Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention secure docking stations, notebook computers and removable devices. In one embodiment, a docking station is provided. The docking station includes a base unit for engaging a computer and a lock including a lock mechanism, a key receptacle exposed in an opening on a side of the base unit, and a t-bar extending from the lock mechanism. The docking station also includes an ejection mechanism on the base unit, a lever arm having a first surface for engaging the t-bar of the lock, the lever arm rotating when the t-bar moves between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a sliding member, responsive to movement of the lever arm, that slides into a position to interfere with the ejection mechanism when the lock is in a locked position such that the ejection mechanism is disabled from releasing the computer from the base unit.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of pre-set discharging of a battery in a portable device which is connected to external power. The battery is charged until a fully-charged level is reached, and the time at the fully-charged level is tracked. The charging of the battery is halted after a maximum full-charge time period is elapsed. The charging is restarted after a pre-set charge level is reached. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer device comprising a housing having a peripheral opening with a least one input/output (I/O) port disposed therein and a cover removably couplable to a periphery of the housing to enclose the peripheral opening, the cover having at least one opening formed therein corresponding to a location of the at least one I/O port.

Abstract: An electronic or computing device includes an integrated graphical display and a power source, such as a battery, to provide power to operate the graphical display. A selectable shutdown control, such as an operating system shutdown control, is displayed on the graphical display, and when selected, initiates a process to shutdown the electronic or computing device. The device also includes a component, such as a graphical display controller or software application, to turn off the graphical display and conserve power when the selectable control is selected and before the process to shutdown the electronic or computing device is initiated.

Abstract: A portable computer device comprises a wireless earpiece configured to be detachable from the portable computer device.

Abstract: A method and system of coupling a personal digital assistant to a portable computer. Some of the illustrative embodiments may be a system comprising a portable computer comprising a docking receptacle on an outer portion of the portable computer, and a personal digital assistant (PDA) (comprising a display device). The docking receptacle couples the PDA to the portable computer, and the PDA reads data from the portable computer to be displayed on the display device of the PDA.

Abstract: An input device, which is capable of changing the appearance of a display, includes a body made up of a cover and a base, a cable receiver, and a cable coupled to the cable receiver. The input device has a first mode with a first portion of the cable having a first length external to the input device and a second portion of the cable wrapped around the cable receiver. The input device also has a second mode with the first portion of the cable having a second length external to the input device less than the first length.

Abstract: A key, which may be used in a user interface, including indicia formed at least in part from UV reactive material.

Abstract: A key, which may be used in a user interface, including indicia formed at least in part from phosphorescent material.

Abstract: A display stand comprises a mounting element couplable to a display element and a first support member coupled to the mounting element to enable angular movement of the display element relative to the first support member. The display stand also comprises a second support member rotatably coupled to the first support member to enable elevational movement of the display element relative to the second support member.

Abstract: A pointing device, which is capable of changing the appearance of a display, includes a housing made up of a cover and a base, a single spool cable receiver rotatably mounted to the housing, and a cable having a first end and a second end with the second end mounted to the cable receiver. The pointing device has a first mode with a first portion of the cable having a first length external to the pointing device and a second portion of the cable wound around the cable receiver. The pointing device also has a second mode with the first portion of the cable having a second length external to the pointing device less than the first length.

Abstract: A computer thermal dissipation system comprises a computer device having a base member and a display member where the computer device has at least one airflow door disposed on the base member adapted to be opened to facilitate thermal energy dissipation from the base member.

Abstract: An electronic device of an embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes a housing and an electronic mechanism. The housing has one or more cavities for removably storing speakers, which are intended for non-use when stored in the cavities. The electronic mechanism is fixably situated within the housing.

Abstract: A portable computer system comprising a main chassis with a front edge, a rear edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. A support chassis is rotatably connected to the front edge of the main chassis. A display panel is rotatably connected to the rear edge of the main chassis.

Abstract: A portable computer docking station comprising a base and a panel rotatably connected to the base. An angle is formed between the base and the panel. A mounting point is disposed on the panel and provides a releasable connection to an interface assembly that is operable to releasably connect to a portable computer. An adjusting system controls the angle of the panel relative to the base.

Abstract: A method and system of a portable computer with a detachable display. Some illustrative embodiments may be a portable computer comprising a base unit comprising a main battery, and a display unit coupled to the base unit. The display unit is selectively detachable from the base unit, and wherein the base unit wirelessly couples to the display device.

Abstract: A computer docking system comprises a docking bracket adapted to support a display device. The docking bracket is also adapted to support vertical docking of a portable computer device adjacent the display device.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a multiple-connector apparatus. The multiple-connector apparatus can be retracted into the computer system.

Abstract: A multi-functional device for a computer has a first set of functions when the multi-functional device is inserted into the computer and a second set of functions when removed from the computer.

Abstract: Computing devices and related input devices are described. In one exemplary embodiment, the computing device is a portable computing device which includes a housing and a deployable input device attached to the housing, wherein the deployable input device can be deployed from a stowed position to an extended position without changing a desktop footprint of the computing device, and wherein the deployable input device is rotatable about an axis for generating input signals.