GB2457252A

GB2457252A - computer apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2457252A
Application number: GB0802184A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Wesley Martin; John George Bend
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-06
Filing date: 2008-02-06
Publication date: 2009-08-12
Also published as: GB0802184D0

Abstract

A computer 101 with one of a keyboard 105 movable between two operating positions, a removable pointing device 7 to control a cursor on a screen, a removable security device or a mobile phone which can dock within the computer casing, control a cursor on a screen or which is connectable to the computer 101 such that the computer can perform the normal functions of the phone. The computer 101 may have two connecting sockets 107, 110 for the removable device 7 located such that when the keyboard is moved from a first to a second position the first connector 107 becomes hidden by the keyboard 105 and the second connector 110 becomes accessible. Alternatively the connector for the removable device 7 may be relocated when the keyboard is moved (figures 1-3). The pointing device 7 may have memory storage means and may be any of a trackball device, mobile phone, joystick, touch sensitive pad or similar and may have a memory or other data storage means, which may contain a security code. The computer may only operate when a device containing a security code is present.

Description

1 2457252

COMPUTER APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a computer device and a computer device in combination with another device.

Laptop and notebook computers are typically arranged with a keyboard or keypad located towards a display screen and an input device for controlling a cursor on the display screen, such as a glide pad or tracker ball, towards the front of the computer. A common problem for these types of computers is that when performing intensive keyboard operations it is easy for the user to accidentally activate the glide pad, or similar device, which results in the editing cursor being moved away from the user's point of focus thus resulting in erroneous change to the document or work. Although this problem particularly affects touch-typists, there are very few laptop or notebook users who do not experience this problem. To mitigate this problem it is known to use software to monitor the strokes on the keyboard and to ignore inputs via the cursor control device if the input is deemed to occur during a stream of keyboard strokes. However the solution relies upon software interpretation of the user's intention. Where the software interpretation is incorrect the solution introduces a reverse of the original problem. This is unacceptable to users, who generally expect laptops and notebook computers to behave in a predictable and controlled manner.

Another problem with laptop or notebook computers is that their high degree of portability places such devices at a high risk of theft or loss. A laptop or notebook computer can be * **** replaced fairly easily however the data or work that was stored on it cannot. In cases where the data or work is of a confidential or sensitive nature then loss of the laptop or notebook is much more serious. Loss of personal data can lead to identif' theft. Data stored on a computer may take a long time to reproduce, the cost of which can be significantly higher * to the user than the cost of replacing the computer. Data can be copied or backed up to * removable storage. However this relies upon users remembering to do this and does not avoid data falling into the wrong hands if the laptop or notebook computer is lost or stolen.

Also, since portable computers include few security devices, there is little to persuade thieves from steeling such devices when an opportunity arises.

A third issue is the growing need for better mobile personal communications. Laptop or notebook computers offer a fairly static and limited choice of mobile communications.

Wireless networking has become an established medium for providing internet access but requires the laptop or notebook computer to be within the operating vicinity of a wireless network service (hotspot) and may require the user to purchase permission to use the service. A more mobile internet service can be achieved by connecting the laptop or notebook to a mobile phone and using the device as a modem. This can be achieved by direct cable connection, infrared optical connection, Bluetooth� radio connection or by inserting a PCMCIA mobile communications device into the laptop. Connecting a laptop or notebook computer to a mobile phone device requires some degree of setup and is usually subject to a delay whilst the laptop or notebook and mobile phone negotiate a communications session. Use of a PCMCIA mobile communications device demands the extra expense of buying, running, carlying the device and leaves a fragile protuberance from the laptop when in place. There has been development in mobile phone devices to provide a richer user interface with better quality displays with touch operated control and qwerty keyboards. Often these phones are equipped with software to provide users with office, time management and recreational facilities. However the user experience is constrained by the physical size of the mobile phone. Clearly there is a need to fully integrate the communications offered by the mobile phone with the user interface provided by the laptop or notebook computer in order to unlock the full potential of mobile personal :.:: communications. S...

* : * It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer device that mitigates at least * . one of the above-mentioned problems, or at least to provide an alternative computer device.

According to the invention there is provided a computer device including a display screen and a removable device that is releaseably connectable with the computer device, wherein the removable device is an input device arranged to control movement of a cursor on the display screen.

The computer device is a preferably a portable computer such as a laptop or notebook computer and the removable device can be any of the following: a tracker ball, a touch sensitive pad or screen, a joystick device, a cellular telephone device, or similar, and can include at least one selection button for making on screen selections, for example when selecting icons to launch applications or reveal menus.

The cellular telephone device can include at least one of a touch sensitive screen and a tracker ball input device, and the computer device and cellular telephone device are arranged such that a user is able to control movement of a cursor on a computer device display screen via the touch sensitive screen and/or tracker ball input device. Thus it is not necessary in this instance to have a separate input device.

Advantageously the removable device is arranged to control the functionality of the computer device remotely. For example, the remote device can be arranged to control the functionality of the computer device via a wireless or physical connection. This allows the removable to device to be used as a remote control device, for example during a presentation. In a preferred embodiment, the removable device is a cellular telephone device and the computer device is a laptop computer, wherein the cellular telephone is arranged to remotely control the laptop using a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth� or an infrared connection when it is separated from the laptop computer.

The computer device includes a casing and the removable device can be arranged to fit I...

*.... substantially within the casing of the computer device. For example, the removable device * : * can be integrateable with the casing in a removable fashion such that the upper surface of the removable device is arranged to lie substantially flush with the casing, so that the laptop is closable. ** * * * *** S. S S * S S.

Advantageously the computer device includes a substantially ridged connector for the removable device, such that when connected, the relative translational positions of the removable device and the computer device are fixed.

Advantageously the computer device includes a keyboard or keypad device that is movable from a first operational position to a second operational position. Advantageously the keyboard or keypad is arranged to slide between the first and second operational positions.

For example, in a laptop or notebook embodiment, the removable device can be an input device such as a touch sensitive pad, tracker ball or a mobile phone device arranged to provide a similar frmnction, which is positioned towards the front of the laptop, as is conventional. The keyboard or keypad is located behind the removable device and lies substantially within the same plane as the removable device. When the user desires to undertake a significant amount of typing he/she is able to remove the removable input device from its original position, move the keyboard forward such that it is closer to the user and reattach the input device closer to the display screen. This ensures that when the user is typing he/she will not accidentally operate the input device.

The computer device can include first and second connectors for receiving the removable device. Advantageously the first connector is exposed for receiving the removable device when the keyboard or keypad is in the first operational position and the second connector is exposed for receiving the removable device when the keyboard or keypad is in the second operational position. Thus the first and second connectors can be located below the plane of the keyboard or keypad and movement of the keyboard or keypad exposes the connectors * according to its operational position. Thus when connected to the either of the connectors, the translational position of the input device is fixed relative to the casing however the **.* . . orientation of the device can of course be changed to make inputs, for example the * : * rotational orientation of a tracker ball device or the pivoting position ofjoystick device. * *** *

Advantageously the removable device can include storage means for storing data. For example, the removable device can include memory, such as solid state memory, that * * * enables a user of the computer device to save documents thereto. When the user has finished using the computer device, the removable device can be removed from the computer device and kept by the user. This ensures that if the computer device is lost or stolen, the user will not have lost any important data. Thus the removable device can be the user's main document store.

Advantageously the computer device can include means for detecting the presence of the removable device, and wherein the computer device is arranged to operate only when the removable device is detected. The computer device is arranged to detect the presence of an identifier that uniquely associates the removable device with the computer device. This can be a code stored in memory or can be a firmware solution such as a device having a unique configuration.

Advantageously the computer device can include means for storing a security code, the removable device includes means for storing a corresponding security code and the computer device is arranged to read the removable device security code when activated to determine whether there is a match. The security code, or pair of security codes, is unique.

Advantageously the computer device is arranged to boot up its operating system only if a match is determined when reading the security code in the removable device. Thus if there is no match, for example there is no removable device attached to the computer device or if an incorrect removable device is connected to the computer device, the computer device will not boot up its operating system and therefore the computer device will not be operable, that is the computer device is not operable without the correct removable device.

* For example, if a laptop is stolen and the removable device is not with it because its owner * ** has kept it separate from the laptop, the laptop will be rendered useless since it will not be S...

able to start its operating system. S. * S * S

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an input device for a computer device, such as a laptop computer, for controlling the movement of a cursor on a display screen that is releaseably connectable to the computer device.

Advantageously the input device includes a substantially rigid connector member for connecting to a complementary connector member in a computer device. Alternative physical releasable connector members can be used between the computer device and the input device such as a cable, or via a wireless connection such as WIFI, Blue Tooth� or an infrared connection. Advantageously the input device can be a touch sensitive pad, a tracker ball input device or similar.

Preferably the input device includes at least one selection button that enables a user to make on screen selections. For example, the selection buttons enable a user to select on screen icons to launch applications or reveal menus.

The input device can include storage means for storing data and/or means for storing a security code that is readable by the computer device when the computer device performs a routine to detect the presence of the input device.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the combination of a computer device, such as a laptop computer, and a removable security device connectable thereto and means for detecting the presence of the removable security device, wherein the computer device is arranged to operate only when the presence of the removable security device is detected.

The computer device is arranged to detect the presence of an identifier associated with the removable security device that uniquely associates the security device with the computer * device. In a preferred embodiment the computer device includes means for storing a * ** security code, the security device includes means for storing a corresponding security code I...

and the computer device is arranged to read the security device security code when * : * activated to determine whether there is a match. The computer device is arranged to boot up * its operating system only if a match is determined when reading the security code in the security device. ** * . * S.. *S S * * S S.

Advantageously the removable security device can be any of the following: a cellular telephone device or an input device for controlling operation of a cursor on a computer device display screen.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a computer device, such as a laptop or notebook computer, including a keyboard or keypad that is moveable between first and second operational positions, the arrangement being such that a user is able to use the keyboard or keypad when the keyboard or keypad is located in the first and second operational positions.

The keyboard or keypad is slideable between the first and second operational positions. For example, the keyboard or keypad can be mounted on rails and can be pushed along the rails between the first and second operational positions. Typically the keyboard or keypad is fixed in position by inserting a removable input device. Optionally, the computer device can include additional means for fixing the position of the keyboard or keypad in the first and/or second operation positions, such as a latching device or other locking mechanism.

The computer device can include first and second connectors for receiving a removable input device that is arranged to control movement of a cursor on a display screen.

The first connector is exposed to receive the removable device when the keyboard or keypad is in the first operational position and the second connector is exposed for receiving the removable device when the keyboard or keypad is in the second operational position.

Preferably the second connector is not exposed to receive the removable device when the * ** * ** keyboard or keypad is in the first operational position and the first connector is not exposed **** to receive the removable device when the keyboard or keypad is in the second operational * : * position. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second connectors are preferably located * towards the front and back of the laptop or notebook computer respectively. Removal of the input device from the first connector at the front of the laptop creates a recess, which the keyboard can move into. When the keyboard is moved, a second recess is created towards the rear of the laptop where the keyboard was previously located. The input device can be inserted into that recess.

The computer device includes a casing wherein the first and second connectors are located within the casing below the plane of the keyboard or keypad. This provides a compact arrangement. Preferably the computer device includes at least one input device mounting member that is arranged to securely hold the input device. The mounting member can be arranged to be insertable into the casing to a storage position below the level of the keyboard or keypad. This enables the keyboard or keypad to be moved above the mounting member. It provides a very compact arrangement.

The computer device can include a latching mechanism for fixing the position of the mounting member when in the storage position and optionally resilient means for returning the mounting member to an operational position, which is typically substantially within the plane of the keyboard or keypad.

The or each mounting member is arranged to release the input device when moved to the storage position. This enables the input device to be removed from the mounting member, for example to be attached to a second mounting member in a different position within the in casing, or alternatively for the user to keep the input device in a separate location.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the combination of a computer device, such as a laptop computer, and a cellular telephone device and means for detecting the presence of the cellular telephone device, wherein the computer device is * ** arranged to operate only when the presence of the cellular telephone device is detected. **** * * *...

The cellular telephone device can be connected to the computer device via a physical :: connection such as a substantially rigid connector device in a docking port and the means S..

for detecting the presence of the cellular telephone device detects its presence via the * connection. Alternatively the cellular telephone device can be connected to the computer *S S * . * S ** device via a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi, Blue Tooth� or an infra red connection for the purposes of detecting its presence.

The computer device is arranged to detect the presence of an identifier that uniquely associates the cellular telephone device with the computer device. The computer device can include means for storing a security code, the cellular telephone device includes means for storing a corresponding security code and the computer device is arranged to read the cellular telephone device security code to determine whether there is a match. This process takes place before the computer boots up its operating system. The computer device can be arranged to boot up its operating system only if it detects the identifier that uniquely associates the cellular telephone device with the computer device.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the combination of a computer device, such as a laptop computer, having a display screen and a cellular telephone device having an input device, wherein the computer device and cellular telephone device are arranged such that user inputs made via the cellular telephone device input device control the movement of a cursor on the computer device display screen.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the combination of a computer device and a cellular telephone device connected thereto, wherein the arrangement is such that telephonic functions normally carried out on the cellular telephone device are enabled on the computer device.

Thus telephone calls can be initiated and received via the computer device and video **:,* conferencing can be undertaken using the cellular telephone device and the computer * .**. device display screen as a viewing screen. It also enables streaming media such as streamed *:*. television programs to be viewed on the computer device via the cellular telephone device.

I *1I

Advantageously the cellular telephone device is arranged to dock wholly or partially within **** the computer device casing. ** * * I I **

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a combination ofa computer device, such as a laptop computer, and a cellular telephone device that is arranged to dock with the computer device wholly or partially within its casing. This provides a compact arrangement and an attractive looking package. For example, the arrangement can be such that the cellular telephone sits in a recess within the laptop casing. Preferably the arrangement is such that the cellular telephone lies substantially within the plane ofone half the laptop casing. The arrangement can be such that the screen of the cellular telephone lies substantially flush with the laptop casing or it can sit proud therefrom. The cellular telephone can be fully enclosed by the casing, when the laptop is closed. Alternatively, the casing can include a port or recess that can fully receive the cellular telephone even when the laptop is open for use. In this instance, the laptop includes an ejection mechanism for removing the cellular telephone from the laptop casing.

Similarly to the above arrangements, the computer device is arranged to operate only when it is connected with the cellular telephone device and uses a similar approach.

Advantageously the cellular telephone device is arranged to control the functionality of the computer device remotely.

Advantageously the computer device includes an aerial device for receiving and sending telephonic communications. This can act as a booster for aerial to the cellular telephone aerial.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: * a *.* Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention in a first configuration; * Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 in transition from a first configuration to a second configuration; ** * * .: Figure 3 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 in the second configuration; Figure 4 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 in transition to the first configuration; Figure 5 shows the glide pad being moved from the computer device; Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the invention wherein the glide pad mounting can be depressed into the laptop casing; and Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of the invention including a cellular telephone.

Figure 1 shows a laptop computer 1 including a visual display screen 3, a keyboard 5, and a glide pad unit 7 mounted in a frame 9.

The glide pad unit 7 is the input device that is used for controlling movement of a cursor on the visual display screen 3. It is operated by the user moving a finger over the glide pad 7 in the direction that he/she wants the cursor to move on the visual display screen 3. The glide pad unit 7 also includes two buttons, which are used to make on-screen selections, for example to select an icon or menu item to launch applications or initiate computer functions. The glide pad unit 7 is mounted in the frame 9. The glide pad unit 7 and frame 9 are releaseably attached to each other by a latching arrangement. The glide pad unit 7 is releaseably connected to the laptop computer 1 via a connector device located within the casing of the laptop below the level of the keyboard 5 (not shown). A second similar connector is located within the casing in a position closer to the visual display screen 3 and below the keyboard 5.

The keyboard 5 is mounted on rails and is arranged to slide from a rearward position *::: : adjacent the display screen 3 towards a forward position, i.e. the position where the glide pad unit 7 is shown in Figure 1. The keyboard 5 can only move along the rails when the glide pad unit 7 has been removed from the laptop 1 casing, since the glide pad unit 7 prevents movement of the keyboard 105 when in-situ. This is done by the user lifting the * frame 9 out of the laptop casing after opening the latching arrangement, thus disconnecting *. : the glide pad unit 7 from the laptop. The user is then able to slide the keyboard 5 forward (see Figure 2) to take up the former position of the glide pad unit 7 and thus covering the first connector member and also exposing the second connector member and creating a recess for the glide pad unit 7 to be reinserted into the casing adjacent the visual display screen 3 (see Figure 3).

The repositioning is reversible (see Figure 4). This involves removing the glide pad unit 7 from the second connector, sliding the keyboard 5 back to its original position and reinserting the glide pad unit 7 into the first connector.

Thus a user is able to determine the positions of the keyboard and glide pad unit 7 according to his/her needs. For example, if the user is to undertake a large amount of typing, it is highly desirable to move the keyboard 5 towards a front position in order to prevent accidental activation of the glide pad unit 7 thereby causing distracting movement of the cursor on the visual display screen 3. If the user needs to use the glide pad unit 7, it is more desirable to have it located towards the forward position. The laptop can be arranged to automatically recognise the disconnecting and reconnection of the glide pad unit 7 using conventional technology.

Optionally the glide pad unit 7 can be removed from the frame 9 (see Figure 5). This enables the user to carry it around in a pocket or bag. For example, the glide pad unit 7 may include memory such as solid state memory for storing data. The user can use the glide pad unit 7 as his/her main document storage device and thus after completing a computer session the user removes any valuable information from the laptop 1 and keeps it on his/her possession to ensure safekeeping. If the laptop I is then lost or stolen, any valuable data * *S ** *** will be retained by the user. Optionally, the memory can be arranged to store encrypted files for additional security. As a further security measure, the data stored on the laptop hard disk drive (or other memory device) can be encrypted and the key can be stored in the glide pad unit memory. Thus if the laptop is stolen without the removable glide pad unit 7, the data stored on the hard disk drive cannot be accessed. * , * *)* ** S * * S * SS

As a further option, the glide pad unit 7 may include a security code stored in read-only memory. When the laptop is switched on the motherboard becomes active, hardware is initialised and the computer performs a POST (power on self test) procedure arid is arranged to detect the presence of the glide pad unit 7 and read the security code stored therein. If the glide pad unit 7 is present the laptop reads the code and determines whether it matches a code stored in its own memory. If there is a match, the laptop I then initiates booting of the operating system. If the glide pad unit 7 is not present or alternatively if a glide pad unit 7 not associated with the laptop I is present, the code is read and a match is not found, the laptop I does not boot its operating system. Thus the laptop I is arranged such that it will only operate when the correct glide pad unit 7 is present. This provides an incentive for the user to remove the glide pad unit 7 after each session such that if anyone should steal the laptop 1, it will be rendered useless without the correct glide pad unit 7, which is always kept in the possession of the user. This will act as a disincentive for people to steal laptops when the glide pad units 7 are not present.

It will be appreciated by the skilled man that a glide pad unit 7 can be replaced by similar other input device such as a tracker ball system.

Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the invention, which is a laptop computer 101 including a visual display screen 103, a keyboard 105, a glide pad unit 107 and first and second frames 109,110. * .* * . S * ..

* The arrangement is similar to the first embodiment, except that wherein in the first **** * . : embodiment the frame member 9 is lifted out of the laptop casing together with the glide pad unit 7 and reinserted in the new position, in the second embodiment, the frames S..

109,110 can be depressed into the casing, leaving the glide pad unit 107 sitting proud. The :. glide pad unit 107 can then be disconnected from the connector member, allowing the * :* : keyboard to be moved over the depressed frame 109,110. For example, Figure 6 shows the glide pad unit 107 located in the first frame 109 and the second frame 110 depressed within the casing below the keyboard 105. To move the glide pad unit 107 to the second frame 110, the first frame 109 is depressed into the casing leaving the glide pad unit 107 sitting proud. The glide pad unit 107 is removed from the first connector (not shown) and the first frame 109 is held securely in place by a latching mechanism. The first frame 109 can be returned to an operating position by unlatching the latching mechanism and allowing the resiliency of a spring to force the frame 109 upward. When in the storage position, the keyboard 105 is moved transversely so that it is positioned above the first frame 109. This exposes the second frame 110 within the casing of the laptop 101. The glide pad units 107 can be inserted into the second frame 110 and it is raised to become flush with the keyboard 105. Thus essentially the same functionality is achieved as the first embodiment, however the implementation is different. Similarly to the first embodiment, the glide pad unit 107 can include memory for storing data and read-only memory including a unique security code, which can be read at the computer startup.

Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of the invention, which includes a laptop computer 201 including a keyboard 205, a cellular telephone 207, a frame 209 and a docking bay 211.

The third embodiment works on a similar principle to the first embodiment. However, the glide pad unit 7 has been replaced by a cellular telephone 207 having a touch-sensitive screen 213. The laptop computer 201 is arranged to interact with the cellular telephone 207 such that user inputs on the cellular telephone touch-sensitive screen 213 control movement of the cursor on the laptop visual display screen 203. The cellular telephone 207 is arranged to be releaseably attachable to the laptop computer 201 by a first and second coimector members located within the casing of the laptop. Thus the position of the S...

cellular telephone input device can be moved between first and second positions similar to *: : * the first and second embodiments. S..

If the cellular telephone 207 includes a tracker ball input device, it too can be used to control the cursor on the visual display screen 203. S *

* The cellular telephone 207 can also be connected to the computer by inserting it into docking port 211. When docked, the cellular telephone 207 and laptop 201 can have a symbiotic relationship. For example, the laptop 201 becomes the main communications device. That is incoming telephone calls to the cellular telephone can be received via the laptop computer with audio communication being relayed via a laptop, microphone and laptop speakers. Similarly, the laptop 201 can be used to initiate telephone calls. If video conferencing or streaming media data are received via the cellular telephone 207 acting as a modem, the display is shown on the laptop visual display screen 203. The user is also able to access the internet and send and receive e-mails and SMS messages through the cellular telephone 207 via the laptop 201. Alerts can be generated on the laptop display 103 to inform the user of events such as incoming calls and SMS messages.

Similarly to the previous embodiments, the cellular telephone 207 can include memory for storing data and also a unique security code linking it to the laptop computer 201. Thus the laptop computer 201 can only be operated when the cellular telephone 207 is present. Of course, instead of using a physical connection, for example within a docking bay 211, the mobile cellular telephone 207 can be connected to the laptop via a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth� or infrared connection.

Optionally, the cellular telephone memory can be arranged to store encrypted files for additional security. As a further security measure, the data stored on the laptop hard disk drive (or other memory device) can be encrypted and the key can be stored in the cellular telephone memory. Thus if the laptop is stolen without the cellular telephone the data stored on the hard disk drive cannot be accessed. * ** * S S * **

*::: :* Optionally, the laptop computer 201 can include an extended aerial, for example in its casing, for the purpose of receiving telephonic signals.

S.. . . * If a user removes the cellular telephone 207 from its connection with the laptop 201, the :. laptop 201 can be arranged to securely suspend the session until the cellular telephone is reconnected. Alternatively, at the discretion of the user, the laptop computer 201 can be arranged to initiate a wireless connection between the laptop 201 and the cellular telephone 207 automatically (or this can be set up manually) so that the cellular telephone can be used as a device for remotely controlling the laptop computer 201. For example, the user can continue to use the cellular telephone touch sensitive screen and/or tracker ball input device to control the movement of the cursor on the laptop display screen 203 or make selections, such as selection icons and menu options. Additional software on the cellular telephone can be used to provide an on screen selection menu, which can include keys to control different laptop functions, for example to launch applications, scroll through pages, initiate a DVD player, etc. The wireless connection can be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth�, an infrared connection or similar.

Alternatively a wire connection such as a USB cable or optical fibre can be used, though this may restrict the movement of the user.

Ii will be appreciated by the skilled person that modifications can be made to the above embodiments that still fail within the scope of the invention, for example another type of input device can be used instead of the glide pad unit 7 or a tracker ball device. Alternative connection methods can be used for connecting the glide pad unit input device in the laptop computer. Also, the cellular telephone 207 can be mounted with the laptop in a similar manner to the second embodiment. * ** * . I * *. **S. * * *S.. ** * * S * * II

S S..

S S. * S * .51

SI S * . a * S*

Claims

CLAIMS1. A computer device including a display screen and a removable device that is releaseably connectable with the computer device, wherein the removable device is an input device arranged to control movement of a cursor on the display screen.
2. A computer device according to claim 1, wherein the computer device is a portable computer and is preferably a laptop or notebook computer.
3. A computer device according to claim I or 2, wherein the removable device is any of the following: a tracker ball, a touch sensitive pad or screen, ajoystick device, a cellular telephone device, or similar.
4. A computer device according to claim 3, wherein the cellular telephone device includes at least one of a touch sensitive screen and a tracker ball input device, and the computer device and cellular telephone device are arranged such that a user is able to control movement of a cursor on a computer device display screen via the touch sensitive screen and/or tracker ball input device.
5. A computer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable device is arranged to control the functionality of the computer device *:*::* remotely.

*
6. A computer device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a casing and wherein the removable device is arranged to fit substantially within the casing ** of the computer device. **
7. A computer device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a * ** keyboard or keypad device, wherein the keyboard or keypad device is movable from a first operational position to a second operational position. 1)
8. A computer device according to any one of the preceding claims, including first and second connectors for receiving the removable device.
9. A computer device according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the first connector is exposed for receiving the removable device when the keyboard or keypad is in its first operational position.
10. A computer device according to claim 8 or 9 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the second connector is exposed for receiving the removable device when the keyboard or keypad is in its second operational position.
11. A computer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable device includes storage means for storing data.
12. A computer device according to any one of the preceding claims, including means for detecting the presence of the removable device, and wherein the computer device is arranged to operate only when the removable device is detected.
13. A computer device according to claim 12, wherein the computer device is arranged to detect the presence of an identifier that uniquely associates the removable device with the computer device. * ** * * *

:.::
14. A computer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the S...computer device includes means for storing a security code, the removable device * * includes means for storing a corresponding security code and the computer device is * arranged to read the removable device security code when activated to determine whether there is a match.

*
15. A computer device according to claim 14, wherein the computer device is arranged to boot up its operating system only if a match is determined when reading the security code in the removable device.
16. The combination of a computer device, such as a laptop computer, and a removable security device connectable thereto and means for detecting the presence of the removable security device, wherein the computer device is arranged to operate only when the presence of the removable security device is detected.
17. The combination according to claim 16, wherein the computer device includes means for storing a security code, the removable security device includes means for storing a corresponding security code and the computer device is arranged to read the security device security code when activated to determine whether there is a match.
18. The combination according to claim 1 7, wherein the computer device is arranged to boot up its operating system only if a match is determined when reading the security code in the removable security device.
19. The combination according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the removable security device is any of the following: a cellular telephone device or an input device for controlling operation of a cursor on a computer device display screen.
20. A computer device including a keyboard or keypad that is moveable between first and second operational positions, the arrangement being such that a user is able to use the keyboard or keypad when the keyboard or keypad is located in the first and second operational positions. S...

* *
21. A computer device according to claim 20, wherein the keyboard or keypad is *** . . . slideable between the first and second operational positions. *5

*
22. A computer device according to claim 21, including first and second connectors for * receiving a removable input device that is arranged to control movement ofa cursor on a display screen.
23. A computer device according to claim 22, wherein the first connector is exposed to receive the removable device when the keyboard or keypad is in the first operational position.
24. A computer device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the second connector is exposed for receiving the removable device when the keyboard or keypad is in the second operational position.
25. A computer device according to any one of claims 22 to 24, including a casing wherein the first and second connectors are located within the casing below the plane of the keyboard or keypad.
26. A computer device according to any one of claims 20 to 25, including at least one input device mounting member that is arranged to securely hold the input device.
27. A computer device according to claim 26, wherein the mounting member is arranged to be insertable into a computer device casing to a storage position below the level of the keyboard or keypad.
28. A computer device according to claim 27, including a latching mechanism for fixing the position of the mounting member when in the storage position. * 0S * * S
29. A computer device according to any one of claims 26 to 28, including resilient S...means for returning the mounting member to an operational position. ** SS S S S *S

:.
30. A computer device according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the or each mounting member is arranged to release the input device when moved to the storage ::.:: position.
31. The combination of a computer device, such as a laptop computer, and a cellular telephone device and means for detecting the presence of the cellular telephone device, wherein the computer device is arranged to operate only when the presence of the cellular telephone device is detected.
32. A computer device according to claim 31, wherein the computer device is arranged to detect the presence of an identifier that uniquely associates the cellular telephone device with the computer device.
33. A computer device according to claim 32, wherein the computer device includes means for storing a security code, the cellular telephone device includes means for storing a corresponding security code and the computer device is arranged to read the cellular telephone device security code to determine whether there is a match.
34. A computer device according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the computer device is arranged to boot up its operating system only if it detects the identifier that uniquely associates the cellular telephone device with the computer device.
35. The combination of a computer device, such as a laptop computer, having a display screen and a cellular telephone device having an input device, wherein the computer device and cellular telephone device are arranged such that user inputs made via the cellular telephone device input device control the movement of a cursor on the computer device display screen. * S. * S *

5.:.
36. The combination of a computer device and a cellular telephone device connected S...thereto, wherein the arrangement is such that telephonic functions normally carried S:: out on the cellular telephone device are enabled on the computer device. S..
37. The combination according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the cellular telephone device is arranged to dock with the computer device wholly or partially within its casing.
38. A combination of a computer device, such as a laptop computer, and a cellular telephone device that is arranged to dock with the computer device wholly or partially within its casing.
39. The combination according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the computer device is arranged to operate only when it is connected with the cellular telephone device.
40. The combination according to any one of claims 35 to 39,wherein the computer device includes means for storing a security code, the cellular telephone device includes means for storing a corresponding security code and the computer device is arranged to read the security code in the cellular telephone device when activated to determine whether there is a match.
41. The combination according to claim 40, wherein the computer device is arranged to boot up its operating system only if a match is determined when reading the security code in the cellular telephone device.
42. The combination according to any one of claims 31 to 41, wherein the cellular telephone device is arranged to control the functionality of the computer device remotely.
43. The combination according to any one of claims 31 to 42, wherein the computer device includes an aerial device for receiving and sending telephonic communications. * ** * S * * ** *5*S * * ** * * * S * **S S.. *. * S * *S. *. . * S S