Abstract: An assembly including a host device and an add-on module, in which the host device and the add-on module include features to provide a rugged electro-mechanical interface or connection between the host device and the add-on module. The host device includes a body that has an open or non-enclosed docking bay on a side, and the module is placed into the docking bay such that a top side of its body mates with the inner surfaces and features of the docking bay. The interface is rugged so that the assembly is useful in the field, and the interface provides a secure attachment that can withstand dropping. A hook is provided on the top side of the body of the module, and the hook feature's shape, when combined with the location of fasteners on the module body that mate with threaded holes in the docking bay, is designed to withstand dropping.

Abstract: A computer that includes a computer base and a display. The computer base has a user edge and a rear edge and the display has a viewing surface, a back surface, and a bottom edge. The rear edge of the computer base is interconnected to the bottom edge of the display by an articulated mechanism. The articulated mechanism enables the display to rotate about the bottom edge of the display at any of a plurality of viewing angles and also orients the display above the computer base in a plurality of positions. The display and articulated mechanism can be folded to a folded position. Optionally, a pop-up mechanism permits the articulated mechanism to pop-up from the folded position when triggered by the user.

Abstract: The invention provides a single docking station structure which is usable for a set of different pieces of equipment having essentially similar interfaces, such as a manufacturer's line of portable (“notebook” or “laptop”) computer product models. A common first module supports interfaces with peripheral devices or the like. A model-specific second module, second from a set of second modules that correspond with various models from the line of portable computers, is coupled with the first module to support the portable computer. The second module supports the portable computer, so as to interface it directly with the interface on the first module. The second modules, preferably configured as trays for holding the portable computers, are very simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The trays can be stored next to the docking station (like magazines on a bookshelf).

Abstract: A security mechanism is provided, for use with portable equipment, such as a “notebook” type portable computer, which is to be coupled for use with stationary equipment, such as a port replicator or docking station. The security mechanism includes locking structures, located in complementary positions on the computer and the port replicator, for engaging each other to prevent theft by removal of the computer from the port replicator. The locking structures on the computer are standardized across a line of different computer models, so that the security mechanism is operative regardless of which of the different computer models is docked. Specifically, the locking structures of the various computers within the line of products are in corresponding positions on the computers, relative to the positions the computers occupy when docked. Therefore, the locking structures engage the same way, regardless of which computer of the line of products is docked.

Abstract: A portable electronic device has an outer shell, a first speaker assembly, and a second speaker assembly. The first speaker assembly has a first speaker, a first speaker chamber, and an outer edge. The second speaker assembly has a second speaker, a second speaker chamber, and an outer edge. The first and second speaker assemblies are capable of being in a normal position, where the first speaker assembly outer edge and the second speaker assembly outer edge are substantially flush with the outer shell of said portable electronic device. The first and second speaker assemblies are also capable of being in an extended position, where the first speaker assembly outer edge and the second speaker assembly outer edge extend beyond the outer shell of the portable electronic device. Preferably, the first and second speaker chambers each have a larger volume when the first and second speaker assemblies are in the extended position than when they are in the normal position.

Abstract: A manually activated docking station that readily receives a generally horizontally inserted mobile computing device. Movement of a manual activation member causes engagement fingers to positively engage a mobile computing device and pull the port of the computing device onto the port of the docking station. Also disclosed are a unique locking method that impedes movement of the manual activation member and an uninterrupted power supply.