The iPad and iPen Project

01-27-10. It's official now… (See the ACTUAL "iPad", on Apple's site)

In late 2008/early 2009, this was my concept for a future Apple laptop/tablet/desktop combo unit. It had absolutely nothing to do with any real Apple plans that I knew of... Just done for fun. Ultimately, one of my renders of this concept appeared in MacLife Magazine, as "Photo of the Month", in October, 2009. Actually, I suspected at the time that if such a device were released, it would look something more like the last image on this page. (another model I created for an online "Design the Apple Tablet" contest) I was unaware of all of the rumors regarding an Apple tablet when I did this. This is one of the models that's featured on my latest DVD, "Modeling with modo, Volume One", released in late 2009. (minus the Apple references) In fact, all of my other future "gadget" projects have been re-branded to my own future, fictitious company, simply named "n", to avoid any conflicts with Apple trademarks.

Forget about reality... I just want this thing!

I really like the way some apps feel, with a pen and tablet for control. Modo works well this way, using my Wacom Intuos 4 (medium). Most tablet devices have been too expensive for me to qualify buying one, but I sure do covet them. Something like a Cintiq really makes a difference, because you can "draw" right on the image, rather than on a separate pad, while looking at a monitor.

There are other "special" features on my version...

First, the look...

* Most images in this article are larger than they appear here, for those of you who would like to download them.

Special thanks to Yazan Malkosh, for his excellent architectural/interior lighting material! For this scene, I used a couple of parts of his, included in the content. They are the iMac-style base for the computer, and the keyboard. (I modeled everything else.)

The case design is very Mac-esque, resembling the current one-piece iMac designs from 2008/2009. It's only .75" thick, however, and has the pen features built in, as well as "all glass" controls, like the current iPod and iPhone. Everything else is imaginary. The main computer case in straight polygon modeling, with no sub-d effects. The pen (below) is sub-d. Both models are very simple. The images used for the display screen and glass "controls" at the bottom give it a more complex look.

I offset the buttons on the pen, because it's ergonomic... When you reach for the higher button, your finger curves, so it makes sense the the upper button would be more to the right. (for right-handed users) I also thought that two discrete buttons would be a better choice than a rocker switch.

Here's what I want...

A later version...

Added a curved bottom, for better cooling, and more of a "large iPhone" look...