Abstract: The disclosed system is a method and system for providing an offer on an electronic device. Initial offer data is selected based on data collected during entry of an order for an electronic device. The initial offer data is stored in a memory storage device for retrieval by the electronic device. The initial offer data is presented to a user of the electronic device. The user may then accept the initial offer. One or more additional offers may be provided to the electronic device, the one or more additional offers based on the data collected during entry of the order for the electronic device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computing device is provided with a telescoping keyboard. In another embodiment, a computing device is provided with a rotating keyboard. In another embodiment, a computing device is provided with a keyboard mounted on a cover of the computing device. In another embodiment, a computing device is provided with a folding keyboard.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a BIOS level and application level recovery of an information handling system. A method for recovering from a failure of an information handling system may include monitoring an information handling system, the information handling system utilizing at least one item of software. Failure of at least one item of software utilized by the information handling system is detected and an application level component of a recovery utility to correct the detected failure is initiated. The initiated application level component of the recovery utility is at least one of unsuccessful in correcting the detected failure and unavailable, a BIOS level component of the recovery utility begins a recovery process.

Abstract: A method is provided for synchronizing the playback of a digital audio broadcast on a plurality of network output devices by inserting an audio waveform sample in an audio stream of the digital audio broadcast. The method includes the steps of outputting a first unique signal as part of an audio signal which has unique identifying characteristics and is regularly occurring, outputting a second unique signal so that the time between the first and second unique signals must be significantly greater than the latency between sending and receiving devices, and coordinating play of audio by an audio waveform sample assuring the simultaneous output of the audio signal from multiple devices. An algorithm in hardware, software, or a combination of the two identifies the audio waveform sample in the audio stream. The digital audio broadcast from multiple receivers does not present to a listener any audible delay or echo effect.

Abstract: A storage management system selectively reduces a quality level of previously stored content. When storage in the system is becoming full, selected content is converted to a lower quality or lower storage size, based at least one of priority or age. Such conversion is performed in a computing background to minimize interference with programs being currently viewed. A user interface provides a list of programs that are candidates for conversion. The user selects programs to be converted or deleted to create additional storage for the new programs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing user dynamically definable centralized notification between portable devices. A system for providing centralized notification of receipt of data over networks may include a plurality of electronic devices suitable for communicating data directly between the plurality of portable devices utilizing a first network connection. At least one of the plurality of electronic devices is suitable for communicating over additional network connections for receiving data. In which, a device of the plurality of devices is specified to receive notifications over the first network connection of data received by the at least one of the plurality of portable electronic devices, so that notifications indicating data received by the plurality of portable electronic devices are sent to the specified portable electronic device.

Abstract: An information handling system for utilizing an electronic program guide and a method for generating a future program guide are disclosed. A processor executes a program of instructions for the information handling system, and a memory stores the program of instructions that comprises a program guide for causing the information handling system to obtain current program guide information, to compare the current program guide information to previous program guide information, to thereby generate future programming information, and to generate a future program guide based upon the future programming information. The current program guide information is obtained from a program information source, and the previous program guide information is stored in an information storage medium of the information handling system.

Abstract: A cursor is provided which has a cursor body and a lens holding portion. The lens holding portion has a liquid crystal display screen therein, adapted for use as a lens. Multiple cross-hairs can be displayed on the lens using the liquid crystal display screen, and can also be modified to display supplemental information on the liquid crystal display. At least two sensors can also be coupled with the cursor for re-orienting the cursor, and adjusting the displayed cross-hairs on the liquid crystal display relative to the orientation.

Abstract: Battery-powered computer systems have evolved into multi-media systems which can playback two-hour movies stored on Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs). However, battery lives are generally too short to permit users to view an entire movie without interruption, requiring users who resume playback to fast-forward to an approximate point where the interruption occurred. Accordingly, the present invention provides system, method, and software embodiments which monitor battery status during DVD playback, and upon detection of low battery level, record a current playback position. Subsequent to the replacement or recharge of the battery, playback may be automatically resumed at the recorded playback position, thereby saving both time and power in recovering from the interruption. Other embodiments omit battery monitoring by periodically recording playback position and facilitate recovery from interruptions of data-transfer operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the display of a main web page image or several major web page images as well as the optional display of a layer menu facilitates web browsing. The layer menu tracks the latest web pages which have been accessed by the user. Tracking may also be performed by a user selectable means including topic word. Buttons may be provided on the tool bar to choose between the display of a single main web page or the display of several web pages simultaneously. The layer menu may include thumbnails as well as the URL.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a configurable bracket. A configurable bracket for mounting an electronic device within a chassis of an information handling system may include a bracket adapted for mounting in a first chassis configuration, the bracket including at least one connection portion suitable for connecting an electronic device to the bracket. An extension is also included, the extension suitable for extending said bracket for mounting in a second chassis configuration.

Abstract: An integrated docking tray assembly capable of docking a portable computer, in particular a laptop or notebook computer, comprising a tray having a docking station integrated therein for docking the portable computer. The tray is mounted underneath a work surface such as a desktop, tabletop, cabinet, shelf, or the like so that it may move between a closed position substantially retracted beneath the surface and an open position at least partially extended from the surface. Thus, when the portable computer is received in the tray and docked to the docking station, its keyboard and display may be accessed for use when the tray is in the open position and stored in the tray underneath the desktop when the tray is in the closed position. The tray may further include a support for providing support to a user's wrists while the user is typing on the keyboard of the computer.

Abstract: A multipurpose computerized television system generates a plurality of video images in association with a personal computer. A television circuit associates with the personal computer and is within the personal computer chassis for receiving a plurality of television signals and directing the signals to the monitor for the monitor to display. An audio multimedia circuit associates with the personal computer and the television circuit and is also located within the chassis for receiving and processing audio data from the television circuit. The audio multimedia circuit also communicates the audio multimedia data to the personal computer. Control circuitry associated with the television circuit and the personal computer within the chassis controls the operation of the television circuit through the personal computer. The control circuitry comprises a remote control circuit for remotely and independently controlling the television circuit and the personal computer.

Abstract: A method of installing and configuring a test suite for a unit under test in an automated assembly process uses an identifier of the unit under test to retrieve the test files and other files for the installation and configuration. The identifier may be a serial number. The method uses the identifier to call up a Bill of Materials. From the Bill of Materials, test files and other files are generated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for providing flexible purchase options, reminders and transaction performance. A method may include receiving a request for a good. Position of a portable communication device is monitored. A determination is made as to whether said request for the good may be satisfied by a provider location within a set proximity of said position. When the request may be satisfied, a user of said portable communication device and the provider location are notified.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for securing a received tab included on a printed circuit board. The apparatus may include a chassis suitable for containing an electrical component, a card retention member disposed on the external surface of the chassis and a securing member pivotally attached to the card retention member. Additionally, the apparatus may contain a locking system for restraining the securing member in a secured orientation and an angled receiving area on the securing member suitable for forcing the received tab inward towards the chassis.

Abstract: A device mounting and retention mechanism is disclosed, comprising a guide disposed on a device so that the guide is capable of slidably moving along a guide channel so that a retention mechanism may engage the guide thereby providing a restraining force and ground for the device. A device retention assembly is also disclosed, comprising a guide mounted on a device so that the guide is capable of slidably moving along a guide channel disposed on a housing so that the retention mechanism is capable of flexibly engaging the guide, thereby providing a restraining force. A device mounting assembly is also disclosed, comprising a first guide mounted on a device and a second guide mounted on a device wherein a guide channel is formed so as to selectively accept the first guide and exclude acceptance of the second guide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a device with protection from a weather event. A method for providing a device with protection from weather events may include receiving a notification of a weather event. At least one weather characteristic of the weather event is determined and whether at least one device of a plurality of devices is ascertained as susceptible to the determined weather characteristic. Protective action is taken to protect the at least one device susceptible to the determined weather characteristic from the notified weather event.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for providing enhanced product review to an online shopper prior to purchase. An online business may provide a computer-implemented service that allows an online shopper to request advice from other online shoppers who match certain desired attributes to obtain an indication about a certain product. The online business may also provide results of a vote regarding which one product of a group of products is considered the best product. In exchange for a user's participation in the service, each user may receive a coupon or discount towards the purchase of products available through the online business.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing display brightness on a portable computer when a user switches from an AC adapter to a battery power source provide battery power conservation. The reduction in display brightness is performed gradually so that a sudden brightness drop is not detected by the user. The display brightness reduction is preferably performed sufficiently gradually so that the reduction in brightness is virtually unnoticeable to the human eye.