Abstract: A portable viewing and computing apparatus. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a bus, a memory unit coupled to the bus, and a processor coupled to the bus. The memory unit is for storing data and instructions. The processor is for processing data and instructions. The portable viewing and computing apparatus is further comprised of a display device coupled to the bus. The display device is comprised of a viewing panel viewable from a front side and a back side. The portable viewing and computing apparatus is further comprised of a display device controller coupled to the bus. The display device controller is for sensing the orientation and rotation of the display device, and in response thereto, for controlling and rendering data on the display device.

Abstract: A miniature keyboard for a palm held computer is disclosed. The miniature keyboard includes a plurality of keys for providing input to a hand held computing device. The keyboard includes a platform supporting the plurality of keys. The platform is configured to be sized for use by a single hand and the platform is selectively foldable to substantially conceal the plurality of keys from view. The keyboard also includes a support structure that couples the platform to the hand held computing device body. The support structure is configured to prevent substantial movement of the platform relative to the hand held computing device body.

Abstract: A method and system for coupling to a palmtop computer that supports both mobile computing and desktop use. A palmtop computer docking system is disclosed that includes a cable assembly and a base. The cable assembly includes a cable dock that is connected to a serial connector via an electrical cable. The cable dock includes a connector receptacle that mates with a corresponding connector on a palmtop computer. The cable assembly is adapted to engage the base so as to produce a fully functional docking cradle. In operation, once the cable assembly is engaged with the base, the serial connector is then coupled to the desired computing device (typically either a portable computer or a full-size computer). The resulting docking cradle facilitates desktop use such as, for example, communication with a full size computer. The cable assembly can be removed from the base and can be used independently of the base for mobile computing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include connector assembly for a handheld computer. The connector assembly includes a plurality of conductive elements disposed on a first side of a printed circuit board housed with the handheld computer. One or more of the conductive elements has a pointed end.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include connector assembly for a handheld computer. The connector assembly includes a plurality of conductive elements disposed on a first side of a printed circuit board housed with the handheld computer. One or more of the conductive elements has a pointed end.

Abstract: A metal frame is fabricated from magnesium alloy and all the main components of the computer, including the logic board, the hard disk drive, the keyboard, the upper and lower halves of the computer's case, and the pivoting display screen are all directly attached to the frame. The frame thus offers a method for constructing a personal computer which will have greatly improved shock resistance, integrated electromagnetic isolation, and structural strength, without increasing the weight of the completed computer in any significant fashion. Additionally, by means of a cooling flange fabricated as part of the frame, the central processing unit of the portable computer is thermally connected to the frame, which then acts as a heat-sink for the central processing unit, greatly improving its reliability.