An electronic product, such as a personal computer or electronic organizer with an open-surfaced receptacle or slot is described. An electronic product incorporating such a receptacle is able to accommodate an insertable electronic module, such as a PCMCIA card, that is thicker than could be incorporated in the receptacle if a portion of the inserted module were not permitted to protrude through the receptacle along the open surface. One embodiment of the invention includes a display, a platform, circuitry, a keyboard, the receptacle, an electrical connector in the receptacle, protective sliding shutters and a door. The platform includes at least two opposing surfaces and at least one side. The inserted card is connected to the circuitry in the platform via the electrical connector located in the receptacle. The keyboard is connected to one of the opposing surfaces and is also coupled to the circuitry. The receptacle has a length, a width and a height and extends into the platform from the side to define an opening in one of the opposing surfaces which extends into the platform along substantially the length and width of the receptacle.
A personal digital assistant comprises a housing having the top and a bottom. A display screen at the top of the housing. A keyboard hinged to one side of the housing and adapted to rotate from a first position where it is stored on the bottom of the housing with the keys facing the housing and a second position where it overlies a portion of the display screen with the keys exposed for manipulation by the user and the remaining portion of the screen displays information.
A cartridge receptacle receives a cartridge that features a computer adapter card. The cartridge receptacle includes a side with first and second card guides attached to that side. The first and second card guides are dimensioned to cooperate with retaining structure on an installed cartridge to retain the installed cartridge in the receptacle while providing a gap for air flow between the installed cartridge and the side. Various embodiments of the receptacle accept various sizes and numbers of expandable cartridges. Corresponding cartridges and information handling systems incorporating receptacles for expandable computer cartridges are also described.
A case for a PDA includes a keyboard, and a pass-through I/O port so that the PDA does not have to be removed from the case for docking. The case includes front and rear panels hinged in a clamshell configuration. The rear panel includes a docking port configured to mate with the PDA. The docking port includes an inner electrical connector configured to mate with an I/O connector on the PDA. The docking port further includes an outer electrical connector configured to mate with a docking connector on a docking cradle. The front panel includes a keyboard assembly and is movable between a closed position wherein the keyboard assembly overlies the PDA display screen and an open position wherein the keyboard is oriented for data entry and the rear panel is oriented at a viewing angle. The keyboard is segmented into a main section and first and second folding sections pivotally coupled to the main section. The main, first and second sections each include a plurality of keys respectively defining discrete portions of the keyboard assembly. The folding sections are movable between a closed position and an open position wherein the keyboard sections are joined together for operation thereof.
A personal digital assistant comprises a body having a display; and a keyboard attached to the body, the keyboard being divided into two separate sections and being foldable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the keyboard provides a cover for the body in the closed position and functions as an alphanumeric keyboard to input data in the open position.
