Abstract: An electronic device has a host processor system having an AT Attachment (ATA) mass storage interface having a single channel. The electronic device further has at least three mass storage device ports that are capable of accepting ATA mass storage devices. A method for interfacing the mass storage devices to the ATA single channel interface provides the host processor access to all the ATA mass storage devices.

Abstract: A computing device having programmable state transitions is disclosed. The device includes a real-time clock that generates a signal in response to the real-time clock attaining a programmed time of day. The device additionally includes a processor, coupled to the real-time clock that receives the signal and transitions from a first state to a second state, such as from a hibernate state to a standby state.

Abstract: In an electronic device, a method for adjusting the power consumption of the electronic device includes the steps of presenting a power adapter that supplies power to the electronic device. The method continues with the electronic device sensing an attribute of power adapter, and modifying an aspect of the operation of the electronic device in response to the sensing step.

Abstract: In an electronic device, a method for adjusting the power consumption of the electronic device includes the steps of presenting a power adapter that supplies power to the electronic device. The method continues with the electronic device sensing an attribute of power adapter, and modifying an aspect of the operation of the electronic device in response to the sensing step.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a control for switching the configuration of the computer. An operator predefines one or more sets of computer configurations, and programmably assigns a configuration set to the control. The configuration change from a current configuration to a predefined configuration is made effective at any given time by activating the control. Exemplary controls include a key stroke, a hardware button, a software button (such as activated by a key combination or clicking device), a voice command, and an input from a wired or wireless remote device.

Abstract: A computing device having programmable state transitions is disclosed. The device includes a real-time clock that generates a signal in response to the real-time clock attaining a programmed time of day. The device additionally includes a processor, coupled to the real-time clock that receives the signal and transitions from a first state to a second state, such as from a hibernate state to a standby state.

Abstract: A method, logic and computer system for managing electrical power consumed by a computer system and controlling access to functionality the computer system. A powersave mode is started after a first predetermined activity timeout duration has elapsed during which no user activity is detected, the powersave mode reducing an amount of electrical power consumed by a component of the computer system. A lock mode is started after a second predetermined activity timeout duration has elapsed during which no user activity is detected, following entry into the lock mode, the lock mode restricting use of the computer system until a specified security input is input into the computer system. Before the second predetermined activity timeout duration has elapsed, a user action other than the specified security input reactivates the computer system for use from the powersave mode.

Abstract: An electronic device has a host processor system having an AT Attachment (ATA) mass storage interface having a single channel. The electronic device further has at least three mass storage device ports that are capable of accepting ATA mass storage devices. A method for interfacing the mass storage devices to the ATA single channel interface provides the host processor access to all the ATA mass storage devices.

Abstract: An electronic device has a host processor system having an AT Attachment (ATA) mass storage interface having a single channel. The electronic device further has at least three mass storage device ports that are capable of accepting ATA mass storage devices. A method for interfacing the mass storage devices to the ATA single channel interface provides the host processor access to all the ATA mass storage devices.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a control for switching the configuration of the computer. An operator predefines one or more sets of computer configurations, and programmably assigns a configuration set to the control. The configuration change from a current configuration to a predefined configuration is made effective at any given time by activating the control. Exemplary controls include a key stroke, a hardware button, a software button (such as activated by a key combination or clicking device), a voice command, and an input from a wired or wireless remote device.

Abstract: Security is provided for a docking station. Within the docking station a docking password is stored. Upon a portable computer being attached to the docking station, a password stored in the portable computer is compared to the docking password. If the password stored in the portable computer is equal to the docking password, the portable computer is allowed to access the docking station. If the password stored in the portable computer is not equal to the docking password, the portable computer is prevented from accessing the docking station.

Abstract: A docking cable, used to interconnect a computer with a clocking station, has an integrated cabling structure that bundles at least one electrically conductive line (e.g., signal, ground, or power line) together with a security cable. The security cable may be implemented as a strand or alternatively as a grounded tube that wraps around the conductive line to provide both structural security as well as a shield to protect from external electro-magnetic interference. The integrated cabling structure preferably has an anchor portion that allows affixation of the docking cable to a fixture (e.g., desktop, chair, wall, etc.). The docking cable preferably has a computer-side connector coupled to one end of the integrated cabling structure for connection to the computer and a station-side connector coupled to the other end of the integrated cabling structure to interface with the docking station. The computer-side connector preferably has a locking mechanism for locking onto the computer.

Abstract: Security is provided for a docking station. Within the docking station a docking password is stored. Upon a portable computer being attached to the docking station, a password stored in the portable computer is compared to the docking password. If the password stored in the portable computer is equal to the docking password, the portable computer is allowed to access the docking station. If the password stored in the portable computer is not equal to the docking password, the portable computer is prevented from accessing the docking station.

Abstract: The position encoder system requires no keyboard surface area and includes a retractable and extendable handle that is stored inside the computer when not in use. The handle is extended for use near the computer keyboard. The movement of the handle is sensed by a high resolution sensing system that consumes relatively little power.