Portable electronic units including notebook computers, PDAs and battery operated units

Abstract

A small light weight modular microcomputer based computer and communications systems, designed for both portability and desktop uses. The systems make use of a relative large flat panel display device assembly (2), an expandable hinge device (10), battery power source (9), keyboard assembly (16), and wireless communications devices (32, 51). Systems can be configured in a portable arrangement similar to conventional notebook computers, but can be quickly and easily disassembled and re-assembled for office desktop uses. Systems may consist of a base computer unit (100) comprising communication devices may act as a relay station relaying voice and other data between the handset or earset and external wide area communications networks. The system may be capable of performing, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, conventional notebook computer, desktop computer functions.

Description

[0001] This is a continuation divisional application whose entire disclosure is Ser. No. 08 / 832,923, filed Apr. 04, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] This invention relates to portable personal computer systems with external communication means, which can be used by an individual in both desktop and mobile environments. The computer system involves a relatively large color flat panel display, conventional microcomputer system, and a plurality of human interface means. In particular, it relates to a computer unit, having a light weight thin notebook-like computer structure that is capable of performing personal digital assistants (PDA) like functions and wireless external communications of voice, text, graphic and image data.[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art[0005] There are several shortcomings with prior art notebook computers, PDAs and wireless telephone units. Notebook computers have a relatively larg...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Another object of this invention is to provide means to reduce the cost to the customer of owning several expensive computer systems, by combining in one system the capability of performing both office desktop and portable / mobile computing and communications applications. Thus the invention herein saves the user the expense of purchasing separate computer systems for desktop uses, notebook computer uses, PCS uses and PDA uses.

Problems solved by technology

A problem arises when customers desire large high resolution color display for both portable and desktop applications.

The cost of color flat panels are still too expensive for most customers to by two display monitors, one display for desktop and one for the portable applications.

Many customers require functionality of a desktop computer, notebook computer and PDA, but it is much too expensive to purchase multiple CPUs, displays, and keyboards.

However, they do not teach expandable hinge means, base station for handset relay functions, or cover latching function.

However, they fail to teach expandable hinge means, edge hinge means, handset means or base station relay functions.

However, they do not teach notebook like computers, base unit station or personal / PDA computing.

However they fail to teach notebook like structure, wireless communication or handset relay functions.

However, they fail to teach expandable hinge means, exterior communications functions, cover latching functions or computer display assembly.

However, they fail to teach expandable hinge means, edge mounted hinge or latching functions.

Wireless hand held computer devices, such as cellular and Personal Communication System (PCS) telephones, have limited display capabilities.

Piror art wireless computer units have display screens that are small (1.5 - 2.5" diameter), and they lack interactive capabilities to be successful for text, graphic and video applications.

Some prior art notebook and laptop computers have integrated wireless communication means, but they are too large and bulky to be successful for in mobile uses.

Prior art wireless devices do a poor job of providing voice, data and video communication functions.

Typical wireless computer systems have display screens that are too small and have limited computing power.

Prior art laptop and notebook computers are too heavy to carry for long periods.

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