Abstract: The application of external power to an external module connected to a portable information handling system enables the card detection signal to be asserted low, thereby allowing the personal digital assistant to detect and activate the external module. When external power is disconnected from the external module, the card detect signals turn off, thereby deactivating the external module and electrically disconnecting the external module from the personal digital assistant. Substantially all of the power for the external module is provided independently from the internal power supply of the portable information handling system.

Abstract: The application of external power to an external module connected to a portable information handling system enables the card detection signal to be asserted low, thereby allowing the personal digital assistant to detect and activate the external module. When external power is disconnected from the external module, the card detect signals turn off, thereby deactivating the external module and electrically disconnecting the external module from the personal digital assistant. Substantially all of the power for the external module is provided independently from the internal power supply of the portable information handling system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for display of information on an external display using a handheld computing device are provided. An expansion module is configured to attach to a handheld computing device such as a personal digital assistance (PDA). The expansion module includes a communication interface to operably connect the module to the computing device via a expansion slot. The module also includes a memory, and an external display controller. When the expansion module is connected to the computing device, the computing device detects the presence of the module. Control software is then executed by the computing system's microcontroller causing graphic control interfaces to be displayed on the computing system's display screen. A user using the control interfaces can operate the control software to cause the computing device display presentation data on the external display device.