Abstract: A mass storage system usable with a storage device is described. The mass storage system includes a housing, a device interface, a user interface, a controller, and a connector. The device interface is operatively coupled with the housing for connecting with a storage device. The user interface is connected with the housing and operatively coupled with the device interface for accessing information about a storage device connected via the device interface. The controller operatively coupled with the device interface and the user interface for controlling the mass storage system. The connector is connected with the controller for coupling the mass storage system to an external processing device.

Abstract: A docking assembly including a port replicating apparatus is disclosed. The docking assembly includes a port replicating apparatus including (i) a housing having a major dimension defined by a first terminal end and a second terminal end, (ii) at least one interface for connecting to a portable electronic device, and (iii) a plurality of connectors in the housing for connecting to a plurality of peripheral devices. A base is also included in the docking assembly. It is capable of mechanically coupling to at least the first terminal end of the housing of the port replicating apparatus, such that the major dimension of the housing is vertically oriented.

Abstract: A docking assembly including a port replicating apparatus is disclosed. The docking assembly includes a port replicating apparatus including (i) a housing having a major dimension defined by a first terminal end and a second terminal end, (ii) at least one interface for connecting to a portable electronic device, and (iii) a plurality of connectors in the housing for connecting to a plurality of peripheral devices. A base is also included in the docking assembly. It is capable of mechanically coupling to at least the first terminal end of the housing of the port replicating apparatus, such that the major dimension of the housing is vertically oriented.

Abstract: A digital media receiver, method, and computer readable medium bearing instructions for transferring information from media to a connected computer system are described. The receiver includes a memory for storing instructions for execution, a first interface coupled with a processor for transmitting a signal representative of media information to a media presenting device, a reader coupled with the processor for transferring media information to the receiver, a second interface coupled with the processor and adapted to transfer information read by reader from media to a connected computer system, and the processor connected to the memory for executing the instructions enabling the processor to transfer information transferred by the reader to the connected computer system using the second interface. A method aspect includes responsive to input, reading information from media in a reader of a digital media receiver and transferring the read information from the media to a connection interface.

Abstract: A peripheral component interface device capable of being removably coupled to an input-output interface in a computer, and at least one peripheral device is described. The peripheral component interface device includes a first communication bus configured to be removably coupled to the input-output interface associated with the computer, a second communication bus configured to be removably coupled to the input-output interface associated with the computer, and a signal regulation circuit electrically coupled to the first communication bus and the second communication bus. In one embodiment, the signal regulation circuit is responsive to commands from the second communication bus to control a signal from the first communication bus passing to the at least one peripheral device, when the at least one peripheral device is coupled to the peripheral component interface device.

Abstract: A docking assembly including a port replicating apparatus is disclosed. The docking assembly includes a port replicating apparatus including (i) a housing having a major dimension defined by a first terminal end and a second terminal end, (ii) at least one interface for connecting to a portable electronic device, and (iii) a plurality of connectors in the housing for connecting to a plurality of peripheral devices. A base is also included in the docking assembly. It is capable of mechanically coupling to at least the first terminal end of the housing of the port replicating apparatus, such that the major dimension of the housing is vertically oriented.

Abstract: The invention in one implementation encompasses a computer having an operating system and a power ON/OFF pushbutton switch. A microcontroller is coupled to receive ON/OFF information generated by the pushbutton switch. Responsive to receiving the ON/OFF information, the microcontroller generates a command causing the operating system to cause the computer to toggle between sleep and awake states.

Abstract: A mass storage system usable with a storage device is described. The mass storage system includes a housing, a device interface, a user interface, a controller, and a connector. The device interface is operatively coupled with the housing for connecting with a storage device. The user interface is connected with the housing and operatively coupled with the device interface for accessing information about a storage device connected via the device interface. The controller operatively coupled with the device interface and the user interface for controlling the mass storage system. The connector is connected with the controller for coupling the mass storage system to an external processing device.

Abstract: The invention in one implementation encompasses a computer having an operating system and a power ON/OFF pushbutton switch. A microcontroller is coupled to receive ON/OFF information generated by the pushbutton switch. Responsive to receiving the ON/OFF information, the microcontroller generates a command causing the operating system to cause the computer to toggle between sleep and awake states.

Abstract: A digital media receiver, method, and computer readable medium bearing instructions for transferring information from media to a connected computer system are described. The receiver includes a memory for storing instructions for execution, a first interface coupled with a processor for transmitting a signal representative of media information to a media presenting device, a reader coupled with the processor for transferring media information to the receiver, a second interface coupled with the processor and adapted to transfer information read by reader from media to a connected computer system, and the processor connected to the memory for executing the instructions enabling the processor to transfer information transferred by the reader to the connected computer system using the second interface. A method aspect includes responsive to input, reading information from media in a reader of a digital media receiver and transferring the read information from the media to a connection interface.

Abstract: One or more openly visible indicators of a digital media receiver display a wireless network signal strength.