Abstract: A wireless apparatus includes a display, a display case encasing the display, a body supporting the display case capable of rolling sideways the display, a first antenna element arranged in the display case, a second antenna element arranged in crossed direction of the first antenna element direction in the display case, and an antenna switch configured to switch between the first antenna and the second antenna in accordance with rolling positions of the display case with the body.

Abstract: A small form factor communication device. The small form factor communication device incorporates a multi-purpose control allowing the functionality of the small form factor communication device to be accessed. The multi-purpose control provides feedback allowing the user to operate the small form factor communication device by touch.

Abstract: A method and system for an integrated transceiver is presented. The integrated transceiver includes a transceiver housing, where a waveguide is formed inside the transceiver housing using a transceiver housing and a sub-floor component. Neither transceiver housing nor the sub-floor component alone is configured to operate as a waveguide. The integrated transceiver can include a transceiver housing that forms a portion of an integrated waveguide assembly, where the transceiver housing alone does not form the waveguide, and another portion of the integrated waveguide assembly couples with the transceiver housing to form the waveguide of the integrated waveguide assembly. Further, the integrated waveguide portion of the sub-floor component can be a flat surface, where the integrated waveguide portion of the transceiver housing comprises substantially all the features of said integrated waveguide.

Abstract: A handheld diabetes manager having a blood glucose measurement engine comprises a housing having a blood glucose measuring engine and a printed circuit board disposed in the housing. A touch screen can be coupled to the housing. The touch screen can have a transparent portion surrounded by a non-transparent portion. The non-transparent portion can have adhesive thereon that seals the touch screen to the housing. A flexible connector can electrically connect at least two independent electrical leads between the touch screen and the printed circuit board. An antenna assembly can be disposed in the housing and comprise a molded carrier, a conductive portion on the molded carrier and a speaker. The conductive portion can be electrically connected to the printed circuit board and be configured to receive a radio signal. The carrier can include a recess that receives the speaker and is configured to project sound from the speaker.

Abstract: A holder for a mobile phone includes a body having an opening to receive the mobile phone and having a bottom. The holder further includes a latch coupled to the body for holding the holder with the opening up; and an acoustic horn coupled to the body and having a sound receiving end and a sound emitting end. The sound receiving end is configured to be adjacent to a transducer of the mobile phone, and the sound emitting end is configured to direct sound in an upward direction. The holder further includes a set of tactile guides to tactilely guide a user's touch to a set of buttons on the mobile phone so that a user does not need to look at the buttons to activate the buttons.

Abstract: A potable terminal device comprises an upper housing including a display unit on the surface thereof and a lower housing including a hard key on the surface thereof and relatively slidably coupled to the upper housing. Bothe of the housings are movable between a closed position in which all hard keys of the lower housing is covered with the upper housing, at least one intermediate position in which part of the hard keys are uncovered with the upper housing, and a full open position in which all of the hard keys are uncovered with the upper housing. In the intermediate position, in response to pressing any of part of the hard keys which are uncovered, a soft key for complementing part of the hard keys which are uncovered is displayed in a position starting from the edge of the display unit adjacent to the hard keys.

Abstract: A method for displaying items in mobile terminal and a mobile terminal using the same, the method comprising: storing a plurality of items in a memory of the mobile terminal; receiving a grouping command by a proximity touch on the plurality of items through a proximity sensor of the mobile terminal; and generating and displaying a classification menu including classified items with classifying the plurality of items by the grouping command and storing the classified items in the classification menu.

Abstract: A mobile communication device includes an antenna structure. The antenna structure includes a circuit board. A ground plane is disposed on the second surface of the circuit board and includes a first side edge and a second side edge. An antenna element is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board or placed near the circuit board, and includes a first operating band and a second operating band. A first inductively-coupled element is located near the first side edge of the ground plane, and includes a metal plate and an inductive element. The metal plate is electrically connected to the ground plane through the inductive element. The first inductively-coupled element generates a resonant mode at a specific frequency within the second operating band to reduce a surface current excitation on the ground plane and to reduce near-field E-field and H-field strengths of the mobile communication device within the second operating band.

Abstract: A multifunction cover with touch screen display, icons, and a keyboard is described. A multifunction touch screen enabled mobile device may be configured to be connected to the separate cover, which may be attached to the device and detached from the device. The mobile device may be enabled with a cellular voice and data communication, WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and Internet Protocol connectivity. The mobile device may be enabled to play videos, capture photos, and stream multimedia content.

Abstract: A portable telephone is characterized in that it includes a ringing mechanism (1) including at least one sound element (10) and at least one actuator member (8) able to come into mechanical contact with the sound element (10) so as to make it produce a sound, and electronic elements of control of the ringing mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic device with sliding battery cover includes a housing, a battery holder formed in the housing, a fixing element rotatably connected to the battery holder, and a battery cover slidably connected to the fixing element to cover or uncover the battery holder. The battery holder is for placing at least one battery. The fixing element includes at least one conductive elastic element. When the battery cover covers the battery holder, each conductive elastic element contacts an electrode of one of the at least one battery placed in the battery holder, and the battery cover is locked to the battery holder; when the battery cover is to uncover the battery holder, a force applied to the battery cover makes the battery cover slide along the fixing element to unlock the battery cover from the battery holder.

Abstract: Described is a modular access point for wireless communications. The access point includes a housing which has at least one module receiving slot and a first wireless communication radio. The radio communicates with a first wireless device via a first frequency band. The access point also includes a removable module configured for insertion into the module receiving slot. The module includes a second communication radio utilizing a second frequency band so that, when the removable module is inserted into the slot, the access point is capable of communicating with a second wireless device via at least one of the first and second frequency bands. The access point includes a plurality of antenna connectors which are connected to the first and second radios. The access point may utilize external antennas or internal antenna modules which interchangeably attachable to the antenna connectors.

Abstract: A radio frequency communications system with a first operating frequency band and a second operating frequency band is disclosed. There is a first antenna. A transceiver has a first transmission port, a second transmission port, a first reception port, and a second reception port. In a first front end circuit, a first port is coupled to the antenna, and a second port is coupled to the transceiver. The first front end circuit has a first low noise amplifier, a second low noise amplifier, a first power amplifier, and a second power amplifier. A switching circuit connects the first transmission port, the first reception port, the second transmission port, and the second reception port to the second port of the first front end circuit. The antenna is distant from the transceiver, while the first front end circuit is proximal to the antenna. The first switching circuit is proximal to the transceiver.

Abstract: A method for communicating in liquid petroleum product includes providing a first communications device disposed in the liquid petroleum product, providing a second communications device remote from and separated from the first communications device by the liquid petroleum product, and transmitting radiofrequency (RF) communication signals embodying data between the first communications device and the second communications device through the liquid petroleum product to enable wireless communications between the first communications device and the second communications device.

Abstract: Various aspects are disclosed herein for detection of mobile devices. Detection of mobile devices can be localized to an environment that is radio frequency enclosed. Within this environment, any packages can be scanned for the presence of mobile devices and for the interrogation of information from such mobile devices, such as the mobile device number and mobile device equipment information. The environment can contain an antenna for communicating with any mobile devices within the environment and a receiver component configured to receive information from any contacted mobile device. Based on this information, a determination can be made whether to validate a contacted mobile device or to take any alternative action.

Abstract: An open-close type compact electronic device includes a first housing and a second housing connected so that they can move relative to each other. The first housing is provided with a first display on its front surface while the second housing is provided with a second display on its front surface. The first and second housings can move relative to each other between a closed state where a front surface of the first display is covered by the second housing while a front surface of the second display is exposed and an open state where the front surfaces of the first and second displays are arranged on generally the same plane to be exposed. The first and second housings include respective contact surfaces, which are pressed against each other in the open state, thereby maintaining a posture of the second housing relative to the first housing.

Abstract: A radio opaque container for communication devices upon a vehicle has a bottom joined to four walls, a pivoting lid sealing upon the walls, a connector from the container to a vehicle, a locking mechanism keeping the lid closed, and circuitry between the locking mechanism and the vehicle that engages the locking mechanism only when the vehicle's electrical system is on. In an emergency, the contents within the container remain available to a vehicle operator but the container opens only when vehicle's electrical power has been turned off. The container forms at least one faraday cage around the contents and prevents equipment placed therein from activating and distracting a vehicle operator. In an alternate embodiment, the container includes a shelf therein.

Abstract: A mobile phone of the present invention includes a first cabinet; a second cabinet that is slidable along an upper surface of the first cabinet; a first touch sensor that enables input by touching the upper surface; a projection that projects from the second cabinet toward the upper surface; a second touch sensor that detects a position of contact of the projection with the upper surface; and a CPU that controls input by the first touch sensor in accordance with output from the second touch sensor. The CPU enables input by the first touch sensor when the second cabinet is in a first position or OP position where the second case exposes a detection area of the first touch sensor to the outside, and disables input by the first touch sensor when the second cabinet is out of the first position.

Abstract: A method and device for providing impedance tuning to compensate for capacitive loading effects on an antenna which are associated with conductive or physical components in close proximity to the antenna is provided. A dynamic impedance tuning (DIT) controller periodically receives information that indicates that one or more functions of a physical component and/or a particular device operating state are currently active. In response to one or more functions of the physical component being activated, the DIT controller configures the tunable impedance to a pre-set impedance level to compensate for capacitive loading effects on the antenna. In addition, the controller triggers a switch to connect the tunable impedance to the ground signal line to provide antenna tuning corresponding to the preset impedance level. The tunable impedance adjusts the terminal impedance of the ground signal line to minimize capacitive loading effects associated with the signal line.

Abstract: An authentication semiconductor element (such as a chip for a user identity card) and an associated user device include magnetic elements for automatically aligning and holding in place the authentication element on electrical contacts of the user device. The authentication semiconductor element includes a substrate, an electrical circuit, electrical contacts formed on the surface of the substrate, and at least two magnetic elements located on the substrate. The user device includes a communication interface, a processor, and a socket for receiving an authentication semiconductor element. The socket includes electrical contacts and at least two magnetic elements positioned to magnetically interact with the magnetic elements of the authentication element and automatically align the electrical contacts of the authentication element on corresponding electrical contacts of the socket.

Abstract: A slide hinge includes a first member; a second member connected to the first member, the second member being configured to slide between a first position and a second position; a first terminal part supported at a first member side; and a second terminal part supported at a second member side. By sliding the second member to the first position relative to the first member, the first terminal part and the second terminal part are made conductive with each other.

Abstract: A system is provided for transmitting data between a first component and a second component, which rotates relative to the first component. The system includes a first coupling element of limited angular extent mounted to the first component, and a second coupling element of limited angular extent mounted to the second component. The first and second coupling elements come into angular alignment once per revolution of the second component relative to the first component. The system further includes a first transceiver connected to the first coupling element, and a second transceiver connected to the second coupling element. The first and second transceivers are configured to detect the angular alignment of the first and second coupling elements. The first and second transceivers are further configured to transmit data between the first and second transceivers via the first and second coupling elements when the angular alignment is detected.

Abstract: A portable device has lower and upper casings. A sliding hinge has a stationary frame attached to the lower casing, a sliding frame attached to the upper casing and a resilient positioning assembly mounted between the stationary and sliding frames. The sliding frame has multiple pushing pins protruding toward the stationary frame. The resilient positioning assembly has two sliders and multiple resilient elements disposed between and abutting the sliders. When the upper casing slides relative to the lower casing, the pushing pins move along and push corresponding sliders and pressing the resilient elements. As long as the pushing pins are moved to the other sides of the corresponding sliders, the resilient elements push the sliders back and the upper and lower casings of the portable device are open relative to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile terminal including a terminal main body formed with an accommodation chamber for accommodating a battery, a cover combined with the main body to cover the accommodation chamber and formed with a conductive material to transmit and receive radio electromagnetic waves, a circuit board formed with an electrical ground to process a signal corresponding to the radio electromagnetic waves, a feed connection portion electrically connecting the circuit board with the cover to allow the circuit board to feed power to the cover, and a ground connection portion electrically connecting the cover with the electrical ground to make a ground to the cover.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the portable housing, an input device carried by the portable housing, a display carried by the portable housing, and a processor carried by the portable housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver, the input device, and the display. The processor may perform a time alarm function having a time alarm value settable via the input device, and generate an alarm indication upon reaching the time alarm value. The processor also may generate a first time alarm function GUI on the display including a first selectable menu list for the time alarm function, and generate a second time alarm function GUI including a second selectable menu list on the display different from the first selectable menu list when a current time is within a threshold time of the time alarm value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting the electromagnetic fields produced by telephones or other mobile devices capable of wireless communication. A wireless communication device includes a substrate having a ground plane. An antenna is coupled to the ground plane, and electrical currents are produced in the ground plane during operation of the antenna. A switchable counterpoise circuit that includes a conducting element and an inductor in series is provided on the substrate. The switchable counterpoise is selectively coupled to the ground plane based upon an operating mode of the wireless communications device, thereby adjusting the electrical currents flowing in the ground plane when the counterpoise is active. The changes in the ground plane currents can produce adjustments in the electromagnetic fields produced by the device, thereby improving hearing aid compatibility (HAC) of the device.

Abstract: A mobile terminal device including a first housing, a second housing, the device having multiple configurations, including a first configuration in which the second housing is closed with respect to the first housing, a second configuration in which the second housing is slid relative to the first housing from the first configuration, and a third configuration in which the first housing is separated from the second housing, and a first input key is provided on the first housing, and is covered with the second housing in the first and second configurations and is exposed in the third configuration.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device includes a wireless transceiver, and a reconfigurable antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver. The reconfigurable antenna has a dielectric substrate, with a plurality of electrical conductors on the dielectric substrate laterally adjacent the ground plane and arranged in a series of spaced apart antenna loops with each successive outer antenna loop surrounding an adjacent inner loop, each antenna loop having a pair of endpoints. A plurality of switches are associated with respective endpoints of the antenna loops. A processor is adapted to reconfigure the reconfigurable antenna and couple the wireless transceiver thereto via the plurality of switches.

Abstract: Providing an electronic device adaptively responsive to advance motion is disclosed. Displayed information on a multi-touch display is altered based on the electronic device detecting motion and user input.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-layer protective enclosure that provides resistance to water, dust, dirt, and bump protection for sensitive computers. In one embodiment, an inner membrane layer is provided, which is a thin, flexible layer that protects portions of a computer and allows the user to interact with keyboards, push buttons and other interactive features of the computer. A protective hard shell fits tightly over the membrane and provides additional sealing and rigidity to the protective enclosure. A stretchable cushion layer is placed over the hard shell which conforms to the hard shell and seals moisture, dust and dirt from entering the hard shell. The stretchable cushion layer provides cushioning and also allows access to certain controls on the computer. In another embodiment, a touch screen cover may be used with, or without, a membrane over other portions of the computer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radio communication system capable of reducing the cost for introducing a system utilizing RFID technology into a radio network environment. A radio communication system pertaining to the present invention includes a first radio equipment that transmits first data using a first radio wave; a data transmitter that outputs a second radio wave generated by modulating the first radio wave depending on second data which is an object for transmission; and a second radio equipment that receives the first and second radio waves and includes a separation and demodulation circuit that separates and demodulates the first data transmitted from the first radio equipment and the second data transmitted from the data transmitter included in the received radio waves. The data transmitter includes an amplifier for generating the second radio wave by amplifying the first radio wave.

Abstract: A wireless communicator including a housing, wireless communication functionality located within the housing, native user interface functionality cooperating with the wireless communication functionality and including user interface surfaces located on at least one outer facing surface of the housing, and pouching responsive electrical interconnection functionality responsive to pouching orientation of the housing in a pouch of an enhanced function device for automatically causing the wireless communication functionality to adapt to interoperation with parenting user interface functionality forming part of the enhanced function device at least partially instead of with the native user interface functionality. A method is also described and claimed.

Abstract: In an embodiment a resilient lever is placed between the top body and the bottom body of a flip top electronic apparatus. The axles of the lever are located so that a front edge of the top body stays near the bottom body during the movement of the top body over a keypad on the bottom body. An end of the top body jumps or slides over the bottom body, e.g. keyboard. The resilient feature gives the locking effect in the open and closed positions of the apparatus. There can be one, two or more resilient members. In an embodiment a rail is positioned to the bottom body. A resilient follower is attached to the top body. The resilient follower is also attached to the rail. Thereby these elements bound top body's front edge to the bottom body. The first body portion can be a top body having a display chassis, for example a lid. The second body portion can be a bottom body having a keyboard or a keypad, for example the second body portion can be an engine block having a chassis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a case for a personal electronic device comprising one or more layers formed from a thin-film thermo-formed material and methods to manufacture the same. In a disclosed embodiment, the case for the personal electronic device comprises a flexible inner layer and a thin-film thermo-formed outer-layer.

Abstract: A standby mode switch system includes a mode selection module, a control module, and a position detection module. The mode selection module has a vibration mode. The control module is in communication with the mode selection module and the position detection module. The control module turns on the vibration mode when the mode selection module selects the vibration mode and an incoming call. The control module turns off the vibration mode when the position detection module detects a distance from the position detection module to an adjacent object element is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A telecommunications enclosure for telecommunications equipment that includes an equipment housing with sealed openings to receive wiring. Each sealed opening having a removable blank so that the sealed opening can be utilized. There being at least two brackets mounted to the inside surface of the top of the equipment housing to receive and secure the telecommunications equipment. There being an enclosure door attached to the equipment housing to close off the open end of the equipment housing. The enclosure door being removable to allow access to the equipment housing. The enclosure door having perforations covering at least 30 percent of the enclosure door to allow airflow to flow in and out of the enclosure door when in a closed position on the equipment housing. The enclosure door having a depth such that a portion of the enclosure door with all of the perforations extends in the room.

Abstract: A dual-axis hinge structure and electric device having the same are provided, and the dual-axis hinge structure includes a hinge base having a pushed portion, a first pivot portion having a first cam and a first shaft, a second pivot portion having a second cam and a second shaft, and a restoring member connected both the first pivot portion and the second pivot portion. The first shaft is pivoted on the hinge base, and the first cam is fixed on the first shaft, and the first cam is contacted with one lateral side of the pushed portion. The second shaft is parallel to the first shaft, and is pivoted on the hinge base, and the second cam is fixed on the second shaft, and the second cam is contacted with another lateral side of the pushed portion.

Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment includes a transceiver housing operable to be inserted into a port of a host system, the port comprising at least a first channel and a second channel. The transceiver housing may be a compact small form-factor (SFP) pluggable module housing. The apparatus also includes a printed circuit board mounted in the transceiver housing and an electrical interface of the printed circuit board operable to interface with the port of the host system. The electrical interface includes a first transmit pin and a first receive pin configured to interface with the first channel of the port and a second transmit pin and a second receive pin configured to interface with the second channel of the port. A first connector couples the first transmit pin and the second receive pin, and a second connector couples the second transmit pin and the first receive pin.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for wirelessly accessing broadband services using intelligent covers. In some implementations, a cover for a consumer device includes side surfaces, a rear surface, a physical interface, a circuit, and a broadband service card. The side surfaces and a rear surface form an opening that receives at least a portion of a consumer device. A first portion of at least one of the surfaces includes a connector for connecting to a port of the consumer device. The circuit connects the physical interface to the connector. The broadband service card connected to the physical interface and accesses a service foreign through the wireless broadband network independent of the consumer device.

Abstract: A swing-type mobile communication terminal and a swing device for the mobile terminal are disclosed. The mobile communication terminal includes a main body housing having a plurality of first keys on its top face and a swing housing having a display unit on its top face. A swing device connects the main body housing with the swing housing so that the swing housing moves along a predetermined path while facing the main body housing to perform a first swing and a second, successive swing. After the first swing, the swing housing is positioned together with the main body housing in the shape of and covers an upper portion of the main body housing. After performing the second swing, the swing housing is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the main body housing.

Abstract: There is provided a communication apparatus and an air-cooling method for the same, in which the air-cooling mode can be easily changed to reduce the cost to increase the number of transceiver units and the space for the housing. The communication apparatus includes transceiver units of a transmission system for communication, the units being installed in a housing and being attachable onto and detachable from the communication apparatus; fan units for forcibly air-cooling heat generated from the transceiver units, the fan units being installed in the housing and being attachable onto and detachable from the communication apparatus.

Abstract: An antenna array can be mounted on a flexible substrate and connected by a flexible interconnect to an integrated circuit such as a radio frequency front end. The antenna array can be mounted in a device housing that includes radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding. The antenna array is aligned with and next to an area of the housing that is not shielded against RFI.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a housing and a fastener, such as a clip (101, 201) for fastening the apparatus (100, 200) to an article of clothing. The housing (102, 202) has a recess (103, 203) formed therein, such that at least a portion of the fastener is adapted to fit within the recess. The fastener is adapted to travel slidably within the recess (103, 203) between a first position in which the fastener enables the apparatus (100, 200) to be fastened to an external object and a second position in which the fastener is stowed away.

Abstract: A buffer protection structure is provided in a mobile communication device which includes a housing and a flat light-emitting element having plural light tubes. The buffer protection structure is an elastic material and is provided between each inner wall of the housing and outer peripheries of the flat light-emitting element. Outer peripheries of the buffer protection structure are abutted respectively at each inner wall of the housing and inner peripheries of the buffer protection structure are abutted elastically by the outer peripheries of the flat light-emitting element to buffer an external force or impact, such that the light tubes can be prevented from being ruptured.

Abstract: A hand-held portable electronic device housing latch and release system including a permanent magnet, a magnet latch plate, a spring and an electromagnetic coil. The permanent magnet is adapted to be connected to a first housing member of a hand-held portable electronic device and the magnet latch plate is adapted to be connected to a second housing member. A magnetic field of the permanent magnet is adapted to exert a magnetic holding force on the magnet latch plate when the first and second housing members are in a first position relative to each other. The spring is adapted to bias the first and second housing members away from the first position. The electromagnetic coil is adapted to at least partially reduce the magnetic holding force by the permanent magnet on the magnet latch plate.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a first body, a second body, and a slide-tilt module that slides the first body relative to the second body within a first section and tilts the first body to a preset angle relative to the second body within a second section, the slide-tilt module including a sliding unit to slidably connect the first body and the second body to each other and a tilting unit to tilt the first body to the preset angle, such that the tilting unit is inactive and the first body is slid in the first section, and the tilting unit is activated in the second section such that the first body is tilted.

Abstract: A system for forming and transmitting a plurality of video images, at an image transmission rate of at least 1-3 images per sec, from a first cellphone to a second cellphone spaced apart from the first cellphone. A first cellphone user can choose to illuminate and transmit an image of the user or an image of a selected object distinct from the user.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device and associated method of making same includes a housing and circuit board having a ground plane. Radio frequency (RF) circuitry and a processor are carried by the circuit board and operative with each other. An antenna is carried by the housing and operative with the RF circuitry. Audio circuitry is carried by the circuit board and operative with the RF circuitry and processor. An audio transducer assembly such as a receiver is carried by the circuit board and engages audio circuitry for carrying audio signals between the audio circuitry and speaker. A filter is mounted at the speaker for blocking RF energy from the antenna through the speaker to the ground plane and decoupling the antenna from the speaker and any other components on the circuit board to minimize any detuning of antenna impedance match and degradation in antenna gain.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver including multiple antennas, an antenna switch, and a media access controller that controls the antenna switch for determining when to switch to another antenna based on packet error rate (PER). Instead of switching the antenna on a packet-by-packet basis, antenna selection is made after one or more packets errors have been detected. The CRC is used to identify receive packet errors. A timer is used to determine each transmit packet error when an acknowledge packet is not received in time. A method of selecting from among multiple antennas including counting packet errors, comparing a packet error count with a threshold value to determine a threshold condition, switching to a different antenna if the threshold condition is met, and resetting the packet error count when the threshold condition is met.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that can adapt off-the shelf PDA devices (90) to user input/output applications such as data entry applications and cellular phone applications. The resulting apparatus (10) may be sized and shaped to be durable and facilitate handheld operation when the user is mobile during use. The apparatus provides features required for portable data entry such as key entry, barcode scanning, radio frequency identification, and wireless local area network (LAN) as well as wide area network (WAN) communications. The apparatus may be operated (a) in a slave mode with inclusion of a PDA device (90) for use in certain input/output operations that are processor intensive as well as (b) in a stand-alone mode without inclusion of a PDA device (90) for use in certain other input/output operations that are not processor intensive.