Abstract: A computer system is configured to be powered up by a hand-held controller. The hand-held controller is in wireless communication with a computer. One or more buttons on the hand-held controller may be used to automatically launch a particular application program which has been pre-selected by a computer user after completing the power up process.

Abstract: A keyboard for a computer. In one embodiment, the keyboard includes a removable first input device in an upper surface and a second input device in a lower surface opposite the upper surface. A user may support the keyboard such that one finger can operate the first input device and another finger can operate the second input device. The keyboard may have either a generally unitary construction, or it may have a first portion and a second portion rotatable relative to the first portion while the user manipulates the input devices.

Abstract: A method for operating an ergonomic computer keyboard. The keyboard may include a housing with a removable first input device in an upper surface of the housing and a second input device in a lower surface of the housing. Users may generate first and second input signals by manipulating the first and second input devices, respectively. The users may support the keyboard by grasping a projection projecting away from the lower surface of the keyboard housing. The users may also pivot end portions of the keyboard relative to a central portion of the keyboard while manipulating the first and second input devices.

Abstract: A method for operating an ergonomic computer keyboard. The keyboard may include a housing with a removable first input device in an upper surface of the housing and a second input device in a lower surface of the housing. Users may generate first and second input signals by manipulating the first and second input devices, respectively. The users may support the keyboard by grasping a projection projecting away from the lower surface of the keyboard housing. The users may also pivot end portions of the keyboard relative to a central portion of the keyboard while manipulating the first and second input devices.

Abstract: A method for operating an ergonomic computer keyboard. The keyboard may include a housing with a removable first input device in an upper surface of the housing and a second input device in a lower surface of the housing. Users may generate first and second input signals by manipulating the first and second input devices, respectively. The users may support the keyboard by grasping a projection projecting away from the lower surface of the keyboard housing. The users may also pivot end portions of the keyboard relative to a central portion of the keyboard while manipulating the first and second input devices.

Abstract: A keyboard for a hand-held computer. In one embodiment, the keyboard includes first and second portions that are removably coupled to each other. The second portion can be removably coupled to one part of the first portion to block access to input keys of the first portion, and can be removably attached to another part of the first portion to allow access to the input keys, forming a full-size keyboard for a hand-held device. The second portion can be reversible to allow access to input keys on either a top or bottom surface of the second portion, and can also be pivotable relative to the first portion about an axis that is generally perpendicular to an upper surface of the first portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for installing and grounding a motherboard in a chassis of a computer. In one embodiment of the invention, a computer chassis includes a movable cover plate having a grounding contact. The cover plate is releasably attachable to a panel of the chassis and covers an input/output aperture in a chassis panel. The cover plate is movable to a first position in which the cover plate closes the input/output aperture in the panel and the grounding contact on the cover plate engages a ground contact on a motherboard installed in the chassis. The cover plate is also moveable to a second position in which a fastening portion of the cover plate is disengaged from the panel and the grounding contact is disengaged from the ground contact on the motherboard. When the cover plate is in the disengaged position, the motherboard can pass into or out of the component cavity of the chassis without contacting the grounding contact of the cover plate.

Abstract: Minitower computers and housings for protecting the internal and external hardware components of minitower computers. In one embodiment, a minitower computer housing includes a component panel, an under section extending rearwardly from the component panel, and a cover section connected to the component panel and the under section. The housing of this embodiment also includes a first tilt member depending from the under section to tilt the front panel. The first tilt member includes a vent to provide airflow through the computer housing. The first tilt member, for example, can have a front surface extending downwardly from the component panel to a bottom region and a back surface extending upwardly from the bottom region to the under section. The vent can be an opening in the back surface of the tilt member to direct sound waves rearwardly away from a user.

Abstract: A method for operating a keyboard for a hand-held computer. In one embodiment, the keyboard includes first and second portions that are removably coupled to each other. The method can include removably coupling the second portion to one part of the first portion to block access to input keys of the first portion, and can further include removably attaching the second portion to another part of the first portion to allow access to the input keys, forming a full-size keyboard for a hand-held device. The second portion can be inverted to allow access to input keys on either a top or bottom surface of the second portion, and can also be pivoted relative to the first portion about an axis that is generally perpendicular to an upper surface of the first portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for securing a computer system. A security loop or tab is attached to a computer chassis and used to engage a cover that encloses at least a portion of a side of the computer chassis. Structure is provided in embodiments of the invention to releasably engage the cover with the security tab and to provide a means of locking the cover on the chassis to prevent unauthorized access to the computer system. Additionally, the securing apparatus is place in a location not readily visible to users of the computer system.