While the Treo’s form factor is nice, it’s far from revolutionary (it’s more ‘well-built’ than ‘whoa’). But lest you think PalmOne without any imagination at all, check out this patent filed in 2001 (recently approved) that describes a PDA/phone hybrid that folds open lengthwise, providing a candy-bar form factor when closed, and a traditional PDA slate when open (albeit one with a seam in the screen).
A good idea? Well, no, probably not (that seam would get old real quick), but it’s good to know that Palm has a few tricks floating around out there—they could use them.
US Patent 6,850,780 [USPTO.GOV via PalmAddict via Mozongo]
