Abstract: An electronic reference device is disclosed that can be connected to an external computer. The electronic reference device functions as a dictionary for the reader to look up words as they read. It can also have various other functions that would be suitable for a portable electronic device. When connected to the computer, the system has sufficient security features to allow the user to copy databases between the devices and to still protect the digital rights of the databases in memory. The security features uses encryption techniques to tie the database to the location in memory to regulate the access and readability of the databases.

Abstract: A portable electronic reference device is disclosed that can be used by a user when reading a book. The electronic reference device functions as a dictionary for the reader to look up words as they read. It can also have various other functions that would be suitable for a portable electronic device. The device has a display section and a keyboard section. A pivoting transparent lid is provided on the display. The lid also contains a light to allow a user to clearly see the device and pages of a book.

Abstract: An electronic reference device is disclosed that can be used by a user when reading a book. The electronic reference device functions as a dictionary for the reader to look up words as they read. It can also have various other functions that would be suitable for a portable electronic device. The device has a main body that houses a display and a keyboard section. The main body is thin enough to be able to fit between the pages of the book. The top of the device is slightly larger than the main body and the battery is not housed in the main body.

Abstract: A personal information device is provided in the form of a PCMCIA card and includes a PCMCIA I/O port that is adapted to be coupled to a PCMCIA port of a computer, a first memory that is directly accessible by the computer via the PCMCIA I/O port, second and third memories that are not directly accessible to the computer, and a controller. When the personal information device is inserted into the computer's PCMCIA port, the first memory directly receives and stores therein reprogramming data supplied by the computer.

Abstract: A removable card for use with an electronic device for processing information. The removable card contains a base and a circuit board. The base include a first surface and a second surface. The circuit board contains a plurality of components and also includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the circuit board exclusively contains the plurality of components and is attached to the first surface the base. The second surface of the base and the second surface of the circuit board are exterior surfaces on the removable card.

Abstract: An improvement in a electronic crossword puzzle solving machine to provide alternate words for a word that is input on the keyboard. A first actuation of a function key labeled "Second-Guess" initiates a search in which all words in memory having the same number of letters as the input word but differing with respect to only one of those letters is displayed. A second actuation of the "Second-Guess" key results in a search and display of all words differing from the input word with respect to two of the letters. Each successive actuation of the "Second-Guess" key increases the number of letters by which the alternate words found differ from the input word.