Abstract: A housing unit for attaching a telephone switch cradle peripheral to an integrated display computer, and an integrated display computer with a telephone switch cradle peripheral attached thereto. Telephone switch cradle componentry is enclosed in a peripheral housing unit that is attached to a side of the computer. The housing unit comprises an end cap, shroud, and holster for holding telephone switch cradle componentry. The housing unit accepts a handset. In addition to accessing information using the computer's touch screen, users may use the handset to interact with the computer or with a person who can provide the user with additional information of interest. Additional information requested via the handset may be accessible using the computer's touch screen or the handset. A single network connection at the computer supports data and voice communications so that information from remote sources and software operational at the computer distinguishes voice and data communications.

Abstract: A stand with integrated peripherals for an integrated display computer. The peripherals are enclosed in a stand housing unit. Only the portion of the peripheral or peripheral interface with which a user interacts is accessible through the stand housing unit. The remaining components are hidden within the housing unit. Various types of peripherals such a CD-ROM or DVD drive may be installed in the base of the stand. Other types of peripherals such as a printer may be installed in the tower of the stand. The base and tower may be combined to form a complete stand. Power cords and cables may extend through the back or bottom of the stand and are protected by the stand base. The complete stand, which can accommodate an integrated display computer, gives each integrated display computer a similar, finished appearance regardless of which peripherals, if any, are enclosed in the stand.

Abstract: A housing unit for attaching a peripheral device to an integrated display computer, and an integrated display computer with peripherals attached thereto. The peripherals are enclosed in a peripheral housing unit that is attached to a side of the computer that is adapted to accept the housing unit. The housing unit comprises an end cap and a shroud as well as internal components including an assembly bracket that are assembled to complete the unit. Only the portion of the peripheral or peripheral interface with which a user interacts is accessible through the housing unit. The remaining components are hidden within the housing unit. Various types of peripherals such as media card readers, bar code scanners, and magnetic card readers may be installed in the housing unit. Additionally, a housing unit that has an end cap and shroud but does not contain a peripheral may be attached to the computer.

Abstract: The present invention is a virtual product designer that allows a user to provide specifications for a custom board level product and receive an instantaneous cost quotation and feasibility assessment of the product. The user may connect through the Internet to a virtual product designer to obtain a cost quotation and design feasibility assessment for a specified product. Functional modules that serve as building blocks for a custom design are defined and stored in a library. Attributes and design parameters associated with the functional modules are used to calculate a cost quotation and evaluate design feasibility. As the user changes design requirements while interacting with the virtual product designer, the user is continually updated on the relevant functional, electrical, mechanical and cost parameters.