Abstract: The present technology addresses the need in the art for a technology that can allow a customer to prepare for a transaction to be performed later. The present technology permits a customer to carry out such preparatory actions in a preparatory session that can be saved and accessed in a later transaction session after the item is available for purchase to make the transaction session shorter and more efficient.

Abstract: A ruggedized connector-less cordless portable computer system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the portable computer system includes ports adapted to use wireless technology e.g., GSM, CDMA, LAN, Bluetooth, and infrared for synchronization. Furthermore, the device may be a palm-sized device having a rechargeable battery. In one embodiment of the present invention, the portable computer system includes a secondary coil of a transformer where the transformer's primary coil resides in an electronic cradle. The portable computer's rechargeable battery is recharged through an induction charging system. The wireless communication and induction charging system enables a device that is connector-less and therefore watertight and resilient to adverse climate conditions.

Abstract: An embodiment of invention includes a handheld computer having a display. The display provides an output to a user-input. A housing includes a front panel that provides access to the display. A plurality of user-interactive mechanisms are provided on the housing. The user-input mechanisms include a first mechanism that is removably coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A ruggedized connector-less cordless portable computer system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the portable computer system includes ports adapted to use wireless technology e.g., GSM. CDMA, LAN, Bluetooth, and infrared for synchronization. Furthermore, the device may be a palm-sized device having a rechargeable battery. In one embodiment of the present invention, the portable computer system includes a secondary coil of a transformer where the transformer's primary coil resides in an electronic cradle. The portable computer's rechargeable battery is recharged through an induction charging system. The wireless communication and induction charging system enables a device that is connector-less and therefor watertight and resilient to adverse climate conditions.

Abstract: An embodiment of invention includes a handheld computer having a display. The display provides an output to a user-input. A housing includes a front panel that provides access to the display. A plurality of user-interactive mechanisms are provided on the housing. The user-input mechanisms include a first mechanism that is removably coupled to the housing.

Abstract: An embodiment of invention includes a handheld computer having a display. The display provides an output to a user-input. A housing includes a front panel that provides access to the display. A plurality of user-interactive mechanisms are provided on the housing. The user-input mechanisms include a first mechanism that is removably coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A handheld computer is disclosed including a housing, a display supported by the housing, and computing electronics supported by the housing and configured to communicate with the display. The handheld computer further includes at least two light sensors configured to provide input to the computing electronics and are configured to adjust at least one of a brightness factor of the display and a contrast factor of the display based on the input of the at least two light sensors.

Abstract: An embodiment of invention includes a handheld computer having a display. The display provides an output to a user-input. A housing includes a front panel that provides access to the display. A plurality of user-interactive mechanisms are provided on the housing. The user-input mechanisms include a first mechanism that is removably coupled to the housing.