Apparently tired of having to conform keyboards to the shape of their devices, RIM is looking for ways to break out. According to a patent that just started its trek through the approval process, one concept floating around the is a fold out “Wing” keypad.
By this design, the number pad would be available at all times. Folding out the wings will make two more rows of keys available, enabling RIM’s two-letters-per-key SureType.
That’s cool and all but, uh, what? This big crazy fold-out mechanism, and we’re still stuck to SureType? No thanks. Everyone loves a transformer, but this just seems wonky.
I can imagine this being a nightmare, they look like they could so easily break off.
Unless they are made of completely indestructible materials, I don’t think this patent will translate onto any RIM device.
It’s a neat idea tho…
-Alice