If a newly-surfaced set of patent filings is any indication, 2008 could see the dawning of yet another industry-shaking offering from Apple.

Multiple sources have reported that a recent set of US patent office filings from Apple describe a desktop device that will act as a dock for a new laptop. The device would serve not only as a power-source, but also as a full desktop adapter for the sub-notebook.

04 Jan 2008

The patent outlines a dock that is essentially a hollowed-out iMac. The notebook would dock with the device by sliding into the side. The exposed connection and optical disc ports on the side of the notebook would serve as the input ports and connect to the dock's LCD screen, essentially converting the sub-notebook into a desktop computer.

Sweet.