Abstract: An optical drive apparatus includes a drive tray including an optical drive mechanism, whereby the drive tray is operable to be inserted directly into an information handling system drive bay free of a drive chassis. An information handling system chassis may be provided that accepts the optical drive apparatus and couples the optical drive apparatus to the information handling system without the need of a drive chassis.

Abstract: An optical drive apparatus includes a drive tray comprising an optical drive mechanism, whereby the drive tray is operable to be inserted directly into an information handling system drive bay free of a drive chassis. An information handling system chassis may be provided that accepts the optical drive apparatus and couples the optical drive apparatus to an information handling system without the need of a drive chassis.

Abstract: A hinge includes a hinge portion having a pair of external opposed grooves and a first locking portion. A hinge cap is removably attached to the hinge portion by a pair of external deflecting arms received by the opposed grooves and a second locking portion received by the first locking portion. In response to mounting the hinge in the first member, the hinge cap seats in and defines a gap with a cover plate on the first member.

Abstract: A method of assembling a portable information handling system such as a laptop computer includes a chassis having a pivotally mounted top. The top and chassis are connected by a hinge. A hinge cap is releasably attached directly to the hinge and the hinge is mounted on the chassis so that the hinge cap seats in and defines a gap with a cover plate on the chassis.

Abstract: A portable information handling system such as a laptop computer includes a chassis having a pivotally mounted top. The chassis includes a keyboard and the top includes a display panel. The top and chassis are connected by a hinge. A hinge cap is releasably attached directly to the hinge and the hinge is mounted on the chassis. A loose fit of the hinge cap on the hinge permits the hinge cap to float relative to the hinge. Each of the hinge cap and a chassis cover plate include a mating, tapered surface so that when the hinge cap seats in the cover plate, the location of the hinge cap relative to the chassis cover plate is determined by the mating engagement.

Abstract: A computer includes a base having an exterior surface. A keyboard includes input components mounted on a portion of the exterior surface. A palm rest area is adjacent the keyboard. At least one palm rest component is detachably mounted in the palm rest area. Auxiliary input components are mounted in the palm rest area adjacent the palm rest component.