Abstract: A plurality of different virtualization system images are configured for deployment to a plurality of nodes in heterogeneous environments. Individual ones of the virtualization system images are configured such that once deployed, the nodes form a computer cluster having a storage pool that is shared across the nodes. When configuring the virtualization system images, information that describes the heterogeneous computing environments is accessed, and constraints pertaining the heterogeneous computing environments are reconciled in advance of configuring the different virtualization system images. A common subnet across the heterogeneous environments is established. The plurality of different virtualization system images are configured to access the common subnet once deployed. The common subnet serves as a storage I/O communication path over which a cluster-wide storage pool is implemented.

Abstract: Mobile computing systems are provided having an ultra-mobile PC and a detachable wireless communications module operable as phone and a short range and long range wireless data link. In one embodiment, the wireless communications module is capable of synchronizing data with the ultra-mobile PC. Another embodiment provides parasitic charging of the wireless communications module from the ultra-mobile PC battery for extended battery life. Another embodiment provides ability to synchronize data to and from the ultra-mobile PC even when it is powered off. Another embodiment provides drag and drop capability between the wireless module screen and the UMPC screen, which may provide application or operating system data transfers.

Abstract: Videophone systems and methods are provided, both for construction and use of videophones, as well as configuration thereof. A preferred system allows remote users to configure dialing options for a videophone user who may not have PC operation skills or access. A user receives their unit, connects it to the internet or network, and stored configuration data is automatically downloaded for presentation in a menu structure. Remote users may also upload multimedia data such as pictures for automatic download and display by the unit in a format such as a “digital picture frame” feature. A preferred videophone uses a television set for display and a universal remote to control both the television set and the videophone. The remote may have a microphone for receiving the audio portion of videophone calls, and for receiving audio for speech-to-text control of directory or internet search.

Abstract: Mobile synchronization systems are provided for synchronizing user data objects among user devices. In one embodiment, mobile devices are provided with a synchronized environment to a user desktop, having either synchronized copies of the data objects, or a shortcut to a system peer storing the data object. Another embodiment provides priority scoring of data objects to keep the most desired objects locally on mobile devices. Another embodiment provides separate handling and prioritization for user media files. Preferably, synchronization is always-on and user transparent.

Abstract: User input-output schemes are provided for portable computing devices such as MIDs, UMPCs, and tablet PCs. In one embodiment, a device has position indicators beside or below the device display. The indicators may be input/output controls which receive touch commands to scroll displayed information horizontally or vertically. In another embodiment, a combined user input sensor is housed in a device enclosure. The sensor includes a wheel sensor and a pointer controlling sensor presented from within the inner circumference of the wheel sensor. The wheel sensor may be a rotating wheel having a gear linkage for coupling to a transducer to detect wheel sensor movement. In another embodiment, a device operates in two modes, one mode with on screen soft buttons managed by the device hardware to provide input similar to hardware buttons, the other mode removes the device-managed buttons and allows full touchscreen display access to the operating system.

Abstract: Mobile synchronization systems are provided for synchronizing user data objects among user devices. In one embodiment, mobile devices are provided with a synchronized environment to a user desktop, having either synchronized copies of the data objects, or a shortcut to a system peer storing the data object. Another embodiment provides priority scoring of data objects to keep the most desired objects locally on mobile devices. Another embodiment provides separate handling and prioritization for user media files. Preferably, synchronization is always-on and user transparent.

Abstract: Mobile computing systems are provided having an ultra-mobile PC and a detachable wireless communications module operable as phone and a short range and long range wireless data link. In one embodiment, the wireless communications module is capable of synchronizing data with the ultra-mobile PC. Another embodiment provides parasitic charging of the wireless communications module from the ultra-mobile PC battery for extended battery life. Another embodiment provides ability to synchronize data to and from the ultra-mobile PC even when it is powered off. Another embodiment provides drag and drop capability between the wireless module screen and the UMPC screen, which may provide application or operating system data transfers.