Abstract: A system that includes an electronic device (such as a portable computer), a writing instrument, and a receptacle located on the device for removably receiving the writing instrument. The receptacle includes an opening on the device and a channel in communication with the opening and extending inwardly with respect to the device. The system further includes an adapter structure configured to change an effective width of the channel between at least two widths to thereby hold writing instruments of different widths in the receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for leveraging resources on a computer network to view a file on a client computer written in a format unreadable by the client computer are provided. According to one method, the client computer receives a file in a source format unreadable by the client computer. The client computer broadcasts the format of the received file to a plurality of File Viewing Servers (FVSs) in the network. In response, the client computer receives from at least one of the FVSs a conversion rating, which indicates the respective FVS's ability to convert the source format of the file into a conversion format readable by the client computer. Upon receiving the conversion ratings from the FVSs, the client computer selects the FVS transmitting the highest conversion rating to convert the received file from the source format unreadable by the client computer into the conversion format readable by the client computer.

Abstract: A data storage device activity state is sampled and used to control a remote data storage device activity indicator. A disk drive activity signal is sampled by hardware either based on an edge transition of the activity signal, or on a periodic basis. If the state of the activity signal changes, state change data is sent via a controller to a keyboard. A disk drive status light on the keyboard is controlled by the change data. The controller is a USB host controller that sends the state change data to a USB function that controls the status light.

Abstract: A multiaxial hinge assembly that enables rotation about a first axis between a clockwise limit and a counterclockwise limit and also enables rotation about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first includes a rotational direction indicator to provide an indication of a direction of rotation about the first axis to reduce the likelihood of rotation against the clockwise or counterclockwise limits and possible damage to the hinge assembly, or connected apparatus, or both. In one example, the multiaxial hinge assembly may be used for mounting the display of a hybrid notebook/tablet PC to provide an indication to a user of the direction in which the display may be counter-rotated when the hinge is positioned at either the clockwise or counterclockwise limits.