Apple patents at the US Patent & Trademark Office may hint at new portable devices -- or redesigns of future laptops. Patent number 7660749 is for a portable computer that comprises a chassis and a connection system.

The connection system has a plurality of different connector receptacles. The connection system is configured to swing relative to the chassis between an open position where the connector receptacles are exposed for use and, closed position where the connector receptacles are hidden and stored within the chassis. The inventors are Gavin Reid, Chris Lightenberg and Bartley K. Andre.

Here's Apple's background and summary of the invention: "Connection systems are well known and include electrical contacts that enable devices to communicate with other devices. For example, connection systems may include Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, FireWire ports, RJ-11 ports, and RJ-45 ports.

Mobile devices such as notebook computers are becoming increasingly thinner. As a result, connection systems need to be reduced in size to accommodate smaller form factors. A problem when reducing the size of a connection system is that the reduction is limited by the size of the largest port. For example, RJ-45 ports are relatively large and thus may be a challenge to accommodate.

"A portable computer is disclosed. The portable computer comprises a chassis and a connection system. The connection system has a plurality of different connector receptacles. The connection system is configured to swing relative to the chassis between an open position where the connector receptacles are exposed for use and, closed position where the connector receptacles are hidden and stored within the chassis."