For one, as was already stated, this strays far from Apple’s ’simpler is better’. A system like this would add unneeded complication when there are already very simple solutions. A touchscreen is a simple, flat, fully-contained device that will allow much of the functionality most users need for specialized software.

The article did bring up the issue of input feedback. For example, if you had a piano keyboard on your touchscreen you would likely not be very satisfied with the results, as there is no way to feel a key being pressed. My opinion holds that the solution to this is an external keyboard. No, you can’t easily lug it to the park, or on a flight to compose, but those are inherent limitations of mobile computers. We have to accept that there are some uses that mobile computers are great for, and others that should stay at your desk.

I’d be thrilled if there were a good system for accomplishing these specialized tasks mobiley, I’m not against the idea - it’s just that this patent application does not hold the key.

I’ve given my opinion, but not yet supported it, so allow me to describe the main practical hindrances to the proposed system.

The biggest thing is the physical complication. No matter what approach is taken, there is physical complication added to your device. Moving parts are something we try to cut down on as much as possible on electronic devices for one main reason: they break. These things will break, they will get accidentally broken off, damaging your notebook. Moving parts = bad.

The second thing that came to mind was attaching my piano keyboard, or worse, joystick, and inadvertently shutting the lid of my mobile, or someone bumping it closed. Imagine the horrid scratches that would make their way onto most people’s screens. Even if it’s not my screen that gets axed, just having an object protrude from the smooth faces of my notebook would be outrageous. Over time there is bound to be something that comes along and hits this thing - knocking it off and breaking the “mount” or whatever method used to attach it.

All in all what I seem to be telling myself is simply that more physical complication is bad. The more we can remove from the physical body of mobile devices the better.

Besides all that, my 13″ MacBook is 13″ for a reason - I can carry it around easily without a bag or case. It wouldn’t be practical for many people to carry modules with them.