Just over a year ago, HP launched its 3-in-1 Specter foldable PC, which could function as a laptop, tablet and desktop.

It was a lavish piece of gear that HP said is “expected to be available in limited quantities.”

The starting price was a mind-bending $4,999 ($A7,720), which meant it would only be used by a premium part of the market.

HP Specter fold.

HP has reportedly discontinued the Specter brand and is – according to a patent granted to the company – working on a new type of foldable laptop.

According to diagrams, the device would have a screen wider than the keyboard. When the screen – with its hinge and spring mechanisms – is closed, the excess width of the screen on each side folds around the keyboard area of ​​the laptop.

“As the flat panel display has been in use for decades, there have been many desirable changes in display technology,” the HP patent states.

“Flexible flat panel display technology, through the development of rollable displays, has enabled the development of a lighter, thinner product that is easier to carry and store. While computer monitors take up more desk space due to their larger footprint, their portable alternatives keep things small, minimalist and mobile.”

HP Foldable Laptop Patent Diagram 2024. In 411 and 241 (above), the screen wraps around the laptop.

The patent notes that larger screens are better for work tasks, multimedia and gaming, but that “a larger screen means the device carrying it is heavier and bulkier. Additionally, a larger display on a notebook computer also results in higher power consumption compared to smaller displays.”

“Tablet computers may be suitable for recreational reading and light Internet use, while a clamshell notebook may be suitable for document writing…Many users desire portable computing devices that can be used for both recreational and work/school use.”

“It may be desirable,” the patent states, “for a portable computing device to have a flexible display that can be stored compactly, providing a large display for complex computing tasks while maintaining the ease of use and portability of a smaller size. factor computer”.