초록 ▼

A pen-based portable computer, or pen-tablet computer, for use with a vehicular docking station that allows for the exchange or replacement of components thereof without the need for returning the computer to the manufacturer. The computer utilizes a main or primary housing for the major components

A pen-based portable computer, or pen-tablet computer, for use with a vehicular docking station that allows for the exchange or replacement of components thereof without the need for returning the computer to the manufacturer. The computer utilizes a main or primary housing for the major components of the computer, and a separate, independent, auxiliary expansion unit having its own housing for mounting a replaceable radio module that is connected to the main computer via a multi-pin connector, whereby the replacement or exchange of the radio module for a different one is easily and readily achieved, and where auxiliary or expansion devices may be connected to the main computer thereby, and where the auxiliary device itself serves as a handle for holding the main computer. Also provided is a vehicular docking station for the combined main computer and auxiliary unit, which vehicular docking station is provided with a multi-pin connector for receiving thereby a multi-pin connector of the auxiliary unit when the computer is connected to the auxiliary unit.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An auxiliary unit for coupling peripheral equipment to a portable computer, which computer comprises a central processor and first connector means for coupling the auxiliary unit thereto, comprising:an independent, self-contained main housing having second connector means for coupling to said fir

1. An auxiliary unit for coupling peripheral equipment to a portable computer, which computer comprises a central processor and first connector means for coupling the auxiliary unit thereto, comprising:an independent, self-contained main housing having second connector means for coupling to said first connector means of said computer for coupling said central processor to peripheral equipment whereby said computer may be connected directly to peripheral equipment; said auxiliary unit further comprising device-coupling means for operatively coupling at least one peripheral device with said computer, so that said computer may access said at least one device; said auxiliary unit further comprising a removable, interchangeable, radio-module means for providing wireless communication to said computer, said removable, radio-module means being connected to said central processor of said computer via said first and second connectors.