Abstract: The variable resistance element of the present invention is a variable resistance element having an electrode, the other electrode, and a metal oxide material sandwiched between the electrodes and having an electrical resistance, between the electrodes, changing reversibly in response to a voltage applied between the electrodes. The variable resistance element further includes, inside the metal oxide material, a low resistance material having a lower electrical resistance than the metal oxide material and being out of contact with at least either one of the electrodes. This makes it possible to reduce a forming voltage for providing a conductive section inside the metal oxide material, without causing a leakage current to increase.

Abstract: The present invention provides switching elements having a readout margin suitable for data storage units of nonvolatile memories, which are obtained by improving the resistance ratio of metal oxide thin films having reversible variable resistance properties. The present invention provides switching elements having a metal oxide consisting of a transition metal and oxygen formed between a first electrode and a second electrode, by modifying one or more of the crystal structure, ionic valence number of metal element, and nonstoichiometricity of a stoichiometric compound consisted of the transition metal and oxygen.

Abstract: A notebook computer force-controlled pointing stick device incorporates a more comfortable cap with enhanced ergonomic features. The device is generally cylindrical in shape and is located between the G, H, and B keys on the computer keyboard. The upper end of the device has a donut-like shape with a concave or crown-shaped central portion that forms well to the user's finger and provides better control, but does not interfere with typing. The upper end preferably has a rubber tip that provides improved control for a finger of a user. In an alternate version, the device is similar in shape to a bicycle saddle.

Abstract: A docking-type function-providing apparatus for providing a predetermined function to a portable device docked with the apparatus via their respective connectors has a coupling face 1 coupled with a device coupling face on the portable device at the time of docking, the connector 2 of the apparatus provided on the coupling face 1 to connect with the connector of the device by the above-mentioned coupling, and a guide face 3 parallel to a plane intersecting the coupling face 1 and capable of guiding a guided face on the portable device at the time of docking. The position of the guide face 3 can be changed in the direction of intersection with the guide face 3.

Abstract: A method and system for providing hand-held computing device is disclosed. The hand-held computing device includes a display and a keyboard that is coupled with the display. The keyboard is rotatable through at least ninety degrees to be oriented in a portrait mode or a landscape mode.

Abstract: A docking-type function-providing apparatus for providing a predetermined function to a portable device docked with the apparatus via their respective connectors has a coupling face 1 coupled with a device coupling face on the portable device at the time of docking, the connector 2 of the apparatus provided on the coupling face 1 to connect with the connector of the device by the above-mentioned coupling, and a guide face 3 parallel to a plane intersecting the coupling face 1 and capable of guiding a guided face on the portable device at the time of docking. The position of the guide face 3 can be changed in the direction of intersection with the guide face 3.

Abstract: A notebook computer force-controlled pointing stick device incorporates a more comfortable cap with enhanced ergonomic features. The device is generally cylindrical in shape and is located between the G, H, and B keys on the computer keyboard. The upper end of the device has a donut-like shape with a concave or crown-shaped central portion that forms well to the user's finger and provides better control, but does not interfere with typing. The upper end preferably has a rubber tip that provides improved control for a finger of a user. In an alternate version, the device is similar in shape to a bicycle saddle.

Abstract: To provide a portable computer in which a height and angle of a display can be adjusted even in a restricted installation space. In a notebook type personal computer, at an approximately middle portion in a high and low direction of an LCD unit, disposed in a lid, there is provided a hinge, which enables the LCD unit to pivot around a rotation axis crossing perpendicularly with the high and low direction of the LCD unit. This hinge is mounted so as to be movable in the high and low direction of the frame, and is disposed at a higher position than a top of the frame. Thereby, even when rear space where the notebook type PC is installed is restricted, it is possible to adjust the height and angle of the LCD unit, and to make such setting as to enable the display screen to be easily watched.

Abstract: To provide a keyboard having a home position for control keys such as cursor keys. A notebook personal computer includes a region in which a plurality of keys such as character keys and control keys are disposed and a palm rest 53 adjacent to the plurality of keys. Cursor keys 65, 67, 69, and 71, which belong to the control keys, are disposed adjacently to the palm rest and a slanted region 101 distinguishable by touch from the main surface of the palm rest is provided in a place adjacent to the cursor keys as their home position. Because the slanted region 101 is locatable with tactile sensation, the touch typing of the cursor keys is enabled.

Abstract: To provide a portable computer in which a height and angle of a display can be adjusted even in a restricted installation space. In a notebook type personal computer, at an approximately middle portion in a high and low direction of an LCD unit, disposed in a lid, there is provided a hinge, which enables the LCD unit to pivot around a rotation axis crossing perpendicularly with the high and low direction of the LCD unit. This hinge is mounted so as to be movable in the high and low direction of the frame, and is disposed at a higher position than a top of the frame. Thereby, even when rear space where the notebook type PC is installed is restricted, it is possible to adjust the height and angle of the LCD unit, and to make such setting as to enable the display screen to be easily watched.

Abstract: A computer or a display apparatus with an input function which is of simple construction and has high operability for touch input or pen input. A system body, a cover unit having a display panel with an input function on one side, and connection means such as a rotatable arm, which is rotatably connected to the cover unit and to the system body at a different portion from a portion at which said cover unit is conventionally connected, so as to allow the cover unit to be placed on the system body in a position in which the display panel mounted on the cover unit is placed face up or face down. The cover unit can be placed upside down on the system body without sliding of the cover unit with respect to the system body.