Abstract: An input device, which is capable of changing the appearance of a display, includes a body made up of a cover and a base, a cable receiver, and a cable coupled to the cable receiver. The input device has a first mode with a first portion of the cable having a first length external to the input device and a second portion of the cable wrapped around the cable receiver. The input device also has a second mode with the first portion of the cable having a second length external to the input device less than the first length.

Abstract: A docking station that accepts a portable computing device is disclosed. The docking station comprises a first surface that supports a bottom surface of the portable computing device. The first surface includes a means for restricting the movement of the portable computing device. The docking station additionally includes a body or a trunk that interfaces the portable computing device with an external device. The docking station additionally includes a hinge which joins the first surface to the body or trunk, in which the hinge permits the portable computing device to be rotated between a horizontal and a vertical orientation as well as various acute angles.

Abstract: A portable computer docking tray system with a docking tray for facilitating securing a portable computer to a docking station. The docking tray is also serves as a compact and light-weight auxiliary power source for the portable computer that may be transported with the portable computer.

Abstract: A portable computer docking tray system with a docking tray for facilitating securing a portable computer to a docking station. The docking tray is also serves as a compact and light-weight auxiliary power source for the portable computer that may be transported with the portable computer.

Abstract: A label display system includes a deployable label base to display labels, such as regulatory and/or certification marking labels, for an electronic and/or portable computing device. The deployable label base moves between a first position and a second position, where the labels are viewable in the first position, and where at least some of the labels are concealed from view in the second position. The deployable label base includes a first side to display labels and at least a second side to display labels. The deployable label base can be flexible and include or encase a security cable to secure the electronic and/or portable computing device.

Abstract: An input device, which is capable of changing the appearance of a display, includes a body made up of a cover and a base, a cable receiver, and a cable coupled to the cable receiver. The input device has a first mode with a first portion of the cable having a first length external to the input device and a second portion of the cable wrapped around the cable receiver. The input device also has a second mode with the first portion of the cable having a second length external to the input device less than the first length.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable computer includes a housing, and an electrical interface supported by the housing and configured to electrically couple the docking station and the portable computer. The electrical interface is movable between a first position and a second position angularly displaced from the first position.

Abstract: A docking station that accepts a portable computing device is disclosed. The docking station comprises a first surface that supports a bottom surface of the portable computing device. The first surface includes a means for restricting the movement of the portable computing device. The docking station additionally includes a body or a trunk that interfaces the portable computing device with an external device. The docking station additionally includes a hinge which joins the first surface to the body or trunk, in which the hinge permits the portable computing device to be rotated between a horizontal and a vertical orientation as well as various acute angles.

Abstract: A security device for portable computer is disclosed. The security device comprises an anchor attached securely to the portable computer. The device also includes a lock box that makes use of a channel, wherein the channel is open at each end and is selectively openable laterally. The device further includes a cord that couples the anchor and the lock box.

Abstract: An electronic or computing device includes an integrated graphical display and a power source, such as a battery, to provide power to operate the graphical display. A selectable shutdown control, such as an operating system shutdown control, is displayed on the graphical display, and when selected, initiates a process to shutdown the electronic or computing device. The device also includes a component, such as a graphical display controller or software application, to turn off the graphical display and conserve power when the selectable control is selected and before the process to shutdown the electronic or computing device is initiated.

Abstract: A label display system includes a foldable label base to display labels, such as regulatory and/or certification marking labels, for an electronic and/or portable computing device. The foldable label base moves between a first position and a second position, where the labels are viewable in the first position, and where at least some of the labels are concealed from view in the second position. The foldable label base includes a first side to display labels and a second side to display labels.

Abstract: A security device for portable computer is disclosed. The security device comprises an anchor attached securely to the portable computer. The device also includes a lock box that makes use of a channel, wherein the channel is open at each end and is selectively openable laterally. The device further includes a cord that couples the anchor and the lock box.

Abstract: A dual function portable computer bag serves its conventional function as a carrying device for a portable computer and associated accessories and also serves an additional function as an ergonomically appropriate padded back support for a user thereby converting a conventional chair and table into an ergonomically appropriate and comfortable workstation for a portable computer user.

Abstract: A user interface including an at least partially transparent roller. The transparency allows the roller to be used as part of a fingerprint scanning system during fingerprint scans. The roller may also be used for other purposes during non-scanning periods. For example, the roller may be used in place of a conventional scroll key to control scrolling.

Abstract: A method for displaying symbols on a computer display is disclosed. The method includes positioning a pointer at a spot on the display, wherein the display displays the symbols using a first symbol size. The method also includes receiving an input that causes symbols within an area of the display nearby the spot to be displayed using a size greater than the first symbol size while symbols outside the area are displayed using a size that is different than the greater size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying an information element on a display is disclosed. The method comprises positioning a pointer at the information element displayed on the display, wherein the information element is displayed at a first size. The method continues with creating a focus region on the display, wherein the focus region is nearby the pointer. The method also includes increasing the size of said information element within said focus region.

Abstract: Methods and systems for protecting a computing device are described. Various embodiments provide a computer having a housing that defines an internal cavity. A sensor is mounted on the housing and is configured to sense a temperature of the internal cavity or some other condition associated with the cavity. The sensor generates a signal that can be used to ensure that the computer does not overheat.

Abstract: A portable computer system in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention includes a portable computer and a recorded media storage and playback device adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to one another.