Abstract: An apparatus can include a support portion of a connector and at least a portion of wire component coupled to a first side of the support portion. The apparatus can include a protrusion portion have a distal portion, a proximal portion, and an opening disposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The proximal portion can be coupled to a second side of the support portion, and the protrusion portion can have a width tapering from the proximal portion to the distal portion. A contact can be disposed in the protrusion portion and can have a surface exposed to an ambient environment through the opening.

Abstract: A keyboard sled adapted to communicatively interact with a portable computer system. In one embodiment, the keyboard sled is comprised of an integral receiving portion adapted to mechanically and electronically receive a portable computer system. An interface connector is disposed within the receiving portion and adapted to provide a communicative link between the keyboard sled and a portable computer system, when a portable computer system has been inserted in the receiving portion. The keyboard sled further has at least one mounting hook disposed within the receiving portion for providing positive retention of a portable computer system when coupled with the keyboard sled. A keyboard portion also present on the keyboard sled and also coupled with the interface connector provides input keys. The keyboard sled is also comprised of an integral data storage access slot which is adapted to provide access to a data storage device receptacle of the portable computer system.

Abstract: The computing device includes a base portion including a keyboard, a display portion including a display. The display includes a viewable surface and a hinge configured to operably couple the base portion to the display portion. If the computing device is in a closed position the viewable surface faces in a first direction away from the base portion. Further, if the computing device is in a transition from the closed position to an open position, the hinge is further configured to rotate around a first axis of the base portion with a primary plane of the display portion being substantially parallel to a primary plane of the base portion and to rotate around a second axis of the display portion such that the viewable surface faces in a second direction toward a user plane extending from the keyboard and approaches a perpendicular position with respect to the base portion.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies pertaining to presenting a map to a user that comprises graphical icons that are representative of retail stores. The user has provided a shopping list, wherein the shopping list includes a plurality of products that are desirably purchased by the user. Inventories of retail stores in a geographic region of interest to the user are searched, and a map is generated that includes graphical icons representative of the retail stores, data that indicates that product(s) in the shopping list are available at the retail stores, and price data that indicates prices of product(s) in the shopping list at the respective retail stores.

Abstract: Key-input mechanisms are disclosed. An example mechanism includes an arced, resilient keycap, the arc of the keycap having a first central arc angle when un-pressed. The keycap is configured to, when pressed, deform so as to have a second central arc angle, the first central arc angle being greater than the second central arc angle. The keycap is further configured to, when released after being pressed, return to its un-pressed shape having the first central arc angle. The key input mechanism further includes a switch disposed under the keycap. The switch is configured to, when the keycap is pressed, electrically couple two or more circuit traces to indicate a keystroke for the key input mechanism. The switch is further configured to, when the keycap is released, electrically decouple the two or more circuit traces to indicate that the keystroke for the key input mechanism is complete.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, an electrical connector may include an electrical cord comprising a plurality of wires, and a plug connected to the electrical cord. The plug may include electrical contacts coupled to the plurality of electrical wires, and at least one latch. The at least one latch may be biased to extend away from the plug, an end surface of the at least one latch being within two tenths of a millimeter of an end surface of the plug opposite from the electrical cord.

Abstract: The computing device includes a base portion including a keyboard, a display portion including a display. The display includes a viewable surface and a hinge configured to operably couple the base portion to the display portion. If the computing device is in a closed position the viewable surface faces in a first direction away from the base portion. Further, if the computing device is in a transition from the closed position to an open position, the hinge is further configured to rotate around a first axis of the base portion with a primary plane of the display portion being substantially parallel to a primary plane of the base portion and to rotate around a second axis of the display portion such that the viewable surface faces in a second direction toward a user plane extending from the keyboard and approaches a perpendicular position with respect to the base portion.

Abstract: Key-input mechanisms are disclosed. An example mechanism includes an arced, resilient keycap, the arc of the keycap having a first central arc angle when un-pressed. The keycap is configured to, when pressed, deform so as to have a second central arc angle, the first central arc angle being greater than the second central arc angle. The keycap is further configured to, when released after being pressed, return to its un-pressed shape having the first central arc angle. The key input mechanism further includes a switch disposed under the keycap. The switch is configured to, when the keycap is pressed, electrically couple two or more circuit traces to indicate a keystroke for the key input mechanism. The switch is further configured to, when the keycap is released, electrically decouple the two or more circuit traces to indicate that the keystroke for the key input mechanism is complete.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a lid assembly defining a lower edge and having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a display visible on the inner surface. The portable computer also includes a base defining a front and a back assembly and having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a keyboard on the upper surface. A pair of slots through the upper surface extends from adjacent the back toward the front. A hinge structure has first and second arms rotatably affixed to the base assembly adjacent opposite sides of the back and to the lid assembly at respective locations spaced apart from the lower edge. First and second rails are disposed within the base assembly adjacent the slots and first and second slide elements are slidably connected to the rails, extend through the slots, and are rotatably connected with the lid assembly at the lower edge.

Abstract: According to one general aspect of the invention, a keyboard of a computing device includes a keycap and a light source. The keycap is configured to actuate a switch of the computing device. The keycap includes a metal material and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the keycap is configured to be viewed by a user while operating the computing device and defines one or more openings in the keycap. The one or more openings in the upper surface is patterned in the shape of a single alphanumeric character. The lower surface of the keycap defines one or more openings in the keycap. The keycap defines one or more passageways extending from the one or more openings defined by the upper surface of the keycap through the keycap to the one or more openings defined by the lower surface of the keycap.