Compaq Computer Corporation, Inc.

Paul M Moore

Dean P Perkins

Jeffrey C Barrus

Michael V Leman

Charles A Sellers

A modular computer includes a portable computer module providing a first set of performance characteristics, an expansion module reversibly couplable to an exterior surface of the portable computer module to provide, in combination therewith, a second set of performance characteristics, and a docking module reversibly couplable both to the portable computer module singly and to the portable computer module when combined with the expansion module to provide, in combination therewith, a third set of performance characteristics. A method of altering the features of a portable computer includes providing a portable computer having a first set of features, operatively coupling the portable computer to a transportable base wherein the coupling provides a second set of features, and operatively connecting the portable computer singly or in combination with the transportable base to a stationary base, wherein the connecting provides a third set of features.

Modular computer

A modular computer includes a portable computer providing a first set of performance characteristics, an expansion module couplable to the bottom surface of the portable computer to provide, in combination therewith, a second set of performance characteristics, and a docking module couplable to the portable computer through the expansion module to provide, in combination therewith, a third set of performance characteristics. A method of altering the features of a portable computer includes providing a portable computer having a first set of features, operatively coupling the portable computer to a transportable base wherein the coupling provides a second set of features, and operatively connecting the portable computer through the transportable base to a stationary base, wherein the connecting provides a third set of features.

Modular computer having configuration-specific performance

A portable computer is provided with a battery-carrying handle member which is connected to the computer housing by an attachment structure extending between the handle member and the housing. The battery is electrically connectable to various electrical power-consuming devices in the housing, and the handle member is rotatable relative to the attachment structure, about an axis spaced apart from the handle member, between (1) a storage position, (2) a carrying position, and (3) a keyboard tilt orientation. Abutment end portions of the handle member are engageable with the attachment structure in a manner limiting the total rotational arc of the handle member relative to the attachment structure.

Portable computer having a pivotally mounted combined handle and power

A computer accessory and associated method of manufacturing provides multiple functions for use with a portable computer. In a preferred embodiment, a computer accessory has a keyboard tilt mechanism, an external battery, and a carrying handle in a single unit detachable from the computer. The external battery is contained within the carrying handle, which is pivotably mounted with respect to the computer. Rotation of the handle is limited by external shoulders formed thereon.

Computer accessory including a pivotably mounted combined handle and

A notebook computer is provided with a collapsible keyboard structure in which, in response to closing of the computer housing lid, the key return spring portions of the keyboard are shifted away from their normal underlying relationships with the keys and the keys are forcibly retracted to a storage/transport orientation in which the overall thickness of the keyboard structure is reduced by an amount essentially equal to the stroke distance of the keys. When the lid is subsequently opened, the key return spring portions are shifted back to their normal underlying relationships with the keys, and the keys are forced outwardly by the return spring portions to their extended, operative orientations above the return spring portions. Incorporated into the collapsible keyboard structure is a cursor position control pointing stick device that is automatically retracted to a collapsed orientation in response to a corresponding collapsing of the keys, and automatically extended back to a use orientation in response to a corresponding return of the keys to their extended use orientations.

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Spring, TX, United States of America

Paul M Moore