Abstract: A protocol for wireless data exchange may be used in conjunction with two or more portable computer systems. One of the portable computer systems may be a personal digital assistant (PDA) having an internal or an external wireless communication unit. The protocol can be used by a sending application residing on the portable computer system to transparently send a wireless message to a receiving computer system. The packet is then automatically routed to the proper destination application residing on the receiver utilizing a data type identifier. The data type identifier is used by the receiver, in conjunction with an application registry, to determine the proper destination application.

Abstract: A protocol for wireless data exchange may be used in conjunction with two or more portable computer systems. One of the portable computer systems may be a personal digital assistant (PDA) having an internal or an external wireless communication unit. The protocol can be used by a sending application residing on the portable computer system to transparently send a wireless message to a receiving computer system. The packet is then automatically routed to the proper destination application residing on the receiver utilizing a data type identifier. The data type identifier is used by the receiver, in conjunction with an application registry, to determine the proper destination application.

Abstract: A protocol for wireless data exchange may be used in conjunction with two or more portable computer systems. One of the portable computer systems may be a personal digital assistant (PDA) having an internal or an external wireless communication unit. The protocol can be used by a sending application residing on the portable computer system to transparently send a wireless message to a receiving computer system. The packet is then automatically routed to the proper destination application residing on the receiver utilizing a data type identifier. The data type identifier is used by the receiver, in conjunction with an application registry, to determine the proper destination application.

Abstract: A protocol for wireless data exchange may be used in conjunction with two or more portable computer systems. One of the portable computer systems may be a personal digital assistant (PDA) having an internal or an external wireless communication unit. The protocol can be used by a sending application residing on the portable computer system to transparently send a wireless message to a receiving computer system. The packet is then automatically routed to the proper destination application residing on the receiver utilizing a data type identifier. The data type identifier is used by the receiver, in conjunction with an application registry, to determine the proper destination application.

Abstract: A protocol for wireless data exchange may be used in conjunction with two or more portable computer systems. One of the portable computer systems may be a personal digital assistant (PDA) having an internal or an external wireless communication unit. The protocol can be used by a sending application residing on the portable computer system to transparently send a wireless message to a receiving computer system. The packet is then automatically routed to the proper destination application residing on the receiver utilizing a data type identifier. The data type identifier is used by the receiver, in conjunction with an application registry, to determine the proper destination application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating information to a user of a palmtop computer. Illuminatable hard buttons are disclosed that are operable for performing functions. The hard buttons are selectively illuminated to indicate information to a user that relates to the function performed when the bard button is pressed. The selective illumination of hard buttons to indicate information that relates to the function that is performed when the hard button is pressed conveys information to the user in a manner that is easily understood by the user. In one embodiment, whether or not the button is illuminated and the color of the illumination, convey information about the function that is to be performed when the button is pressed.

Abstract: A handheld computer is disclosed. The handheld computer is configured with a housing, a display supported in the housing, and computing electronics supported in the housing and configured to communicate with the display. The handheld computer disclosed also includes an integrated input device configured to provide input to the handheld computer. The input device provides different input signals to the computing electronics dependent upon a directional movement provided by a user. The input device is configured to communicate more than four distinct directional movements from a user to the computing electronics. Further, the handheld computer disclosed may include a joystick coupler which is integrated into a joypad. The joypad coupler is configured to receive at least a portion of the stylus which is configured to act as a joystick.

Abstract: A handheld computer is disclosed. The handheld computer is configured with a housing, a display supported in the housing, and computing electronics supported in the housing and configured to communicate with the display. The handheld computer disclosed also includes an integrated input device configured to provide input to the handheld computer. The input device provides different input signals to the computing electronics dependent upon a directional movement provided by a user. The input device is configured to communicate more than four distinct directional movements from a user to the computing electronics.

Abstract: A handheld computer is disclosed. The handheld computer is configured with a housing, a display supported in the housing, and computing electronics supported in the housing and configured to communicate with the display. The handheld computer disclosed also includes an integrated input device configured to provide input to the handheld computer. The input device provides different input signals to the computing electronics dependent upon a directional movement provided by a user. The input device is configured to communicate more than four distinct directional movements from a user to the computing electronics. Further, the handheld computer disclosed may include a joystick coupler which is integrated into a joypad. The joypad coupler is configured to receive at least a portion of the stylus which is configured to act as a joystick.