGG") actually stands for GSM)

March 26 2008 at 2:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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