Keeping its eyes set on multi-touch functionality, Apple's latest patent application suggests an extra-wide laptop touch pad, designed to make use of multi-touch gestures, something on the lines of the iPhone. The patent proposes a device that understands context, inherently deducing whether you're trying to use the touch pad or actually type. Touch pads are often criticized because they can be accidentally used or turned on by a careless gesture. The patent also assumes that users characteristically rest their wrists or arms on the palm rest at the bottom of the laptop. Apple's patent suggests is a combo of sensors and intelligence to observe a user's hands.

When typing, a touch pad (or touch pad bar that runs the width of the keyboard) "sees" nothing but the wrists or arms of the user. When a touch pad is being used, the touch pad "sees" the circular impression of a finger.
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