The Surface Book is the ultimate laptop from Microsoft and impressed with its introduction with a removable screen, which could then also be used as a tablet. Since then there have been two new editions of the device, which, however, did not bring any external changes and did not change anything in terms of the actual form factor. With the Surface Book 4, however, there could finally be a major facelift. We have now discovered a patent from Microsoft which shows a convertible. Instead of a detachable screen, however, this can be "laid" flat on the keyboard, which means that the device can also be used as a tablet.
All things new? Does the Surface Book 4 come without the familiar hinge?This
patent was applied for on January 17, 2020, and published on July 22, 2021. In it, Microsoft describes a laptop that can function as a tablet thanks to an ingenious hinge. In contrast to the previous design of the Surface Book, the screen no longer has to be removed. So it says:
A hinge of a computing device includes primary support connecting a display to a stand. As the display rotates about the stand, the primary support slides along a friction strip, which stabilizes the display with respect to the stand. A stabilizer may connect the stand to the base or the stand to the display.
A hinge of a computing device includes a primary post that connects a display to a stand. As the display rotates around the stand, the primary support slides along a friction strip that stabilizes the display with respect to the stand. A stabilizer can connect the stand to the base or the stand to the display.
The advantages are apparent. The screen should be much more “stable” in laptop mode. The screen on the Surface Book always had the tendency to “wobble”, even if Microsoft was able to improve this at least a little with the next generation. Another advantage is the battery life in tablet mode. With the previous design, the battery usually did not last long, as the larger of the two batteries was built into the socket with the keyboard. With the new design, the full battery power can also be used in tablet mode. As is usual with patents, however, the same applies here that it does not have to be a final product. However, it is now considered relatively certain that Microsoft is working on a redesign of the Surface Book.
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