Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a method comprises receiving an external card detection signal that indicates that a hot-pluggable card is coupled to a computer system and activating at least one reference clock signal of a scalable reference clock platform based on the external card detection signal. The method further comprises synchronizing clock signals embedded in data packets transmitted between the hot-pluggable card and the computer system with another clock signal bases on the at least one reference clock signal.

Abstract: One embodiment is a system for holding a component in a device comprising: a latch feature that is connected to one of the component and the device and has a tang and a cavity; a latch module that is connected to the other of the device and the component and has a first pin that interacts with the tang and a second pin that moves between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is within the latch module, and the second position is within the cavity; and wherein the first pin and the second pin are connected with each other such that a movement of the first pin causes the second pin to change from one of the first position and the second position to the other of the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A computer system that is configured to wirelessly access a local area network is further configured to search for the availability of wireless access points when the notebook computer is powered-off. A computer user activates this powered-off seek mode by pressing a button mounted on the outside cover of the computer. Activation of this button then activates a power supply within the notebook computer that powers a wireless communication module. The remaining power supplies in the computer system, however, are not turned on. Once the wireless communication or radio module is powered, a side-band signal to the normal universal serial bus communication activates the wireless access seek mode. Once a determination is made by the wireless communication module, that determination is passed to the user in the form of a light emitting diode which indicates the availability or nonavailability of a wireless access point in range.

Abstract: One embodiment is a system for holding a component in a device comprising: a latch feature that is connected to one of the component and the device and has a tang and a cavity; a latch module that is connected to the other of the device and the component and has a first pin that interacts with the tang and a second pin that moves between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is within the latch module, and the second position is within the cavity; and wherein the first pin and the second pin are connected with each other such that a movement of the first pin causes the second pin to change from one of the first position and the second position to the other of the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A system comprises an electronic device, a peripheral component and a cable. The cable couples the peripheral component to the electronic device. The cable further comprises a connector end for connection to a standard port on the electronic device. The connector end has an abutment feature designed to prevent engagement of the connector end with certain ports.

Abstract: A system comprises an electronic device, a peripheral component and a cable. The cable couples the peripheral component to the electronic device. The cable further comprises a connector end for connection to a standard port on the electronic device. The connector end has an abutment feature designed to prevent engagement of the connector end with certain ports.

Abstract: A computer peripheral comprises a bus interface to a communication bus, a first component-bus bridge communicable with the bus interface and a first endpoint adapted for communication with a first component, a second component-bus bridge different from the first component-bus bridge and communicable with the bus interface and a second endpoint adapted for communication with a second component, and an automatic endpoint selector responsive to a control signal and adapted to enable one and disable the other of the first and second component-bus bridges for sharing the bus interface.

Abstract: A laptop computer system comprising an apparatus and related method for monitoring a battery gauge of a laptop computer and notifying the computer system user if the battery gauge is out of calibration by monitoring a calculated remaining battery capacity value in relation to a system battery charging or discharging such that if the calculated remaining battery capacity does not properly indicate a remaining charge capacity at either of a charge cycle of a system battery or discharge cycle of the system battery. If the battery gauge is out of calibration, a unique scan code identifying that a battery gauge calibration needs to be run is generated which triggers some form of user notification.

Abstract: A computer system that is configured to wirelessly access a local area network is further configured to search for the availability of wireless access points when the notebook computer is powered-off. A computer user activates this powered-off seek mode by pressing a button mounted on the outside cover of the computer. Activation of this button then activates a power supply within the notebook computer that powers a wireless communication module. The remaining power supplies in the computer system, however, are not turned on. Once the wireless communication or radio module is powered, a side-band signal to the normal universal serial bus communication activates the wireless access seek mode. Once a determination is made by the wireless communication module, that determination is passed to the user in the form of a light emitting diode which indicates the availability or nonavailability of a wireless access point in range.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard that may be used for providing inputs to a computer. The keyboard includes a keyboard base pan and a plurality of input keys having keycaps that may be pressed by a user. An electroluminescent lamp, in the form a flat panel, is sandwiched between the keyboard base pan and the keycaps to illuminate the keyboard during use.