Abstract: A computer for handling audio signals includes, within one box, programmable digital processing circuitry, read/write memory, digital-to-analog circuitry, one or more speakers, and an equalization element for altering the frequency response of signals applied to the speaker. The equalization element can be used to boost low frequency signals sent to the speaker if the speaker has poor low frequency response. Preferably the computer also has headphone and line-out jacks to which it supplies un-equalized audio outputs. The computer's internal speaker can be driven by a bridge mode amplifier, and, to save space, the speaker's electro-magnetic transducer can be placed in the concave recess formed by its speaker cones. The computer can have two speakers to play stereo. Preferably the computer receives analog inputs, such as from a built-in CD-ROM drive, a mike-in jack, and a line-in jack, and uses an analog-to-digital converter to digitizes these signals so they can be digitally manipulated by the computer.

Abstract: A computer has an AC power outlet, preferably a standard AC outlet, into which periperhal devices, such as video monitors, can be plugged. It can turn this outlet on and off under program control, preferably by writing an outlet control signal to an I/O port which controls the outlet. A activity monitor, preferably in software, generates outlet control signals when one or more of the computer's peripheral devices have been inactive for more than a predetermined time. In some embodiments, the activity monitor turn off different parts of the computer in response to different types of inactivity. Preferably the computer can turn off the AC outlet without turning off the computer as a whole, and preferably it turns off the AC power outlet when the computer is turned off. Normally the AC outlet and its switching circuitry are part of the computer's power supply.

Abstract: A computer power system with a keyboard, a computer housing, and a single AC to DC power converter that generates a DC power signal as long as it is energized by an AC power source. The power system is digitally controllable by the central processing unit (CPU) or from soft on/off switches on the keyboard and computer housing. This is made possible by a soft on/off controller that receives soft on/off control signals from the CPU and the soft on/off switches and in response generates a power transition signal that triggers shaping circuits to connect (soft on) or disconnect (soft off) power system output lines and power lines from the converter. The shaping circuits also ensure that the rising edge of a digitally switched power system output signal resembles the rising edge of the converter's cold-start power signal.

Abstract: A connector that has a housing which contains a plurality of electrical contacts. The housing has a first face adapted to allow the electrical contacts to be coupled with another mating connector. Each electrical contact has a tail that extends from a second face which is opposite from the first face of the connector. Attached to the second face of the housing is an electrically conductive plate that is spaced a predetermined distance from the tails of the contacts. The space is wide enough so that the contacts are not shorted to the plate, yet small enough so that the air gap will break down and the plate and contact will be electrically coupled, when a predetermined voltage exist between the two conductive members.