Abstract: A method and system for power source management of a portable device. A power source used to supply electrical energy for a portable device should ideally operate with a constant terminal voltage. However, the terminal voltage of a cell or group of cells used as a source of electrical energy can be expected to reduce in amplitude over its operational lifetime. Near the end of operational lifetime, the terminal voltage of such a source can be expected to decrease rapidly. Furthermore, the source terminal voltage will also exhibit significant variations in amplitude in response to changes in electric current demands on the source. Such source voltage variations can impair or even prevent proper operation of the electronic circuits within the portable device. Power management for proper operation of a portable device is necessary to ensure proper device operation and to prevent loss of data.

Abstract: A handheld computer includes a housing and a display supported by the housing and configured to display images representative of computer program applications. The handheld computer also includes a memory and a microprocessor coupled to the memory and the display and configured to run applications stored in the memory. The handheld computer also includes a software application that is stored in the memory. The handheld computer further includes a launching application stored in the memory. This launching application has an image on the display representative of the software application and the launching application carries out computer program steps to modify the launching environment prior to running the software application such that the software application runs properly on the handheld computer, the software application not originally designed to run on the handheld computer.

Abstract: A method and system for power source management of a portable device, A power source used to supply electrical energy for a portable device should ideally operate with a constant terminal voltage. However, the terminal voltage of a cell or group of cells used as a source of electrical energy can be expected to reduce in amplitude over its operational lifetime. Near the end of operational lifetime, the terminal voltage of such a source can be expected to decrease rapidly. Furthermore, the source terminal voltage will also exhibit significant variations in amplitude in response to changes in electric current demands on the source. Such source voltage variations can impair or even prevent proper operation of the electronic circuits within the portable device. Power management for proper operation of a portable device is necessary to ensure proper device operation and to prevent loss of data.

Abstract: A method and system for power source management of a portable device. A power source used to supply electrical energy for a portable device should ideally operate with a constant terminal voltage. However, the terminal voltage of a cell or group of cells used as a source of electrical energy can be expected to reduce in amplitude over its operational lifetime. Near the end of operational lifetime, the terminal voltage of such a source can be expected to decrease rapidly. Furthermore, the source terminal voltage will also exhibit significant variations in amplitude in response to changes in electric current demands on the source. Such source voltage variations can impair or even prevent proper operation of the electronic circuits within the portable device. Power management for proper operation of a portable device is necessary to ensure proper device operation and to prevent loss of data.

Abstract: A handheld computer includes a housing and a display supported by the housing and configured to display images representative of computer program applications. The handheld computer also includes a memory and a microprocessor coupled to the memory and the display and configured to run applications stored in the memory. The handheld computer also includes a software application that is stored in the memory. The handheld computer further includes a launching application stored in the memory. This launching application has an image on the display representative of the software application and the launching application carries out computer program steps to modify the launching environment prior to running the software application such that the software application runs properly on the handheld computer, the software application not originally designed to run on the handheld computer.

Abstract: A method and system for power source management of a portable device. A power source used to supply electrical energy for a portable device should ideally operate with a constant terminal voltage. However, the terminal voltage of a cell or group of cells used as a source of electrical energy can be expected to reduce in amplitude over its operational lifetime. Near the end of operational lifetime, the terminal voltage of such a source can be expected to decrease rapidly. Furthermore, the source terminal voltage will also exhibit significant variations in amplitude in response to changes in electric current demands on the source. Such source voltage variations can impair or even prevent proper operation of the electronic circuits within the portable device. Power management for proper operation of a portable device is necessary to ensure proper device operation and to prevent loss of data.

Abstract: A handheld computer is disclosed. The handheld computer includes a housing and a display supported by the housing and configured to display images representative of computer program applications. The handheld computer also includes a memory and a microprocessor coupled to the memory and the display and configured to run applications stored in the memory. The handheld computer also includes a software application that is stored in the memory. The handheld computer further includes a launching application stored in the memory. This launching application has an image on the display representative of the software application and the launching application carries out computer program steps to modify the launching environment prior to running the software application such that the software application runs properly on the handheld computer, the software application not originally designed to run on the handheld computer.

Abstract: A method of indicating when a rechargeable battery of a handheld computer has been fully charged is disclosed. The method includes determining an elapsed charging time and activating a charge completion indicator when the elapsed charging time exceeds a predetermined time and requiring no dependence on actual battery voltage or current.