Dell might have come up with the idea of convertible tablet, but if we believe the patent collected by Apple, then the Cupertino
company seems to be getting ready for giving Dell a run for its money. Apple has recently been granted a patent entitled "Application Programming Interfaces for Scrolling Operations'. The patent shows drawings of a laptop with traditional frame and keyboard, however the machine can be converted into a tablet by sliding the screen over the keyboard.
In the past, there had been indications which showed that Apple might be working on a fusion device. During the recent launch of revamped MacBook Air laptop, Steve Jobs had posed the question, "What would happen if a MacBook and an iPad hooked up?" Although, the latest model of MacBook Air did show its convergence towards iPad, on the lines of iPad, the ultrathin Laptop now has instant-on facility with solid state storage. The new patent shows that Apple is looking to take this convergence further.
Apple has also obtained patent for a "power and data adapter". The company is looking to reduce the clutter of cables and the new product will eliminate the need of having separate charger and data cable.
Source: AppleInsider, Image: Apple