Asustek Computer Inc.

Chen-Lun Sun

Ching-sung Yeh

Tsang-Lung Lin

Yu-Ho Tseng

Juei-Chi Wang

Cover

An external expansion apparatus for a portable computer is provided. The expansion apparatus is detachably connected via a cable to the portable computer for providing functional expansion for the portable computer when connected to the portable computer. The expansion apparatus includes a box body having a plurality of accommodating rooms. Each of the plurality of the rooms is for accommodating one of detachable expansion units of different types. The expansion apparatus also includes a communication control circuit for controlling the communication between the portable computer. In particular, because each of the plurality of expansion units is formed a module, the expansion apparatus can provides users with multiple choices and a great degree of convenience for the functional expansion of the portable computer. In the invention, one of the inserted expansion units can be a data storage device, or a modem, or an optical-disk drive device, etc. The expansion apparatus further includes an optical-disk playing system. When one of the inserted expansion units is an optical-disk drive device, the optical-disk playing system can be directly broadcast on an optical-disk placed within the optical-disk playing device, regardless of whether the expansion apparatus is connected to the portable computer.

Growing community of inventors

Taipei, Taiwan

Chen-Lun Sun