Abstract: A portable computer, system, and method for a wired and wireless docking station are provided. The portable computer may function to connect to a docking station via either a wired or wireless channel of communication depending on the signal strength of a wireless communication as determined by a comparator, or depending on whether it has been physically connected to a docking station. The system may also be modular so that it can be acquired by a computer user as separate modules, and may provide support for charging an additional battery through a power connection that is separate from the docking connector. A process is also provided that allows a portable computer user to automatically commence and switch between wired and wireless docking sessions by either placing the computer either within range of the docking station or by connecting it to the docking station with a docking station connector.

Abstract: A device, system, and method are provided for simply and securely pairing a wireless peripheral device with a host device or system. The device, claim, and method and other peripheral devices provide for improved simplification and security of the pairing process involved with establishing a secure wireless connection between a peripheral device and a host. Simplification is improved because actions required by the user to complete the pairing process are minimized, and security is improved because of a greatly increased ability on the part of the user to ensure that pairing process is conducted in a secure environment. The pairing may be applicable to any number of host devices and peripheral devices. The host device may be a desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, or similar device, and the peripheral device may be a keyboard, mouse, game controller, or personal digital assistant (PDA).

Abstract: A wireless docking system and method is provided for monitoring the use of one or more docking stations by multiple portable computers. The system and method provides for the intelligent management of docking stations and connected resources by implementing a protocol that takes into account the identity of the user insofar as one user my have priority to the use of a docking station, the length of time an inactive computer has been connected to a docking station, whether another user requests the use of the docking station, whether the strength of the communication signals between a wireless docking station and computer is adequate to support the use of the docking station, and whether a user wishes to terminate a connection with a docking station.

Abstract: An improved system and method for user input in to a computer particularly tablet computers. The improvements involve generating tactile feedback through a stylus to a user. The feedback being dependant on what virtual function the pen is providing or where the stylus is positioned relative to the information displayed on the computer display or where the curser is in the displayed information.