Abstract: An expandable and contractible stylus for interfacing with a touchscreen of an electronic device. The expandable and contractible feature allows for a stylus that contracts to fit into a stylus holder in a small handheld device and expands to facilitate its removal from a device and to fit more comfortably in a user's hand. It holds either its expanded or contracted position for any orientation in space. An expandable and contractible stylus can facilitate the user's experience and thus provide an advantage over the other conventional styluses.

Abstract: A ruggedized connector-less cordless portable computer system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the portable computer system includes ports adapted to use wireless technology e.g., GSM. CDMA, LAN, Bluetooth, and infrared for synchronization. Furthermore, the device may be a palm-sized device having a rechargeable battery. In one embodiment of the present invention, the portable computer system includes a secondary coil of a transformer where the transformer's primary coil resides in an electronic cradle. The portable computer's rechargeable battery is recharged through an induction charging system. The wireless communication and induction charging system enables a device that is connector-less and therefor watertight and resilient to adverse climate conditions.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic power-up and automatic power-down of a computer system based on the position and/or rotation of an associated stylus and/or hinge. In one embodiment, the computer system is a portable computer having a logic board, a display screen, a digitizer and a receiving slot for an associated stylus. When the stylus is removed from the receiving slot, a switch automatically turns full power onto the computer system thereby allowing a user full use of the computer without requiring an on/off button to be pressed. When the stylus is inserted back into the receiving slot, the switch automatically returns the computer to a power reduction mode where one or all of the components of the computer are powered down. Again, the power reduction mode is entered without requiring the user to press the on/off button. The switch can be made of a single detector or a dual detector combination and can be of a mechanical, electro-magnetic, optical or electrical nature.

Abstract: A portable computer system contained within a housing that comprises an electronic muscle material for performing a plurality of functions. The electronic muscle can be used to replace buttons or keys used in many PDAs. The movement of the electronic muscle material can charge the battery. When handled, the electronic muscle material can further detect the left- or right-handedness of the user and, based on the handedness, can generate function buttons or other alterations to accommodate the user's hand preference and finger placement. The electronic muscle can change shape to accommodate the user's hand for comfort and, further, as a security function to identify and authorize the user. Additionally, the electronic muscle material in the housing can be caused to vibrate at given frequencies so that it can generate an alarm and can function as a speaker or a dynamically directional microphone.

Abstract: A phone application includes a note button. During a call, when the note button is pressed, a note entry screen is presented to a user. The note entry screen is pre-populated with information already known about the phone call (number of caller, number dialed, name of caller, name of person called, etc.). The know information is retrieved from network data, including phone number and caller id for incoming calls, and the number dialed for outgoing calls, each in conjunction with the user's address book. The user completes the note entry screen including any notes the user wishes to make regarding the phone call. Upon completion of the note, if an address book entry has not been made or is incomplete, an address book entry screen is presented to the user to make or complete an entry for the caller/person called. The phone application runs on a PDA having telephone capabilities.