Apple Computer, Inc. completed a patent filing yesterday that refers to a "portable computer further [that] includes a latch including a data capture device such as a camera that is configured to secure the lid to the base." The idea was originally sent to the U.S. Patent Office on March 12, 2004, and was invented by Apple employee Christoph H. Krah.
The patent appears to refer to a standard notebook computer that is secured when closed by a latch on the top part of the display screen. The latch itself pivots, and can also detach from the computer itself, presumably to place the webcam in a more convenient position. When the lid is closed, the camera automatically rotates back to a neutral position.
Apple is not the only company to think of the idea of coupling a webcam with a laptop. Many manufacturers offer such models already, such as the Asus W5. The W5 contains a pivoting webcam in the top part of the display case as part of the latch mechanism.
However, this combination is not quite the same as the detachable web camera featured on Apple's patent. How soon will this feature be offered on Apple hardware? Will it have to wait for the Intel transition scheduled for next year? Or will it be part of a way to promote the last generation of PowerPC laptop hardware? Will it be an advanced feature only available on the top-of-the-line Powerbooks, or will iBook owners get to play with integrated web cameras as well? Stay tuned!
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