Abstract: An integrated removable functional faceplate for a portable computer system. The removable functional faceplate employs specially located electrical contacts or pads that mate with similarly located electrical contacts mounted on the portable computer system, e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other electronic device. The electrical contacts of the functional faceplate carry signals that are responsive to the pressing of physical buttons which may be placed in any location on the functional faceplate. This allows individual faceplates to be developed that are specialized for a particular purpose, e.g., extended keyboards, adapted for gaming, adapted for music playing, etc. The functional faceplates may have specialized button types that are adapted for a particular use and are also located in custom positions that reflect the particular use employed. When the functional faceplate is removed from the portable computer system, it may have no buttons or it may provide a standard PDA button group.

Abstract: An integrated removable functional faceplate for a portable computer system. The removable functional faceplate employs specially located electrical contacts or pads that mate with similarly located electrical contacts mounted on the portable computer system, e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other electronic device. The electrical contacts of the functional faceplate carry signals that are responsive to the pressing of physical buttons which may be placed in any location on the functional faceplate. This allows individual faceplates to be developed that are specialized for a particular purpose, e.g., extended keyboards, adapted for gaming, adapted for music playing, etc. The functional faceplates may have specialized button types that are adapted for a particular use and are also located in custom positions that reflect the particular use employed. When the functional faceplate is removed from the portable computer system, it may have no buttons or it may provide a standard PDA button group.

Abstract: An integrated removable functional faceplate for a portable computer system. The removable functional faceplate employs specially located electrical contacts or pads that mate with similarly located electrical contacts mounted on the portable computer system, e.g., a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other electronic device. The electrical contacts of the functional faceplate carry signals that are responsive to the pressing of physical buttons which may be placed in any location on the functional faceplate. This allows individual faceplates to be developed that are specialized for a particular purpose, e.g., extended keyboards, adapted for gaming, adapted for music playing, etc. The functional faceplates may have specialized button types that are adapted for a particular use and are also located in custom positions that reflect the particular use employed. When the functional faceplate is removed from the portable computer system, it may have no buttons or it may provide a standard PDA button group.

Abstract: One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a “plug-in” button module for a personal digital assistant (PDA). Specifically, the “plug-in” button module includes a button frame module having a membrane layer (e.g., thermo-plastic urethane or thermo-plastic elastomer) molded over it. The plug-in module can be snapped into the PDA over its button array. In this manner, the plug-in button module provides a seal for the buttons of the PDA that restricts dirt, grim, and other foreign particles from getting underneath them. Furthermore, since the plug-in button module is modular, it can be manufactured separately from the rest of the PDA in a wide variety of ways. For example, the membrane layer of the plug-in button module can be fabricated with different shapes, colors, hardnesses, decorations, textures, and opacities. In this manner, a user is able to personalize their PDA by snapping in a particular plug-in button module.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for a housing having a first shell, a midframe, and a second shell. The first shell and the second shell each providing an exterior surface to the handheld computer. The housing is formed by coupling a cap to the midframe to form a portion of the housing. The portion of the housing is coupled to the first shell, and to the second shell.

Abstract: A handheld computer assembly is provided that includes a first module combined with one or more modules. The first module includes a housing having one or more coupling surfaces, with each coupling surface including a coupling mechanism. A second module is coupleable to the first module. The second module includes a third coupling surface having a second coupling mechanism for mating with the first coupling mechanism. The third coupling surface is positioned on the second module so as to abut at least partially against the second coupling surface when the first coupling mechanism is mated with the second coupling mechanism.

Abstract: One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a nested flip cover lid for a portable computing system such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). Specifically, the nested flip cover lid includes an accessory rail spine, a hinge and a rigid material that is fabricated to nest within the top cover parameter bevels surrounding the display device of the portable computing system. Therefore, the nested flip cover of the portable computing system is designed and fabricated in order to add a minimal amount of thickness (e.g., 1 millimeter) to the overall portable computing system package. Furthermore, the nested flip cover may also be integrated with a latching mechanism in order to secure the nested flip cover closed when the portable computing system is not being used. In this manner, the latching mechanism keeps the nested flip cover aligned with the outer parameter of the portable computing system.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for a housing having a first shell, a midframe, and a second shell. The first shell and the second shell each providing an exterior surface to the handheld computer. The housing is formed by coupling a cap to the midframe to form a portion of the housing. The portion of the housing is coupled to the first shell, and to the second shell.

Abstract: A housing cap is provided for a handheld computer. The housing cap includes a structure having a length extending along a first axis and a height extending along a second axis. The structure includes a first exterior surface, a first strip and a second strip. The first exterior surface extends along the first axis, the first strip and the second strip each extending along the first axis and having a thickness. The first strip is dimensioned to adjoin an interior of the first exterior shell. The second strip is dimensioned to adjoin an interior of the second exterior shell. The structure includes an interior partially enclosed by the first exterior surface. The first strip and the second strip form an opening extending along the length of the housing cap opposite to the exterior surface. The opening is dimensioned to accommodate an antenna element and a segment of the frame for the handheld computer.

Abstract: A housing cap is provided for a handheld computer. The housing cap includes a structure having a length extending along a first axis and a height extending along a second axis. The structure includes a first exterior surface, a first strip and a second strip. The first exterior surface extends along the first axis, the first strip and the second strip each extending along the first axis and having a thickness. The first strip is dimensioned to adjoin an interior of the first exterior shell. The second strip is dimensioned to adjoin an interior of the second exterior shell. The structure includes an interior partially enclosed by the first exterior surface. The first strip and the second strip form an opening extending along the length of the housing cap opposite to the exterior surface. The opening is dimensioned to accommodate an antenna element and a segment of the frame for the handheld computer.

Abstract: The present security tag is comprised of a generally flat body surrounded by a lip for improving grip. A socket is attached to one end of the body, and a card is attached to an opposite end. A strap is attached to a side of the body by a tear band, and offset from the socket. The strap is provided with a narrower waist portion for being easily bent. When a distal end of the strap is inserted into the socket, the offset positioning between the strap and the socket causes the strap to be bent in a way that helps the card to lay flat on an item being secured. A stud at the distal end of the strap is locked in place by radial fingers in the socket. Gussets behind the fingers help them resist being pried back to release the stud. The card includes a first portion and a separable second portion which can be detached from the first portion. Copies of a code are provided on the first and second portions, which can be compared to verify ownership of the item, or if the tag has been surreptitiously replaced.