Abstract: A universal docking station for coupling a portable computer to a plurality of peripheral devices via a PCMCIA interface is provided, wherein at least one of the peripheral devices is a user input device. The docking station comprises a PCMCIA interface adapted to be coupled to the portable computer, peripheral control units adapted to be coupled to the plurality of peripheral devices, and a docking station control unit coupled to the PCMCIA interface and the peripheral control units, wherein the docking station control unit selectively transfers data between the PCMCIA interface and one of the peripheral control units, and wherein the docking station control unit extends the period of time data written by the computer remains stable on the PCMCIA interface. A computer system including the universal docking station is also provided. A method for interfacing a standard peripheral device to a computer via a PCMCIA bus is also provided.

Abstract: A docking module can electrically connect a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices. Engagement devices can alternately pull and push the portable computer relative to the housing. A sliding deck projects from the housing and is adapted to underlie and pull the portable computer toward the housing. The module has a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on panels on opposite sides of a housing. These panels are separately mounted at front and rear openings in the housing. A standard blank panel can have holes formed in it in a variety connector patterns to accommodate a variety of portable computers. Accordingly, the module is readily adapted to a portable computer by selecting a mounting pattern for the connectors on one of the panels, without a need to modify the housing. Also the docking module can be customized by using a standard reciprocating mechanism and selecting a customized mating implement to attach to the reciprocating mechanism.