Abstract: A portable computer system includes an illuminated keyboard. The computer system has an enclosure including a base and a cover pivotally attached to the base. The keyboard subassembly is mounted in the base. The keyboard subassembly includes a plurality of key mechanisms mounted on a first side thereof. A light panel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough in a pattern generally corresponding to the plurality of key mechanisms is provided. The light panel is mounted adjacent the first side of the keyboard subassembly with each one of the key mechanisms extending through a respective opening in the light panel. A key cap is mounted on each one of the key mechanisms. In one embodiment, each key cap includes a body formed of a non-opaque material having an opaque character indicia portion formed thereon. Light is transmitted through body such that the character indicia portion may be viewed in low light conditions.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base, a display panel, a cover for housing the display panel, and a cover pivotally connected to the base. The display panel includes a front surface having an active area and an inactive area surrounding the active area. The cover includes a latch hook extending over a portion of the inactive area of the display panel. The latch hook secures the cover to the base when the cover in a closed position.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base having a perimeter including a plurality of sides and a module opening formed in one of the sides. A display panel having a viewing surface is housed by a cover pivotally connected to the base for movement between an open position and a closed position. The cover includes a visor extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the viewing surface of the display panel, such that the visor covers a portion of the module opening when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base, a display panel, a cover for housing the display panel, and a cover pivotally connected to the base. The display panel includes a front surface having an active area and an inactive area surrounding the active area. The cover includes a latch hook extending over a portion of the inactive area of the display panel. The latch hook secures the cover to the base when the cover in a closed position.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base and a cover mounted to the base. The base has a first hinge groove formed in an external surface of the base, and the cover has a second hinge groove formed in an external surface of the cover. The portable computer also includes a hinge having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is seated in the first hinge groove and is substantially flush with the external surface of the base adjacent the first hinge groove. The first portion is rigidly connected to the base. The second portion is seated in the second hinge groove and is substantially flush with the external surface of the cover adjacent the second hinge groove. The second portion is pivotally connected to the cover and rigidly connected to the first portion such that the second portion is substantially perpendicular to the first portion.

Abstract: A touchpad assembly capable of providing an operating surface of a touchpad in a plurality of operating positions. The operating assembly can be adjusted by changing the orientation of the operating surface of the touchpad or by changing the form of the operating surface. The touchpad assembly including a supporting device for supporting the operating surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking and ejecting a media module in a media bay includes a locking device engaging the media module to lock the media module in a locked position in the media bay, a rod engaging the locking device to disengage the locking device from the media module, a rotating body mounted on a pivot, the pivot physically coupled to the media bay, and a first spring, the first spring generating a force against the rotating body, the force against the rotating body rotating the rotating body on disengagement of the locking device from the media module, the rotation of the rotating body ejecting the media module from the locked position.

Abstract: A portable computer having a keyboard and one or more support members that are pivotable from a retracted position to an extended position to raise the front end of the computer. In the extended position, the support member raises the front end of the housing, and therefore tilts the keyboard an amount sufficient to reduce wrist extension from a neutral position when the keyboard is in use.

Abstract: A hair shaping apparatus is provided employing one or more hollow rollers. The rollers can be arranged in concentric fashion and electrically heated by an activator unit, wherein one end of the activator unit is inserted into one end of the concentrically arranged rollers, and the other end of the activator unit can be plugged into an electrical wall outlet. The activator unit can be reversed for storage, whereby the AC plugs which connect to the wall outlet are inserted into the hollow opening of the roller to present a low-profile configuration for ease of portability. One or multiple receptacles can be connected to an activator unit, wherein the activator unit is connected to a wall outlet in order to heat a plurality of singular or concentrically arranged hollow rollers connected to the receptacles.

Abstract: A portable computer and a method of securing the same. The portable computer comprises: (1) a main chassis containing (a) data processing and volatile storage circuitry of the portable computer, (b) a nonvolatile storage unit coupled to the data processing and volatile storage circuitry and (c) a source of electrical power and (2) a security module removably coupled to the main chassis and containing circuitry for (a) enabling decryption of encrypted data stored in the nonvolatile storage unit and (b) coupling the source of electrical power to the data processing and volatile storage circuitry only when the security module is coupled to the main chassis, the decryption disabled and the source of electrical power decoupled from the data processing and volatile storage circuitry when the security module is removed from the main chassis.