Folding keyboard with automatic state initiator

Abstract

A folding keyboard for a data processing system having two or more keyboard sections, keys attached to the keyboard sections, and a keyboard housing for receiving the keyboard sections. The keyboard may be configured to assume an extended position in which each of the keyboard sections is extended, and may be further configured to assume a second position in which each of the keyboard sections are collapsed. The keyboard may be further configured to transmit in response to a change in the extension state of the keyboard, a state signal to the data processing system for directing the data processing system to transition between a wake mode and a sleep mode. The keyboard may include one or more connectors attached to the keyboard sections for transitioning the keyboard from the extended position to the collapsed position, may include one or more rollers for facilitating movement of the keyboard between the extended position and the collapsed position, and may include one or more locks for selectively maintaining the keyboard in the extended position or the collapsed position.