Abstract: An optical media drive contains light reflective surfaces positioned about a transparent center portion of the optical media. The light reflective surfaces reflect laser light from a laser unit of the drive which is directed toward the transparent center portions of the optical media. Defects such as cracks in the optical media disturb the reflection. The disturbance is detected by a laser lens and represented by a signal corresponding to the size of the defect. Information about the cracks is used to determine a safe spin rate for the optical media.

Abstract: A portable computer system has heat transfer mechanisms incorporated therein for transfer of heat to a docking station with active cooling capacity. A portable computer case has openings placed in alignment with mating openings in the docking station to provide additional active cooling capacity. The portable computer system case also has further openings and a defined air flow path to enhance airflow across a processor to cool it more effectively. A fan in the docking station pulls or pushes air from or into the portable computer system case. The mating openings and further openings in the computer system case are positioned to optimize the cooling effectiveness of the air flow with respect to the processor and other heat producing components. Other devices such as refrigeration coils, heat slugs, and heat pipes are also described. A switch detects when the portable computer is connected to the docking station and causes deactivation of processor slowing power management routines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for providing flexible purchase options, reminders and transaction performance. A method may include receiving a request for a good. Position of a portable communication device is monitored. A determination is made as to whether said request for the good may be satisfied by a provider location within a set proximity of said position. When the request may be satisfied, a user of said portable communication device and the provider location are notified.

Abstract: A portable computer system has heat transfer mechanisms incorporated therein for transfer of heat to a docking station with active cooling capacity. A portable computer case has openings placed in alignment with mating openings in the docking station to provide additional active cooling capacity. The portable computer system case also has further openings and a defined air flow path to enhance airflow across a processor to cool it more effectively. A fan in the docking station pulls or pushes air from or into the portable computer system case. The mating openings and further openings in the computer system case are positioned to optimize the cooling effectiveness of the air flow with respect to the processor and other heat producing components. Other devices such as refrigeration coils, heat slugs, and heat pipes are also described. A switch detects when the portable computer is connected to the docking station and causes deactivation of processor slowing power management routines.

Abstract: A portable computer system has heat transfer mechanisms incorporated therein for transfer of heat to a docking station with active cooling capacity. A portable computer case has openings placed in alignment with mating openings in the docking station to provide additional active cooling capacity. The portable computer system case also has further openings and a defined air flow path to enhance airflow across a processor to cool it more effectively. A fan in the docking station pulls or pushes air from or into the portable computer system case. The mating openings and further openings in the computer system case are positioned to optimize the cooling effectiveness of the air flow with respect to the processor and other heat producing components. Other devices such as refrigeration coils, heat slugs, and heat pipes are also described. A switch detects when the portable computer is connected to the docking station and causes deactivation of processor slowing power management routines.

Abstract: A power adapter provides electrical power from multiple power sources. The power adapter includes first and second plugs adapted to be electrically coupled to first and second power sources, respectively. The power adapter is configured to provide a first power output from the first power source (e.g., airline power socket), and a second power output from the second power source (e.g., cigarette lighter socket), to the electronic device, depending on which power source to which the power adapter is coupled. The power adapter may also limit the first power output from the first power source to a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A power adapter for a digital information appliance includes an integral thermal cooling assembly for providing supplemental cooling to electronic components within the digital information appliance. The power adapter is comprised of a power supply suitable for conditioning electrical power supplied to the digital information appliance from an external source, a thermal cooling assembly and a coupling assembly capable of operably coupling power adapter to the digital information appliance. The thermal cooling assembly is suitable for providing cooling to the digital information appliance while the power adapter is operably coupled thereto by the coupling assembly.