Abstract: A dual display mode portable computer is disclosed. The portable computer includes a flat-panel display, and a display controller for outputting an internal video signal to the flat panel display. The portable computer further includes means for receiving an external video signal, and a multiplexer for outputting the internal video signal to the flat-panel display during a first display mode, and for outputting the external video signal to the flat-panel display during a second display mode, thereby enabling the portable computer to act as a display device for an external computer.

Abstract: A dual display mode portable computer is disclosed. The portable computer includes a flat-panel display, and a display controller for outputting an internal video signal to the flat panel display. The portable computer further includes means for receiving an external video signal, and a multiplexer for outputting the internal video signal to the flat-panel display during a first display mode, and for outputting the external video signal to the flat-panel display during a second display mode, thereby enabling the portable computer to act as a display device for an external computer.

Abstract: A method and system for switching between windows running on a multiwindow computer system that retains the user's points of interest is disclosed. The method and system includes allowing a user to register at least one specific point of interest in each of the windows, and displaying a persistent mouse pointer on each of the registered points of interest in the inactive windows. In response to the user making one of the inactive windows active, an active mouse pointer is displayed at the location of the persistent mouse pointer in that window.

Abstract: A dual display mode portable computer is disclosed. The portable computer includes a flat-panel display, and a display controller for outputting an internal video signal to the flat panel display. The portable computer further includes means for receiving an external video signal, and a multiplexer for outputting the internal video signal to the flat-panel display during a first display mode, and for outputting the external video signal to the flat-panel display during a second display mode, thereby enabling the portable computer to act as a display device for an external computer.

Abstract: A dual display mode portable computer is disclosed. The portable computer includes a flat-panel display, and a display controller for outputting an internal video signal to the flat panel display. The portable computer further includes means for receiving an external video signal, and a multiplexer for outputting the internal video signal to the flat-panel display during a first display mode, and for outputting the external video signal to the flat-panel display during a second display mode, thereby enabling the portable computer to act as a display device for an external computer.

Abstract: A method and system for switching between windows running on a multiwindow computer system that retains the user's points of interest is disclosed. The method and system includes allowing a user to register at least one specific point of interest in each of the windows, and displaying a persistent mouse pointer on each of the registered points of interest in the inactive windows. In response to the user making one of the inactive windows active, an active mouse pointer is displayed at the location of the persistent mouse pointer in that window.

Abstract: An apparatus and method within a display subsystem for replacing a video image on a local display while simultaneously maintaining the first video image on an external display. The method entails configuring a first buffer address register accessible by a display controller to locally display data pointed to by the first buffer address register, and a second buffer address register accessible by the display controller to display within an external display device data pointed to by the second buffer address register. An active frame buffer stores graphic image contents for a local display. The first and second buffer address registers are programmed to point to the primary frame buffer during dual display mode. Responsive to selecting split display mode, the contents of the primary frame buffer are copied to a alternate frame buffer. Finally, the second buffer address register is set to point to the alternate frame buffer.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying external electrical power to charge a battery within a data processing system by utilizing a automated remotely located power adapter is disclosed. The automated remotely located power adapter includes a state control logic circuit for determining when to supply external electrical power to charge the battery and an auto-close detection circuit for automatically shutting on and off the external electrical power in response to the state control logic. The automated remotely located power adapter is connectable between the external power supply and the data processing system for supplying external electrical power to charge the battery within the data processing system and automatically shuts off the external electrical power when the data processing system indicates that the battery is fully charged.

Abstract: A video subsystem for a computer system comprising a video adapter and a video monitor electrically communicating over a display cable having at least two monitor identification lines. The three system components are designed such that after the video adapter reads the monitor identification from the monitor identification lines, the adapter and monitor reuse the monitor identification lines as a bidirectional serial link, over which large amounts and types of data may be transferred.