SlashGear

Apple already has some of the thinnest laptops around, with the Macbook measuring and 1.08” and the Macbook Pro and an even inch, but Apple R&D seems to think they can do better. Until now, the biggest obstacle has been the optical drive. According to two recent patent applications from Apple, they are developing a method for installing the disk drive on the underside of the notebooks.

I’ll admit, I’m still a bit skeptical. But with the success Apple has had with recent products, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. First, I have come to realize that I don’t use the optical drive on my laptop very often, enough to justify having one, but not often enough to be upset about flipping it over once in awhile to put it in. Also, one of the first concerns would be the disk door opening while the computer is in my lap. Apple seems to have this covered by putting in an motion sensor that won’t allow the drive door to open unless the laptop is turned over.

If flipping over my Mac to put in a CD once in awhile will get me a thinner, lighter laptop, then you can sign me up for one.

Patent One and Patent Two

Apple wants to make MacBook smaller [UnwiredView]