Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining collaboration data from at least one data source, and mapping the collaboration data into a visual representation in a collaboration space. The visual representation is arranged to be manipulated to cause details associated with the collaboration to be displayed in the collaboration space. Finally, the method includes enabling manipulations of the visual representation.

Abstract: A handheld computer having a housing with a midframe construction is described. The housing includes a front shell and a back shell coupled to a midframe. The handheld computer also includes two accessory slots for a stylus or other devices on the left and right sides of the housing. The handheld computer also includes an infrared port which is an integral portion of the housing.

Abstract: A handheld computer having a housing with a midframe construction is described. The housing includes a front shell and a back shell coupled to a midframe. The handheld computer also includes two accessory slots for a stylus or other devices on the left and right sides of the housing. The handheld computer also includes an infrared port which is an integral portion of the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for software contrast control and a portable computer implementing software contrast control. The contrast control is initiated by a single interaction with an input mechanism, for example a pressing of a dedicated contrast control button. The method can be applied more generally to viewing parameters other than contrast such as brightness, color bit depth, color versus monochrome, and screen resolution. The method includes a processor disposed in the portable computer receiving an activation signal from a button or other input mechanism, and displaying viewing parameter adjustment graphics on the image screen. The method continues with the processor receiving a viewing parameter adjustment signal and responding to the adjustment signal by adjusting the viewing parameter levels for the image screen to levels based on the adjustment graphics.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board which defines circuit board pads, a set of surface mount electronic components soldered to a first set of the circuit board pads using a surface mount soldering process, and a set of surface mount coupling devices soldered to a second set of the circuit board pads using the surface mount soldering process. Each surface mount coupling device is configured to couple at least a portion of an object to the circuit board. Each surface mount coupling device includes a set of surface mount pads connected to the second set of the circuit board pads by solder joints resulting from the surface mount soldering process, a set of legs extending from the set of surface mount pads, and a body portion connected to the set of legs, the body portion providing a fixed structure relative to the circuit board for securing the object.

Abstract: An EMI shield, or module cage, mounts to a circuit board such that a first portion of the module cage extends above a first planar surface of the circuit board and a second portion of the module cage extends below a second planar surface of the circuit board. The module cage surrounds a corresponding transceiver module and allows airflow to travel across the transceiver module and through the module cage in a direction substantially perpendicular to a planar surface of the circuit board to cool the transceiver module. In one arrangement, multiple module cages attach to the circuit board in a modular configuration. Such a configuration allows attachment, to the circuit board, of the number of module cages corresponding to the number of transceiver modules required or utilized by the circuit board.

Abstract: A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. Preferably, the repeater autodetects and/or autoconfigures some or all aspects of repeater operations, such as detecting and/or configuring in response to appropriate or approved cable-type connections. A conductive, sealing member on a cable connector substantially reduces or eliminates EMI.

Abstract: A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. Preferably, the repeater autodetects and/or autoconfigures some or all aspects of repeater operations, such as detecting and/or configuring in response to appropriate or approved cable-type connections. A conductive, sealing member on a cable connector substantially reduces or eliminates EMI.

Abstract: A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. The distributed and/or modular repeater facilitates accommodating various switching or repeater needs as a network grows or contracts. A light pipe, preferably integral with a module case, conveys indicator lights to a position visible when viewing a switch front panel. A heat spreader unit receives and/or conveys heat and/or protects against undue EMI. A collision-handling state machine transmits modified collision fragments so as to avoid reduction in interpacket gaps, e.g. by downstream repeater modules.

Abstract: A handheld computer having a housing with a midframe construction is described. The housing includes a front shell and a back shell coupled to a midframe. The handheld computer also includes two accessory slots for a stylus or other devices on the left and right sides of the housing. The handheld computer also includes an infrared port which is an integral portion of the housing.

Abstract: A handheld computer having a housing with a midframe construction is described. The housing includes a front shell and a back shell coupled to a midframe. The handheld computer also includes two accessory slots for a stylus or other devices on the left and right sides of the housing. The handheld computer also includes an infrared port which is an integral portion of the housing.

Abstract: A handheld computer having a housing with a midframe construction is described. The housing includes a front shell and a back shell coupled to a midframe. The handheld computer also includes two accessory slots for a stylus or other devices on the left and right sides of the housing. The handheld computer also includes an infrared port which is an integral portion of the housing.

Abstract: A frame or similar structure is used for positioning two stacked GBIC connectors within a 1 RU form factor height of a router or similar network device. In one aspect, the frame can be constructed, assembled and/or mounted in the absence of a need for screws or similar connectors and/or tools. Hooks, latches, engaging teeth and the like can engage sections of a chassis base plate, to position the GBIC connectors preferably within a cutout formed in a motherboard. Use of a flex circuit for connecting the GBIC connectors to a motherboard avoids the requirement for high-precision placement for positioning.

Abstract: A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. Preferably, the repeater autodetects and/or autoconfigures some or all aspects of repeater operations, such as detecting and/or configuring in response to appropriate or approved cable-type connections. A conductive, sealing member on a cable connector substantially reduces or eliminates EMI.

Abstract: An adaptor is provided for effectively converting an opening in the chassis or box of a router (or similar device) from an opening which accommodate a power entry component for a first power type to accommodate a power entry component for a second power type. In one aspect, an adaptor fits in a panel opening which is sized and shaped to receive an IEC-compliant AC power entry component. The adaptor has a window or opening which accommodates, e.g. a four-wire DC power entry component. In one aspect, an adaptor couples to screw holes, such as on either side of an RPS coupler and also receives a standard ground wire log, preferably forming a conductive path from the lug to the screw holes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for operating stylus tappable palm sized computer buttons. A method of operating a palm sized computer with a stylus, includes actuating a stylus tappable application or navigation button with the stylus. The systems and methods provide advantages because a user does not need to divert their attention from the tip of the stylus, or reconfigure their hand, when the actuation of one, or more, of the buttons is necessary.

Abstract: GBIC frames are mounted with respect to one or another or with respect to the printed circuit board so as to facilitate space sufficiency, e.g. of a front or other panel. In one aspect two GBIC frames are mounted in back-to-back fashion on opposite surfaces of a mounting plate of preferably minimal thickness. Plate cut-outs are positioned to accommodate frame feet or other mounting structures in a fashion off-set, on opposite faces, to avoid interference between frame legs. In one aspect, portions of GBICs and frames are received in cut-out or other edges of a PCB so that GBICs in frames straddle a major surface of a PCB to reduce height for accommodating 1RU or other form factors while increasing space efficiency.

Abstract: A computer cradle is described that includes a stylus holder that is at least partially light transmissive. The light transmissive material of the stylus holder transmits to a user light generated within the computer cradle. The stylus is seated in a funnel-shaped cavity formed in a stylus holder oriented nonperpendicularly to a cradle housing, so that a stylus supported by the stylus holder is more easily accessible.

Abstract: A docking apparatus for docking selected portable computers which provides coarse and medium alignment between the docking connector of the computer system and the docking connector of a docking station mounted on a docking tray by providing rails having oppositely facing upright flat faces on a docking tray and notches formed in the underside of the chassis, the notches having corresponding oppositely facing upright flat faces and opposing sloping sidewalls for urging the flat face of the rails toward the flat faces of the notches. The notches are preferably wider at the leading edge of the chassis, away from the connector than at the trailing edge, close to the chassis and the rails are preferably spaced further apart at the leading edge of the tray than they are close to the docking station.