Abstract: A device is provided which comprises (a) a portable computer (13) having first and second major opposing surfaces and having a display (31) disposed on the first major surface, and (b) a protective cover (11) adapted to releasably engage the computer in a first orientation in which it covers the display. The cover has a removable battery pack (37) disposed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultra thin tablet computer battery and docking station system. The system comprises of an ultra thin tablet computer system providing an ultra thin tablet computer (339) with edge mounted main battery (347) with an optional extended battery (310) and a docking system (501) for presenting the tablet computer (339) as a monitor to the user in an articulatable manner with or without the extended battery (310) while simultaneously charging the tablets main battery (347) and the extended battery (301) if it is mounted to the tablet computer while docked.

Abstract: A device is provided for employing batteries for mobile computing system to provide separate power sources for peripherals for mobile computing systems. A device is provided for charging batteries for mobile computing devices which can also be used to power peripherals for mobile computing systems.

Abstract: A device is provided which comprises an ultra thin extended battery pack (301). A incorporating a functional peripheral device (321) such as a DVD player, card reader, receiver and/or transmitter, or extended memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a docking station (501) for a tablet computer (339) with or without an extended battery (301). This docking station (501) comprises a docking assembly for positioning with three degrees of freedom and having a data connector for mechanically supporting and interfacing with the tablet computer (339). A support member (505) couples the cradle (507) assembly to an expansion base (503). The base (503) includes a number of ports (54, 56, 60, 62) for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices or power supplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuit board contained within the expansion base (503). A flexible printed circuit (FPC) (64) combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowing the signal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board (64) and to the data connector (519).

Abstract: A modular keyboard (100) for a tablet personal computer (200) provides a cover for covering the display screen of the tablet computer (200). A key array (102) for key-based data entry into the tablet computer (200) which mounts integrally to the cover (100) via a hinge mount (120) which supports the tablet computer (200) in a raised position relative to the key array (102) and presents the tablet computer display for monitoring data entry from the key array (102). The hinge mount (120) is retractable to a recess 128 for using the modular cover (100) as a protective cover.

Abstract: A device is provided which comprises (a) a portable computer (13) having first and second major opposing surfaces and having a display (31) disposed on the first major surface, and (b) a protective cover (11) adapted to releasably engage the computer in a first orientation in which it covers the display. The cover has a removable battery pack (37) disposed therein.