Abstract: Communication between two devices, e.g. a PDA (10) and a mobile phone (12), is initially established using a point-to-point channel, such as by infrared signalling, before switching to a broadcast rf channel for the transfer of data. Consequently, devices can be added to a wireless network easily in an environment containing many devices which are available to join a wireless network.

Abstract: When a wireless connection is to be formed between a PDA 1, for example, and a printer 11, for example, the user of the PDA 1 causes it to read a code 13, e.g., a barcode, from the printer 11 so that the PDA 1 can identify the printer 11 in a list 20 of discovered neighbouring devices and, consequently, send appropriate connection set up signals to the printer 11 rather than inadvertently to some other device.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus such as a personal digital assistant (IDA) with a telescopic transducer mount on which is mounted a microphone and an earphone, the positions of which are adjustable relative to one another to enable use of the apparatus in a number of different modes, with optimal positioning of the PDA display, microphone and earphone in relation to the user's eyes, ears and mouth.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a telescopic transducer mount on which is mounted a microphone and an earphone, the positions of which are adjustable relative to one another to enable use of the apparatus in a number of different modes, with optimal positioning of the PDA display, microphone and earphone in relation to the user's eyes, ears and mouth.

Abstract: A pixel of a display device is controlled by a tilting mirror. When the mirror is in a first position, light from a light source is directed to a light diffusing structure for viewing. If, however, the mirror is tilted, the light is directed along a path which prevents it from entering the light diffusing structure. Thus, the brightness of a pixel is controlled by tilting a mirror. In one embodiment, the colour of an individual pixel can be controlled by controlling the degree of tilt of a mirror.

Abstract: A reeling device is provided which allows an electrical lead to be wound up without the need for slip-rings. The lead is partially wound around a spool and is electrically connected to contacts in a spindle, about which the spool rotates. A portion of the lead is sprung and is loaded as the spool rotates to pay out the lead. A ratchet and pawl mechanism is provided to lock the lead in its extended configuration. The ratchet and pawl mechanism can be relased so that the lead is retracted using the energy stored in the sprung portion of the lead. A pair of the reeling devices may be combined back-to-back to provide convenient storage for earpiece and plug leads for a headset. The reeling device may also be integrated into a portable electronic apparatus for storing earpiece or microphone leads.

Abstract: A portable computer apparatus (1), such as a PDA, has an LCD(3). The LCD(3) can be operated in two modes. In one mode, only a portion of the LCD(3) is active whereas in the other mode, the whole LCD(3) is active. When the apparatus (1) is switched on, it operates according to a first operating program which uses only a portion of the LCD(3). The user may then instruct the apparatus to operate according to a second operating program and use the whole LCD(3).

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus has user input means (7,8), for example a keyboard, disposed in back-to-back relation to a display (25,26). The apparatus may be hinged such that it can be opened and closed in the manner of a book, in which case the display may be in two parts that can be brought together when the apparatus is open or flexible so that it can fold on itself when the apparatus is closed.