Abstract: A media presentation apparatus includes a user preference storage module to store a user preference associated with a user activity and a content selection, coupled to a content selection module to select a content offering based on the user preference. A system includes a media presentation apparatus coupled to a preference manipulation apparatus. A method of processing user preferences includes storing a user preference associated with a user activity and a content selection, and selecting a content offering based on the user preference. The content offering can be selected from a plurality of offerings, based on a combination of user preferences.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for administering a computing grid including a grid manager computer and grid computers utilizing a communications network for permitting communication therebetween. A method aspect includes receiving a parameter communicated from each of a plurality of the grid computers, with the parameter characterizing an aspect of the grid computer communicating the parameter. At least two grid computers are logically grouped together in a virtual subgrid of grid computers on the computing grid. Each of the computers of the subgrid may have a similar level of the parameter, or may have a similar relationship to a reference level of the parameter. A job is assigned to one or more computers of the subgrid when the job requires a level of the parameter that that is characteristic of the grid computers of the subgrid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing distributive computing resources in a retail environment. The system and method of the present invention take advantage of the distributive computing power of retail computing resources, such as demonstration and training computers.

Abstract: A media presentation apparatus includes a user preference storage module to store a user preference associated with a user activity and a content selection, coupled to a content selection module to select a content offering based on the user preference. A system includes a media presentation apparatus coupled to a preference manipulation apparatus. A method of processing user preferences includes storing a user preference associated with a user activity and a content selection, and selecting a content offering based on the user preference. The content offering can be selected from a plurality of offerings, based on a combination of user preferences.

Abstract: An input pad that is integrated with a touch pad is disclosed. In one embodiment, a portable computer includes an input pad cover slidable from a first position approximately adjacent to the touch pad to a second position over the touch pad. In the first position the touch pad is operable as a pointing device; relative movement actuated on the pad causes a pointer on a screen of the computer to correspondingly move. In the second position the touch pad is operable as an input pad, preferably a numeric input pad; actuation of an absolute position within a given region on the pad registers the depression of a key corresponding to the region with the computer.

Abstract: An expansion device is provided having two expansion cards interconnected. While the first expansion card of the expansion device conforms to the footprint requirements of the PCMCIA, the second expansion card ranges in size. The expansion device integrates into the overall configuration that conforms with PCMCIA card architecture. A connector releasably attaches the two expansion cards together. Once attached, the expansion card acts as a slave card to the master PC card. Alternatively, the first expansion card can be used by itself as an expansion device. Guide pins are provided for guiding the attachment of the expansion cards. The guide pins, in addition, provide an electrical ground from the PC card to the expansion card. An adaptor is also provided with the expansion device for providing an electronic interface between a host computer and a transmission media line.

Abstract: An information handling system capable of being utilized in an environment having a low level of ambient light is disclosed. The information handling system includes a housing having upper and lower sections, a display disposed on the upper section of the housing for displaying information, and a reflective material disposed on the upper section of the housing for reflecting light emanating from the display onto the lower section of the housing. The reflected light illuminates the lower section of the housing. The reflective material may include a reflective material such as a mirror, paint, or tape and may be disposed on a position proximal to the display for optimally redirecting light emanating from the display onto a portion of the housing requiring illumination such as a keyboard or a pointing device.

Abstract: An expansion device is provided having two expansion cards interconnected. While the first expansion card of the expansion device conforms to the footprint requirements of the PCMCIA, the second expansion card ranges in size. The expansion device integrates into the overall configuration that conforms with PCMCIA card architecture. A connector releasably attaches the two expansion cards together. Once attached, the expansion card acts as a slave card to the master PC card. Alternatively, the first expansion card can be used by itself as an expansion device. Guide pins are provided for guiding the attachment of the expansion cards. The guide pins, in addition, provide an electrical ground from the PC card to the expansion card. An adaptor is also provided with the expansion device for providing an electronic interface between a host computer and a transmission media line.

Abstract: A computer peripheral combines an electro-magnetic transceiver and a computer pointing device in the same housing, The pointing device cable provides the electrical connection between the electro-magnetic transceiver and the computer's data bus. The transceiver receives information in the form of electro-magnetic pulses from an appropriately-equipped remote device, converts the pulses to electrical signals, and relays the electrical signals to the computer. The transceiver receives electrical signals addressed to the device from the computer, converts the electrical signals to electro-magnetic pulses, and relays the pulses to the remote device.

Abstract: A computer system combines a portable computer and a detachable joystick. A mounting bracket on the joystick locks into a receptacle on the computer providing a stable and secure base for operating the joystick. Electrical contacts integrated into the mounting bracket mate with corresponding electrical contacts in the receptacle to transmit signals from the joystick to the portable computer.

Abstract: An improved cutting member for a rotary trimmer. The cutting member is formed of a flat link chain, so the cutting member is flexible throughout its length. Alternate links are somewhat wider, and may be sharpened on their edges for better cutting. A hardened wear member is at the ends of the cutting member both to receive the hard wear of cutting against hard surfaces and to provide a more massive end to assist in holding the cutting member out during operation.