Abstract: A video headset is worn comfortably on the head of a user, supported by a pair of spaced apart straps extending over the top of the head and across the lower back of the head. The rear strap may be counterweighted. A pair of headphone type speakers are supported on pivoted arms from a frame of the headset, so as to be swingably adjustable to accommodate ear position. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of LCD video displays are positioned above the level of the user's eyes, each with a beam splitter positioned in front of the eyes to reflect a portion of the light from the video screens to the user. The partially transmissive beam splitters allow the user to see through to the ambient scene beyond, increasing the comfort of the user in viewing the video. A transparent shield preferably is positioned forward of the video optics, with an adjustment under the control of the user for controlling the brightness of the ambient light.

Abstract: A portable personal computer is provided that includes a main housing having a base and an upper housing erecting on top of the base for containing circuitry of the portable personal computer. The base contains a power supply unit for the computer. The upper housing includes a top end and an inner wall. A display is pivotally attached to the upper housing adjacent the top end of the upper housing such that the display is held against the inner wall of the upper housing in a closed position. A detachable keyboard is provided which has a top row and a bottom row for inputting data into the portable personal computer. The keyboard is mounted onto the portable personal computer and covers the display in the closed position such that the computer constitutes an integrated entity. The keyboard is removed from the computer in an open position for operation. The display is exposed when the keyboard is removed from the computer. The display can swing away from the inner wall of the upper housing in the open position.