Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (2020).Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central
What you need to know
- A patent from Microsoft shows the design of an interchangeable back for computing devices.
- The design could be used in a Surface Laptop or other Surface device in the future.
- As with all patents, the designs may never be used in a real device.
A patent from Microsoft discusses a new way to customize Surface devices. WindowsUnited recently spotted a patent from Microsoft for interchangeable back panels on computing devices. While the designs discussed in the patent may never come to real devices, it's interesting to see how Microsoft could take advantage of swappable backplates.
As is the case with many patents, this one doesn't refer to a specific Surface device. Instead, it just refers to "computing devices." But if this design ever saw the light of day, whichi is a big if, it could potentially be implemented on a Surface Laptop 3, Surface Book 3, or other Surface devices.
The patent describes a back panel of a computing device that you could easily swap out. This could be useful for changing the look of your device. It could also come in handy if you've damaged the back of your device and want to replace it.
Here is the abstract from the patent:
Interchangeable housing panel components for a display housing of a portable computing device. The interchangeable housing panel component is sized and dimensioned to be received by a receiving portion of the computing device. A first interchangeable housing panel component is quickly installed by a user to customize the appearance of their computing device and, when desired, is also quickly removed, from the computing device. A second interchangeable housing panel component can then be installed on the same computing device, transforming the appearance of their computing device. When desired, the second interchangeable housing panel component can be removed and the first interchangeable housing panel component can be reinstalled, returning the computing device to its previous appearance. The housing panel components and computing device include provisions for easy removal and installation of the components.
That's patent speak for "you can easily swap the back panel of the device."
There are already several ways to customize the look of a laptop, like skins and even covers made of wood. The patent acknowledges these options but points out that they aren't perfect solutions.
Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office
Some covers can't be easily removed, and taking stickers off a device can take time. People can also damage a device while trying to customize its look. Microsoft's patent describes how a replaceable panel could be an easier way to customize devices.
So Classy
Toast Wood Cover
If you'd like to avoid thin vinyl skins with colorful designs and want something that's a lot more mature, Toast's wood covers should do the trick.
Battlefield 2042 seems to be finally embracing the series' goofiness
Many of the older Battlefield games had incredible potential for silly strategies, but this trend didn't continue with the likes of Battlefield 1 and Battlefield 5. Thankfully, it looks like the developers are embracing goofiness with Battlefield 2042.
Surface Go 3: Price, release date, features, and everything you should know
Here's everything you need to know about the new Microsoft Surface Go 3, including specs, pricing, availability, features, and much more. It's a minor update over the Surface Go 2, featuring the same design and compatibility with accessories, but with newer, more powerful Intel chips.
The Surface Laptop Studio may solve the worst Surface Book problems
I used the Surface Book for years but dropped off due to a litany of complaints. The Surface Laptop Studio, however, could be the answer.
Set up a Surface Pro workstation with one of these external monitors
The Surface Pro is great on its own, but that doesn't mean you can't add one or two external monitors to it to create a sweet battlestation. Here are the best overall picks available now.