Texas Instruments Corporation

Tom Grimm

LaVaughn F Watts, Jr

Gary Joseph Verdun

Robert R Moore

Randall E Juenger

Larry D Mitcham

Kevin D Davis

Robert E Tonsing

The described embodiments of the present invention provide a computer docking station having connection means for coupling to an external monitor and an external keyboard, means for connecting the portable computer to the docking station, and at least one PCMCIA option card slot in the docking station. In a preferred embodiment, the computer docking station further includes a controller in the docking station to provide the necessary hardware interface between the PCMCIA cart slot and the portable computer and software means for providing the necessary driver support.

Computer docking station with PCMCIA card slot

The described embodiments of the present invention provide a computer docking system and method for connecting a portable computer to a docking station and method for coupling the docking station to an external monitor and an external keyboard and a technique for customizing the hardware configuration in the docking station for optimum performance. In a preferred embodiment, the technique for customizing the program hardware in the docking station is capable of customizing common hardware in various docking stations.

Computer docking system having means for customizing the hardware configuration in a docking station for optimum performance

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Temple, TX, United States of America

Tom Grimm