Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that facilitates extendible identification of various peripheral devices coupled to a hand held computer. In one embodiment of a present invention peripheral device identification system and method, an initial pulse of an interrupt signal received by the hand held computer initiates an interrupt routine that continues to monitor the interrupt signal for additional pulses within a predetermined time. A hand held computer peripheral device identification system and method of the present invention correlates the number of received pulses with the type of peripheral device coupled to the serial port. In one exemplary implementation of the present invention, a hand held computer peripheral device identification detection system and method utilizes a hash table to map the number of pulses to a type of peripheral device.

Abstract: A technique for handling undesired data over a limited bandwidth channel. Specifically, one embodiment in accordance with the present invention operates within an electronic system or device (e.g., personal digital assistant) which can be coupled to a networking environment. An embodiment of the present invention allows higher levels of software operating within an electronic system to directly communicate with and determine the current operation of lower levels of software. As such, a higher level of software is advantageously able to perform appropriate actions in response to activities being performed by a lower level of software.

Abstract: Many users of handheld computing devices or "palmtops" also own personal computers (PCs) running applications that manage data similar to the data carried in the palmtops. In such cases, the users are likely to want the data on the palmtop to be synchronized with the data on the PC. A method and apparatus reconciles records on a palmtop with corresponding records on a PC.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for backlighting a transflective display within a hand-held computing device. An external light source and a power supply, dedicated to the light source, shines light through an input in a side of a computing device. The light which shines through the input is directed through the display by a light directing means. Light is conducted by a light conducting panel positioned along the back surface of a transflective display upon which text and images may be presented. The light so conducted shines through the transflective display, allowing a user to see images presented on the display even in subdued ambient light. Removal of the light source has no impact on the operation of the computing device other than to remove light which may only be necessary for viewing the display in low ambient light conditions.