Abstract: Novel stands for tablet computers and other electronic devices. A stand for a tablet may comprise a body having one or more attachment mechanisms at one location and a crossbar at a second location. The crossbar may comprise a portion of a first material disposed to magnetically interact with a portion of a second material that is provided by the tablet. The magnetic interaction may cause the crossbar to serve as one or more detents that movably affixes the stand in a desired position relative to the tablet.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for coupling electronic devices with docking stations. In one aspect, a coupling system comprises a first material in the docking station and a second material in the electronic device. The first material and the second material may each comprise at least one magnet and/or at least one ferromagnetic material that interact magnetically to align the electronic device in an appropriate position with respect to the docking station. The docking station comprises a first set of electrical contacts and the electronic device comprises a second set of electrical contacts. When in the appropriate position, the first set of electrical contacts electrically couples with the second set of electrical contacts. The shapes of the first and second electrical contacts, and the polarities of the magnets/ferromagnetic materials, may be configured to facilitate electrical coupling while avoiding mismatching of the positive/negative terminals of the electrical contacts.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for protecting camera components on a surface and/or within an internal portion of a portable electronic device. In one aspect, an electronic device might comprise a camera mount, which might comprise a camera barrel assembly configured to have a camera affixed thereto, the camera barrel assembly being rotatably coupled with one of a front panel, a rear panel, or a chassis of the electronic device. The camera mount may further comprise a set of cantilever springs affixed to one of the front panel, the rear panel, or the chassis and biased against the camera barrel assembly to provide rotational friction on the camera barrel assembly. The set of cantilever springs might have sufficient compliance to allow the camera to retract into a body of the portable electronic device upon encountering an external force, which may include an impact force or a dropping force.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for waterproof charging contact system. In one aspect, the charging contact system may comprise docking station comprising a first set of compliant charging contacts for a tablet computer system and a second set of compliant charging contacts for a handset computer. Each compliant charging contact comprises a charging pin pressed into an elastomer diaphragm inserted within a body of the docking station. The tablet computer system comprises a first set of static charging contacts configured to mate with the first set of compliant charging contacts. The handset comprises a second set of static charging contacts configured to mate with the second set of compliant charging contacts.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for a passive suction base. In one aspect, a passive suction base can be provided on a bottom of an item for adhering the item to a flat surface. The passive suction base might comprise a central portion affixed to the bottom of the item and a perimeter portion that is not affixed to the item. A force opposing the flat surface when applied to the item causes the central portion to move away from the flat surface, while the perimeter portion remains in contact with the flat surface, thereby causing the passive suction base to adhere to the flat surface. In some aspects, when resting on the flat surface, the perimeter portion of the suction base can be substantially flat with respect to the flat surface (and not visible), so that the passive suction base may be easily moved along the flat surface.