You folks are NOT thinking. Why in the world would you have a touch trackpad? The next notebooks will allow you to touch the screen screen directly. It will have NO trackpad. The ONLY things you'll see is a keyboard and speakers on the bottom part of the notebook. Duh?

Noobs-R-Us

this looks awsome, i would totaly get a mbp like this, but knowing apple (which i love) their going to jack the price waaaaaaaay up on these things, that is, if this rumor is true

halfpastme

Sorry missed something out.....

And who says that this will appear at the bottom REPLACING the trackpad. How cool would that be on the top, push the keyboard down a little granted, but would come in userfull like that keyboard with LCD screens behind the buttons (sorry its late and the name escapes me Lebrov something) Maybe it would be above the F keys and function in the same ways with some multi touch on it.

dk42

Maybe this second screen can/will be used for buttons. Think about using Dreamweaver or PS, this could be the menu bar, with touchable icons to switch brush etc etc. Would mean that rid of the menu bars from the sides there is a lot more screen real estate up there in front.

dk42

one thing is for sure, in 6-8 weeks, we will know exactly what the glass is all about.

personally, i hope it's something that just works.

the1sen

I'm going to guess this is just a way to have a trackpad that won't get a "bald" spot, like the plastic. It doesn't need a display under it to make sense. It might just be for the surface material to last longer.

Also, that mockup has no consideration for those people who fall victim to the stubborn disc in the slot-loading drive syndrome, with its lack of a trackpad button (which is like the only way to get it to spit it out during a restart)

Kaiser-Machead's Chips Ahoy!

@TheSonOfKrypton:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was pretty sure laptop screens weren't made of glass. At least not the top part, maybe there's a glass substrate? Who knows.

radeon21

I'm still waiting for a three way folding laptop to come out. Sorta like a Tri-fold laptop that has two screens. That would be SICK!!

mushroom73

I'm not sure this would be practical. why put the UI designers in the awkward position of potentially displaying the same thing on both screens?

One possible solution would be to change how things are displayed, sometimes delegating things like coverflow now only to the trackpad, but then why make consumers re-learn where to look for what? These are people's grandma's we're talking about.

Also, testing this idea out on a little keyboard screen would be too obvious as testing the waters for the bigger version of the idea. I bet Apple doesn't take this step until they can replace the entire keyboard with a screen version that still satisfies moms (which means things like perfected haptic feedback).

-O

orionburch

@Brett_Jackson: Macbook not Macbook Pro. The pro's aren't due for an overhaul yet.

SgtToastie

what real practical use would having a display on the touchpad? I mean its not like a DS and it would suck for gaming.

taftsearlobe33

@pressreset: That is what I'm thinking, too. My trackpad is the most worn aspect of my notebook.

Leonard Nimrod

The new Macbook Pro will be made completely out of glass. You heard it here first.

mullingitover

@pressreset: so MAYBE the glass, not many

pressreset

so the verdict is wait to buy a mbp for college?

Brett_Jackson

people complain about the trackpad getting dirty and miscolored, so many the glass is there to prevent that?

pressreset

They might as well make the whole screen glass with touch screen if they are gonna do that.

Connman

Is that what the concept macbook pro looks like? Seriously, not regretting buying the one I have now.

sisedi

@radeon21: How would breakage be an issue? I mean, if it WERE an issue, it would only be as big as the issue of breaking the glass screen of your laptop and I can say that, at least in my case, that has never happened. Don't treat a laptop like a fucking soccer ball and you'll be okay, I promise.

TheSonOfKrypton

Out innovate them all Apple.

TheSonOfKrypton

I know the reason. It would make the battery last from 2- 6 hours to like 30 min. I think they are doing it for durability. Since glass doesn't break as easily as plastic, over periods of use, not drops.

--Tito--

Will breakage be an issue? A cracked touchpad sounds like balls.

radeon21

Awesome idea if that were to happen.

Strider-No.9

yeah, built in wacom would be cool

zed0

" But, uh, why is there no mention of a screen underneath the glass? Why make a fancy glass trackpad that isn't a multi-touch screen?"

Perhaps they're thinking more "Wacom-like" than "touchscreen" in the iPhone/Touch way...

javieralvarez

Would it really be practical though?

Nongeek

Nahh, nahh, you've all got it wrong: This is so they can claim that MS copied SideShow, even though they had it first....

Mandatory_Field

i'd hate it, typing would be a bitch

the.schimmi

@Noobs-R-Us: Those are out already, and people are still using trackpads.

This might be a concept for a cheaper alternative.

.endejas.

Okay but can we stop using Gorillaz and Beck's Sea Change album as cover art samples? Not hating on their music or anything (Beck's new album is great), but let's put something new there. That goes to Apple and those who write about Apple.

AJ_Syrinx

I think this sounds like a bad idea. I don't see how this would be practical. Why make a touchscreen track pad? If they are going to make a touchscreen MacBook, they should just make it a tablet. It would be far better than this concept in my opinion.

thecrimsonalchemist2

Why glass? Because it will feel like an iPhone. See also: the iMac, which was redressed to look like an iPhone.

They're not going to put a display there.

bubba451

Sounds like SideShow from Vista.

Tired_

@.endejas.: That's because they weren't implemented properly. You not only have to have the hardware work but the software has work with it. Imagine being able to use the screen like an iPhone or Touch where you directly manipulate items on the screen. I think Apple will come as close to the Minority Report type of screen manipulation as anyone we've seen thus far. The entire point of having a track-pad is for you to move a little pointer on screen. Why not just use the finger and go directly to the screen and skip the middle proxy? Make sense to you???

Noobs-R-Us

> "they should just make it a tablet."

Tablets suck for 99% of people. How do you use a tablet... do you prop it up on something and poke away at it? I can move my mouse 2 inches and cover the entire screen. I don't wanna drag my fingers and arm across the screen to browse the web.

If you think taking away the computer keyboard is the next big thing... you're crazy.

MichaelScrip

Why the hate people? This would be freakin awesome! Who cares about figuring out the practical uses for it now. If you build it, they will come.... and, you know... program stuff to make it awesome.

Why complain about unnecessary bonuses? As far as I'm concerned, such excessive upgrades are just gravy.

Anyway, knowing Jobs, if he did put a screen under the touchpad, he did it with some awesome uses in mind, which i'm sure he'll enjoy divulging piece by piece while thousands of screaming Mac fans tear their clothes off and rub gnutella all over......

Uh, that is to say, I'm sure Apple could think of interesting ideas for how to make use of a screen touchpad.

Aristeia

I just ordered a fucking macbook today Goddamnit.

On the other hand, the 6-8 weeks could directly correspond with the fact that their "buy a mac for college get a free ipod touch deal" is ending roughly 6 weeks from now.

Yea so maybe I didn't screw up buying it now... I mean, I wouldn't get the free ipod touch, which is because of it's resale value, is the only reason I was able to buy a macbook...

michaelwiggins

If this was true, how would you toggle back and forth between controlling the main screen and controlling the mini screen. Would you have to hit a key? It makes no sense that this would ever happen.

frink

@michaelwiggins:

Yea, Apple does that every summer to clear stock for potential new stuff in the fall.

As for the touchscreen tackpad...I personally don't really see it being necessary, but if they did do it, it'd be interesting to see what they do with it.

chrstphr

@Noobs-R-Us:
> "Why not just use the finger and go directly to the screen and skip the middle proxy? Make sense to you???"

Lift up your arm... pretend you have a touch screen and move your finger all over the screen. Repeat for many hours a day. Sound fun?

Touchpads are part of laptops. Apple might be doing something "different" with a touchpad, but it's still gonna be a touchpad.

I think it would be cool to have assignable shortcuts and stuff on the touchpad screen. But please leave the touchpad there.

MichaelScrip

Steve Jobs at the Apple Semi-Annual Meeting for new products

the new Apple Macbook DS!

buy it now and in one year we will release the exact same thing but make it slimmer and white

then we will call it the Apple Macbook DS Lite...and everybody will trade in their old ones for the new ones while paying more money for the same hardwar *snickering*

then in another 2 months we'll introduce the new Apple Macbook DS Lite in Pink and Black...and make more money off the exact same product! *muhahaha*

laxman15

Perhaps this will finally bring in useful trackpad gestures. That would be worth it. I could see it being a boon for media editors, at least I would love to use something where I could assign active areas to scroll, scrub, edit, and apply plugins.

DeadWriter

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

stop with the touch crap.
touch screen + computer only practicl for computer/digital artist

thomusvoo

@radeon21:
no you're right, sonofkrypton is just an ass who types before thinking.

dee_ess_dee_1

Apple have been telling you a touch-screen MacBook is coming since 1987:

+ Watch video

Jon Grant

@generalassembly: Just forgot to add 'I think' to the end of my sentence. I really don't follow much laptop news right now (except for the Voodoo Envy) because mine is working great.

SgtToastie

@SgtToastie: That isn't true. Read the article...new MBPs have been predicted for months, and have yet to have a design overhaul since they were first shipped in 2006.

generalassembly

I want a MBP with an horizontal iPhone dock as the trackpad. Now I would buy that.

J. Nadeau

Whoever designed this mockup did a terrible job. Putting the speakers where your arms rest...Mmmm I love me some muffled Gorillaz

dookas

Anyone remember the cPad on some Toshiba laptops? Their touchpad had a monochrome LCD under it that could display information or "host" small apps (calculators, etc).

For some images, google "Synaptics c-pad" in the images section.

[images.google.com]

D.

drzeller

@Brett_Jackson: Verdict: wait for the new portables from apple, they will most certainly be out before school, and i don't think the edu discount is going anywhere. When the new machines come out, either they have some killer new MUST HAVE feature or they don't- if they don't, buy one of the current machines for supah cheap.

trying to think of what apple's next innovation by talking about certain features is the tail wagging the dog- apple innovates to solve problems, and fill the need for products that don't yet exist. Try thinking along those lines- what's wrong with today's laptops? They're pretty refined, and I'm having a hard time figuring out what problem touch is solving. Perhaps they'll find a way to integrate the multi-touch pad into the OS in such a way that all your menus, dock, minimize/maximize, adobe palettes, and expose needs are in one place. As I look at my screen it's horrendously busy - the amount of close and minimize buttons, tabs is easily over 100 on my 20" imac - all on one screen. If I had a screen that changed based on what window I was in, It could simplify things. IF they do it right.

lpranal

For what it's worth . . .

I remember reading a post not too long ago about a copyright for various multi-touch actions. In the post, it mentioned development of two types of inputs - finger-tip vs. finger-nail - which could operate at left and right click (think copy/paste).

Perhaps the glass is there for one/both of two reasons: (1) Glass can recognize the difference between these types of inputs better; or (2) Making the materials the same, Apple can develop the technology for both the iPhone and Macs at the same time/with the same team.

timgoi

@Noobs-R-Us: The BIG problem I have with the touchscreen theory - smudges. Apple's displays have always been paramount to their computing products - every computer since the macintosh has always had a superior screen compared to the predecessors. Can you imagine trying to delicately retouch photos or calibrate your display with fingerprints all over it? My iphone doesn't smudge bad at all - but I freak out if there's even the TINIEST smudge on my computer screen, since it interferes with my work and is distracting.

lpranal

I'm going to sound like an arrogant bastard when I say this, BUT:

Uhm, I so quickly assumed this as a given when I heard the news about the glass trackpad that I just naturally jumped to the conclusion that everyone else had as well, and that everyone was on the same page. Now I'm just annoyed to know I could have looked like a *genius* had I put forth this thought "out loud" in the blogosphere!

Obviously, if they switch to a glass trackpad, it's going to be a touchscreen. There would be NO OTHER REASON to make the switch otherwise. You're not going to switch to glass trackpads simply for esthetic reasons. I just don't buy that. And if that was the only reason, it wouldn't have been such a major news leak.

As to WHY a touchscreen trackpad:
1) To make the much larger monitor itself a touchscreen is still prohibitively expensive.
2) As pointed out by matt buchanan, this is actually potentially *more* of an ideal solution to incorporating touchscreens into laptops as it won't require constantly lifting your hand to the monitor, which is great for the lazy among us (of which I am certainly one.)

It also makes sense in terms of this "new project transition" they talked about, and it's also something that could help further distinguish apple's laptop lines from their competitors.

The lesson here: Never assume, because now, I am an arse. (But at least y'all were one all along!) ;)

thisismike

@michaelwiggins:
Apple's actually done something similar in previous years. They haven't done a full laptop redesign like they might do here, but they definitely bumped up the specs a few weeks after the promotion was over. It's a great way to get rid of leftover stock quickly. Plus, those iPod Touches go for a decent amount on eBay, so it's a good deal for the poor college students who pick these up anyway.

phoenixgaia

@Brett_Jackson: Get the best one you can afford. I've had a MBP and a MB-black. I liked the MB-black because it was portable and it got the job done, but I loved my MBP's 17" screen and power.

Chester_Copperpot

How about the track area being where you can dock your ipod touch/ iphone and use as a mouse pad while it's syncing/charging? although there would be the issue of what it would look like without it docked and if you phone rang when you where doing stuff....

PercivalCabaje

Okay does anyone not think that a glass trackpad might be added simply because it feels nicer and will allow your fingers to easily execute multi-touch gestures? So when you're using your MacBook, it's like using a little iPhone (sort of, minus the display under it)

iRondo

Apple will make use of this. This will be the "competition" that no one can beat though. )

vgart

this will be a miniature tablet... think twice the size of iTouch... full operating system with perephrials Ryan & Lisa Check Out: http://web.mac.com/deweyduo/Site/HOME.html

ZinanAsteria

Brain say: "Gimme gimme gimme. Anyone who would bother using their pda as a second monitor would love it. Plus, general non-reach-for-your-screen-omg-stupid multitouch app manipulation could be so tasty, this could make it. A screen for viewing, and a smaller screen for dextrous, accurate, creative interfacing other than VomitBox(tm). I'll buy one now, though I know otherbrain will have a problem with it. After all it--nooo----"

Otherbrain say: "Too useful to exist. They not make useful item anymore. After all, it lower battery life 4.288%. Waste. Brown. Brain say, 'or ungreen.. whatever you say, stupid otherbrain, I want this kind of goodness. Dont you realize this is why I hate yo--' Wait hundred year and fusion cell promise cure all EMF deficiency. Use many buttons abacus and prosthetic button finger until golden age."

Damn it. Gimme.

seames

I'm thinking what might be underneath the glass is not a LCD display but a camera like device which can project the motion/location of your hand and fingers on the main screen so that we can see your 'virtual hand' on the main screen to perform the multi-touch actions. This will be very effective as you can accurately position your virtual fingers on the main screen without lifting your hand pointing to the screen.

ktbill

I think that it would be awesome if Apple released an iPhone app that would allow the iPhone to me used as a multi touch/screen trackpad. It might be totaly pointless, but it would still be really cool.

braindead360

what about using the secondary display as a quick access to your contacts. it would be awesome to find a contact, check an old email, see what songs you have in your mac without booting up the computer.
this would really make me buy it right away...

the downside would be the small life battery. with 2 screens it will go in a flash...

boioglu

@SgtToastie:

Considering the MacBook Pro is using the same basic casing that the Titanium PowerBook used back in 2003, the MBP more due for an overhaul than anything.

Tastic7

The mouse and other forms of interfaces like trackpads and tracksticks have been around for too long. It's time that they get replaced. The reason we have the mouse in the first place was because we couldn't develope cheap and good touchscreens back in the 80's. There's nothing stoping us now.

Noobs-R-Us

@MichaelScrip: Wow, lazy r we? no wonder this country is full of fat people. Let me ask you something. In the analog world how do you survive? Don't you move things around your desk or your arms when you write? Just about everything you do required that you move your arms. How would this be any different? Direct access to the screen is the MOST efficient use of control. We've been doing it since birth. That's why Jobs said that using a stylus, and keyboards are dumb in his iPhone introduction. That's why they decided to go with touch screens for their phone. The last time I checked, they have the highest user satisfaction of any phone on the planet.

@lpranal: There are many technologies that would not cause the problems you mentioned. [en.wikipedia.org] There are even screens that would register your touch without you actually having to touch the screen. That could be one reason Apple patented gestures in front of their screen. They could be prepping for this.

Noobs-R-Us

now people could touch small porn while watching more porn on a bigger screen...?...!...

endless

I don't understand how you would use the trackpad as a mouse when a multitouch interface (such as in the mockup above) appears. There would have to be two trackpads!

ACDlite

No touch for anything that is not an iPod or iPhone.

MUITICORES!

They will be muilti-coring the shizmit out of all their computers though. I would not be surprised to see 8-macbook,16-macbookpro, and 32-pro core computers. They pretty much said as much with snow-leopard and we all know they are going to be using some type of new chip. I am thinking smaller chips but lots of them, and it probably the new Mother Boards that they will be taking the hit they mentioned in their finantials on.

Stephen-Bees

That will look awesome covered with fingerprints

xethanolx

@Noobs-R-Us:

isn't that called a tablet...

trecipticon

@trecipticon: No, tablets usually require a stylus.

Noobs-R-Us

As said multiple times already. It's for feel only. The idea for another screen seems cool, but it would be insanely distracting. I'm willing to entertain a thought that they would put some kind of e-paper in there for mostly static content, but that doesn't sound like something Apple would do.

Bloodboiler

@Noobs-R-Us:

uh no,

trecipticon