Abstract: Keyboards that are selectably configurable between a standard interface and a braille interface. In embodiments, the keyboard is equipped with six keys corresponding to six dots of a braille matrix, each of the keys equipped with a shape memory alloy spring or other mechanism to cause each of the keys to selectably extend above the keyboard plane. On activation, the six keys are extended and the remaining keys deactivated, to provide an easy to locate braille interface. On subsequent activation, the six keys are retracted and the keyboard is reverted to a standard interface. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A thermally conductive band can improve the flow of heat from a first portion of a mobile computing device (e.g., the base portion of a laptop computer) to a second portion of the mobile computing device (e.g., the lid portion of the laptop). The band is removably attachable to the mobile computing device via magnets or another attachment approach. The band comprises a thermally conductive layer, a first end removably attachable to an external surface of the first device portion, and a second end removably attachable to an external surface of the second device portion. The band can comprise thermal gap pads between the thermally conductive layer and the external surfaces to aid in providing a low thermal resistance path between the device and the band.

Abstract: A kickstand for ergonomically positioning a computer device is equipped with an integrated antenna. In embodiments, the kickstand stores into a recess on a computer device, and can be deployed to help place the computer device into an ergonomic position. A switch or other sensor in the computer device may detect when the kickstand is deployed, and switch a radio within the computer device from an internal antenna to the antenna integrated into the kickstand. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A noise suppressing heat exchanger (also referred to as heat sink) includes a plurality of heat dissipating fins formed with baffles. The baffles suppress noise from a fan by slowing air flow and creating internal reflections within the heat exchanger that reflect noise away from the air flow path, absorbing sound energy and potentially setting up standing waves which dissipate noise via destructive interference. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A wireless computing device may include an internal antenna, a radio frequency (RF) transmission path that is switchably connectable to the internal antenna, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector configured to connect to an external antenna, a detector configured to detect if an external antenna is connected to the USB connector, and an antenna selector configured to (1) connect the internal antenna into the RF transmission path if the detector detects that no external antenna is connected to the USB connector and (2) disconnect the internal antenna from the RF transmission path and connect the external antenna into the RF transmission path if the detector detects that the external antenna is connected to the USB connector, thereby improving the wireless transmission/reception performance of the internal wireless module of the wireless computing device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to monitor thermal degradation of a compute device. One such method includes calculating, by executing instructions with processor circuitry, a thermal degradation value based on an equation, the equation generated based on testing of thermal interface materials having varying degrees of degradation. The method also includes comparing, by executing instructions with the processor circuitry, the thermal degradation value to a thermal degradation threshold to determine whether the thermal degradation threshold is satisfied, and, when the thermal degradation threshold is satisfied, triggering generation of a thermal degradation alert.