A Design That Enhances Portability of a Laptop
Samsung Electronics is expected to introduce a foldable laptop soon, following the success of foldable smartphones.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on Jan. 16, Samsung Electronics filed an application for a patent for “a multi-foldable electronic device” on Jan. 13.
The patent documents show that the device has the same shape as a regular laptop, and the keyboard is detachable from its display. So far, detachable displays such as tablet PCs with a portable keyboard have been launched, but there have been no products where the display and keyboard can be detached and folded in half. Each of the separated parts has a battery and a circuit, and only one of the parts is expected to have the processor and microcontroller.
In particular, the display can be folded in half like a foldable phone. Samsung Electronics will effectively connect both sides of the display through several hinges, said SamMobile, an overseas IT media outlet. “It is a convenient ratio to use even when the display is unfolded.”
Samsung’s patent is somewhat different from foldable laptops such as the Asus Zenbook 17 Fold OLED, which was recently released. Its keyboard is not physically connected to its display. On the other hand, Samsung patents basically have a general laptop structure that connects a display and a keyboard.
This flexible display folds horizontally like a book. If you need a keyboard, you can connect it to the display and if you need a screen only, you can use it like a tablet PC. If you take the keyboard off, it will become a large foldable tablet PC. According to the patent, the device also supports handwriting with the S Pen.
The reason why Samsung Electronics applied for the patent in order to increase the portability of laptops by reducing their sizes compared to existing laptops. In fact, at CES 2022 in Las Vegas, Samsung Display unveiled the foldable display Flex Note, expanding anticipation for foldable laptops.
The Flex Note loaded with a 17.3-inch display can double as 13-inch laptops when folded into an L-shape and a monitor when unfolded. “We reduced its thickness and significantly improved its appearance by applying a specially designed hinge to get rid of a gap in its folding part,” a Samsung Display official explained.
“In the case of the convertible device in the patent, two-time separation and two-time folding will make the device four times smaller than its original form,” SamMobile said. “It will show much improved portability. The display part can be used like a tablet PC without a keyboard.”
It is still unknown whether Samsung Electronics will apply the patent method to actual products. However, it implies that the Korean tech giant continues to study form factor innovation.
Meanwhile, LG Display also introduced a 17-inch foldable OLED laptop at CES 2022. It has an in-folding form where the middle part folds and can be used as a laptop, a tablet PC and a portable monitor. “Both general and pen touches are possible, and especially, there are few wrinkles in the folded part of the screen, so you can enjoy a natural screen,” an LG Display official said.