Abstract: A computer device, for instance a palmtop personal organizer, has a dual-orientation display device with both portrait and landscape modes of viewing the display. The keyboard is automatically disabled when the portrait mode is selected by a user. The display has two digitized regions separated by a workspace, which is preferably also digitized to provide input commands to a processor unit when touched. The display further includes indicia, such as icons or symbols shown on the display, which may be selected to activate a computer program, function or command. These icons are slanted and permanently fixed to the display, so they may be readily understood when viewed from either the portrait or landscape modes. A method is also provided of displaying indicia for viewing from two orthogonal directions. The invention further includes a way to use an analog touch-sensitive panel, having opposing resistive layers, to trigger an interrupt line used for returning the palmtop from a sleep mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating data entries on a screen of a computer display is provided. Random data entries are allowed on pages of a dedicated application program in real time. A "capture now, organize later" functionality is implemented. The dedicated application program is used to capture "pages" of notes which form individual data sets. Drag-and-drop functionality is provided for organizing pages post creation by making other application programs compatible with receiving and retaining the captured data sets. Once a data set "page" is discarded or used to "stick" the data into another application, it is deleted from the dedicated application program and the remaining data sets are reordered sequentially.

Abstract: A hinge arrangement having first and second hinges is provided, each hinge being operable upon application of a different torque. The first hinge operates upon application of a first torque to pivot a structure through a first range of motion, beyond which the first hinge is opposed by a relatively high restrictive force. The second hinge operates upon application of a second torque which is greater than the first torque, but insufficient to overcome the restrictive force. Upon applying the second torque, the structure is pivotable through a second range of motion. The hinges thus work cooperatively to pivotally couple first and second panels (or structures) of a clamshell-like device.

Abstract: A handheld computing device has a planar display and a superimposed, transparent digitizer. The combination is arranged to simulate writing or drawing with pencil on paper: the writing end of a passive stylus is pressed on and moved across the digitizer surface and a line on the display is produced directly under the stylus path. In order to complete the analogy to pencil and paper, display erasure is also provided. Under the display is located an inductive winding. The other end of the stylus contains a small permanent magnet. When the magnet end of the stylus is pressed against the digitizer and moved over a display line, a small voltage is induced in the inductive winding. This voltage is converted into a logic signal. The assertion of this signal together with a signal from the digitizer results in the erasure of display traces in the region inferred from the digitizer signal.