Abstract: An apparatus and method which allows a mobile display panel to rotate substantially 360 degrees is provided. In one embodiment, the mobile computer hinge assembly allows the mobile display panel to rotate from a closed position through a first operative position into a second operative position. With the lid in the second operative position, the mobile computer can now be docked to a docking station in an upright position, thus saving desk space and also allowing the mobile display to be used as a flat panel display, thus eliminating the need for a desktop monitor. With the lid in the second operative position, the computer can also now be used as a tablet computer. In this embodiment, the mobile display is a touchpad display.

Abstract: A method of restoring a computer system to a state it was in when it left the factory starts with receiving a request for a new disk drive for the system. An extended parts list for the computer system is retrieved from a database or other data repository and written on the new disk drive. Software to restore the system, including operating system software and application software is also provided on the new disk drive. When the new disk drive is installed, the restoration software uses the extended parts list to select operating system software and application software to restore the computer and reboot the computer with the restored software.