The Macbook Air patent Apple receives may turn Ultrabook landscape upside-down
Peter Pachal of Mashable reports that Apple has been awarded 19 different patents, including one that details the design of the Macbook Air.
As expected, Steve Jobs and John Ivy — credited as Ive; Jonathan P., without his Sir title — are listed as inventors among 13 other employees.
With this patent Apple has every tool it needs to go after Ultrabooks, should it choose to. Considering the recent history of the company, it would surprise me if it decided not to pursue thin-and-light laptops that directly compete with its own Macbook Air range.
That said, patent wars aren’t something I would like to see more of. Quite the contrary, Ultrabooks may not do exactly what Apple’s ultraportable does, but they give you, the customer, options. They spur further innovation — companies should always be trying to outdo competition –, lower prices and ultimately, better products. At least, if they let each-other be and pour their energy into making better laptops instead of fighting in court.
If Apple chooses to pursue Macbook Air imitations, Airbook will be the first to go down, engulfed in a majestic fireball as it dips below the horizon. The second shot might hit Asus’ UX21 and UX31. You don’t really need to see the teardown — it won’t hurt, though! — to find design similarities between the Zenbook and the Macbook Air.
via Mashable
photo from raneko, thank you!
