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IBM Patents Putting Handprints On Laptops

Posted by kdawson on from the hands-off dept.

theodp writes "You can still leave your handprint in cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater. But as of Tuesday, you best not do the same on a laptop, lest you infringe on IBM's new patent for the Portable Computer with a Hand Impression, an 'invention' that Big Blue explains makes balancing the portable computer on a user's hand easier."

2 of 141 comments (clear)

  1. It's another biometrics toy. by Sierran · · Score: 4, Informative

    The handprint is there, claims the patent, in order to facilitate the 'proper carrying' of the 'computing device.' However, I don't think I've ever carried my laptop balanced like a waiter's tray, or held it to my side while closed without wrapping the carrying hand around the edge underneath it for support. What they do say, buried in the patent, is that the patent also covers the use of 'biometric devices' inside the handprint, presumably for identity verification. If so, I"m not sure how this any better than a fingerprint port, unless they plan to have biometrics cover the entire print or even all five fingers - which will be more expensive for dubious additional security.

    --
    A hero is someone who knows when to run away. I am a hero. -Trent the Uncatchable
    1. Re:It's another biometrics toy. by Dachannien · · Score: 3, Informative

      It's not really "buried in the patent". It's mentioned right up front in claim 1, and the headline for this article seems oblivious to that point.