US20030142471A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20030142471A1
Application number: US10/158,707
Authority: US
Inventors: John Krieger; Randall Lewis
Original assignee: Palm Inc
Current assignee: Palm Inc
Priority date: 2002-01-29
Filing date: 2002-05-30
Publication date: 2003-07-31
Also published as: US7729493B2; US20070163080A1

Abstract

A handheld computer comprises a housing and a cover removably connected thereto by a universal hinge assembly. The universal hinge assembly includes a tubular member or arm having a proximal end fixedly (non-rotatably) secured to an edge of the cover and a distal end pivotally coupled to an edge of the cover. The pivotal coupling may comprise a ball and socket arrangement, a pin and slot arrangement, or any other type of coupling arrangement that enables universal pivoting movement and releasable attachment between the cover and the housing. The cover may include a cushion designed to abut a display screen mounted in the housing when the cover is in a closed position. A method of reconfiguring an encasement of a handheld computer having a cover releasably coupled thereto includes removing the first cover and replacing it with a second cover of a different type.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/352,785, filed Jan. 29, 2002, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of handheld computers and, more particularly, to handheld computers having encasements with replaceable covers. The present invention also relates to a method of reconfiguring a handheld computer by replacing the cover thereof with a cover of a different type.[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handheld computers, including personal digital assistants (“PDAs”) and palm-sized computers, traditionally provide the user with a wide variety of functions, such as a calendar, an address book, a task list, a notepad, and a calculator. More recently, handheld computers have also been used provide the user with functions such as remote email access, real-time internet access, web browsing and other advanced communication functions.[0003]

Traditionally, most handheld computers have had an outer enclosure or housing consisting of mating front and back shells coupled together by screws. The front and back shells enclose the electronic components of the handheld computer. A display screen and one or more application buttons are typically accessible on the front shell of the computer. The display screen may be a touch-sensitive screen that accepts entry from a stylus or pointer device, which typically is stored in a slot formed in the housing when not in use. More advanced handheld computers may also include components for enabling remote communication functions such as described above.[0004]

With traditional handheld computers, a separate flexible or rigid case is typically utilized for protecting the handheld computer, and particularly the display screens, when not in use. The separate case must be stored or accounted for when the computer is in use to prevent loss.[0005]

With some handheld computers, a separate case is not required because the housing has a hinged cover that can be pivoted to a closed position to protect the display and another position to access the display. With most such computers, the cover is connected to the housing by a pair of hinges which permit the cover to be pivoted either 180° to the side of the housing (i.e., in a “book open” style) or 360° to the rear of the housing. With both of these arrangements, when the computer is placed on a horizontal surface the housing is oriented such that the display and application buttons typically face directly upward. This can be disadvantageous because the display and application buttons are placed at an awkward angle for certain uses such as video conferencing. To address this problem, it is known to provide the computer with a separate base or cradle that can be used to position the computer housing at an angle relative to the work surface. However, the cradles are quite bulky compared to the handheld computers and thus create difficulties with portability. Moreover, like the use of separate protective cases noted above, the use of separate cradles means they must also be stored and accounted for when not in use. Although some handheld computers now available include pivotally attached covers capable of not only protecting the display but also functioning as a stand that positions the housing at an inclined angle relative to the work surface (which thus eliminates the need for a separate cradle), the hinge arrangements of the heretofore known computers are relatively complex multi-part structures.[0006]

Certain handheld computers generally have a fixed (i.e., non-customizable) external appearance. Although this may not have presented any concerns in the past (when handheld computers were purchased and used almost exclusively by business traveler's and other technically savvy individuals), the fixed appearances can unnecessarily limit the market potential of the handheld computers because of their increasing popularity with individuals having diverse backgrounds. Although after-market replacement housings are available for some of the most popular handheld computers, these replacement housings tend to be quite expensive. More importantly, the use of such replacement housings requires that the original housing of the handheld computer be opened up, which voids the manufacture's warranty.[0007]

It would be desirable to provide a handheld computer having an external appearance that can be readily customized by the manufacturer, the reseller or the consumer. It is further desirable to provide a method for readily changing the external appearance of a handheld computer that does not require opening of the computer housing.[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a handheld computer comprises a housing and a cover releasably connected thereto by a universal hinge assembly.[0009]

According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a handheld computer comprises a housing along with first and second covers configured for being releasably coupled to the housing. The first and second covers are of different types.[0010]

According to a further aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a handheld computer comprises a housing and a cover releasably connected thereto by a universal hinge assembly. The universal hinge assembly allows universal pivoting movement between the cover and the housing.[0011]

According to a different aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a handheld computer comprises a housing, a cover, and means for releasably coupling the cover to the housing. The means for coupling also enables universal pivoting motion between the cover and the housing.[0012]

According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a method of reconfiguring a handheld computer is provided. The computer includes a housing and a first cover releasably coupled thereto by a universal hinge assembly. The method comprises decoupling the first cover from the housing, and releasably coupling a second cover to the housing. The second cover is of a different type than the first cover.[0013]

According to yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a handheld computer comprises a housing including a display mounted therein and a cover pivotally connected to the housing by a hinge assembly. The cover is configured to pivot between a closed position overlying the display and an open position that permits access to the display. An elastomeric material is affixed to the cover and configured to abut the screen when the cover is in the closed position.[0014]

These and other benefits and features of embodiments of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, presented in connection with the following drawings in which like reference numerals are used to identify like elements throughout.[0015]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of a handheld computer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the computer including a detachable cover shown in a fully closed position that protects the display screen.[0016]

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1.[0017]

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1.[0018]

FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1.[0019]

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1.[0020]

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1.[0021]

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1, the cover being shown in a fully open position in which an inner face of the cover abuts a rear face of the computer housing.[0022]

FIG. 8 is a rear, right side perspective view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1, the cover being shown in a stand position that maintains the computer housing at an inclined angle relative to a horizontal surface on which the computer is placed.[0023]

FIG. 9 is a front, right side perspective view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1, the cover being shown during transition from the fully closed position of FIG. 1 to the stand position of FIG. 8.[0024]

FIG. 10 is a front, right side perspective view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1, the cover being shown in a plurality of positions during transition from the stand position of FIG. 8 to the fully open position of FIG. 7.[0025]

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the universal hinge assembly of the handheld computer of FIG. 1, taken along the line[0026]11-11 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a replacement cover designed for attachment to the handheld computer of FIG. 1 in place of the original cover.[0027]

FIG. 13 is an exploded left side perspective view of a second embodiment of a handheld computer in accordance with the present invention.[0028]

FIG. 14 is a front, left side perspective view of the handheld computer of FIG. 13, the cover being shown in a plurality of positions during transition from a closed position to an open position.[0029]

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the handheld computer of FIG. 15, the cover being shown in a plurality of positions during transition from the closed position to the open position.[0030]

FIG. 16 is a left side perspective view of the handheld computer of FIG. 13, the cover being shown in a stand position that maintains the computer housing at a relatively shallow inclined angle relative to a horizontal surface on which the computer is placed.[0031]

FIG. 17 is a front, left side perspective view of the handheld computer of FIG. 13, the cover being shown in a stand position that maintains the computer housings at a relatively large inclined angle relative to a horizontal surface on which the computer is placed.[0032]

Before explaining a number of preferred embodiments of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in application to the details of construction or the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of facilitating the description of the invention and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, relational terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” and “outer” are used for convenience only in referring to the various elements of the preferred embodiments as shown in the drawings and as such should not be regarded as limiting.[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIGS.[0034]1-11, a portable electronic device such as, but not limited to, a handheld computer10 is depicted according to an exemplary embodiment. Handheld computer10 may include Palm style computers manufactured by Palm, Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif. Other exemplary embodiments may include Windows CE handheld computers, or other handheld computers and personal digital assistants, as well as mobile telephones and other mobile computing devices. Handheld computer10 is representative of the type of mobile device which may utilize the disclosed invention and/or be part of the disclosed apparatus or method. Handheld computer10 is described as a “handheld” to indicate a small, portable size as compared to less portable computing devices. Handheld computer10 may be located on a desk, a lap, a wrist, a belt, or at any other position or location.

Preferably, handheld computer[0035]10 includes interactive hardware and software that enables computer10 to perform functions such as maintaining calendars, phone lists, task lists, note pads, calculator applications, spreadsheets, games, and other applications capable of running on a computing device. Further, handheld computer10 may include hardware and software that enables computer10 perform more advanced functions such as voice memo recording and playback, communications network connectivity, internet connectivity, wireless messaging, e-mail, always-on e-mail, wireless telephony including video conferencing, and the like.

To make use of these and other functions, handheld computer[0036]10 includes a plurality ofinput function buttons12 and a display14 (see FIG. 7) mounted in an encasement16. Display14 may comprise a touch screen interface that allows a user to select and alter displayed graphical or textual information using a pointer such as astylus17 or some other suitable pointing device, e.g., a pen tip or a fingertip.

In an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer[0037]10 also includes navigation buttons18 that facilitate navigating or scrolling of information displayed on display14. Navigation buttons18 may be programmed for other uses depending on the application running on handheld computer10. Handheld computer10 may be configured to provide a variety of wireless communications including, but not limited to, communications with the World Wide Web, mobile telephone communications, e-mail communications, video conferencing, etc.

To facilitate these and other communication functions, handheld computer[0038]10 may be provided with avideo camera20, aspeaker22 and amicrophone24. In the illustrated embodiment,video camera20,speaker22 andmicrophone24 are all mounted in encasement16 and are thus integral to handheld computer10. Alternatively, each ofvideo camera20,speaker22 andmicrophone24 may be separate from handheld computer10 and attached thereto as a separate (or peripheral) device. Handheld computer10 may also include anindicator light30 that is integrated into encasement16 for indicating the transmission and/or reception of wireless communication signals.Light30 may also be used to indicate other states of handheld computer10, such as calendar alarms and task reminders.

In the illustrated embodiment, encasement[0039]16 comprises a generallyrectangular housing32 and a hingedcover34 that is releasably coupled tohousing32 by auniversal hinge assembly36.Housing32 includes opposed front and rear faces38 and40, opposed top and

bottom edges

42 and44, and opposed left and

right edges

46 and48.Front face38 includes a large, generallyrectilinear opening49 that provides both visual and physical access to display screen14.Front face38 also includes a plurality of smaller openings which permit access to other elements of computer10 such asinput buttons12, navigation buttons18,camera20,speaker22,microphone24 andstatus light30.

As best seen in FIG. 1,[0040]

detachable cover

34 may comprise a generally flat, rectilinear plate that is configured to overlie (and thus protect) display screen14 when in the closed position. If desired, cover34 could be configured to protect additional elements of computer10 such asinput buttons12, navigation buttons18,camera20,speaker22,microphone24,status light30, and the like. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 8-10, cover34 includes opposed inner andouter surfaces50 and52, opposed relatively short top andbottom edges54 and56, and opposed relatively long left and right side edges58 and60.

In an exemplary embodiment, an elastomeric material[0041]55 (see FIG. 8) may be provided on one or both of inner andouter surfaces50 and52 ofcover34. In FIGS. 8 and 9,elastomeric material55 is affixed to inner surface50 ofcover34 in the shape of an “X”. If desired, the legs of theX-shaped material55 on inner surface50 may extend over the top andbottom edges54 and56 ofcover34 to provide a soft rubber-like foot57 adjacent each of the four corners ofouter surface52 of cover34 (see FIGS. 1 and 8). By providingelastomeric material55 on both the inner andouter surfaces50 and52 ofcover34, a number of functions are provided. For example, theX-shaped material55 on inner surface50 ofcover34 functions to protect display14 whencover34 is in the closed position of FIG. 1. Moreover, theX-shaped material55 functions to improve the feel of the closing action by cushioning any impact betweencover34 and display14. In addition,material55 enhances the grip ofcover34 on horizontal surface68 when placed in the stand position of FIG. 8. The plurality of feet57 onouter surface52 ofcover34 provide a similar function (i.e., improved grip and stability) when computer10 is place on surface68 withcover34 in the fully open position of FIG. 7.Material55 may be made from any suitable elastomeric material such as a rubber or a soft PVC. Althoughmaterial55 is shown in the shape of an “X”, other shapes can be utilized including but not limited to “L” shaped, rectangular shaped, curvilinear segments, arcs and the like.

As previously noted, cover[0042]34 is both pivotally and releasably connected tohousing32 byuniversal hinge assembly36. In an exemplary embodiment,universal hinge assembly36 may comprise a single, generally tubular member (or arm)62 having a proximal end64 (see FIG. 11) attached to the approximate midpoint ofbottom edge44 ofhousing32 and adistal end66 attached to the approximate midpoint ofbottom edge56 ofcover34.Hinge assembly36 preferably enablescover34 to pivot between at least three different positions: a fully closed position (see FIG. 1), a stand position (see FIG. 8), and a fully open position (see FIG. 7). The cover may also provide a different function in each position. For example, in the fully closed position (see FIG. 1),cover34 overlies display screen14 to protect it from damage. In the stand position (see FIG. 8), cover34 functions as an outrigger that maintainshousing32 at an inclined angle relative to a horizontal worksurface68 on which computer10 is placed. In the fully open position (see FIG. 7), cover34 (not visible in FIG. 7) is located behind computer10 with inner surface50 facing toward and abutting (or closely adjacent)rear face40 ofhousing32. In this position, cover34 allows access to display14 and also acts to stabilizehousing32 when computer10 is placed on a flat surface such as horizontal surface68.

Referring now to FIG. 9, cover[0043]34 is shown during transition from the closed position of FIG. 1 to the stand position of FIG. 8. During this transition, cover34 is pivoted about anaxis70 extending alongbottom edge44 ofhousing32 as indicated by an arrow72. Whencover34 is in the stand position of FIG. 8, the outer curved surface ofarm62 will abut the inner wall (i.e., bottom) of a curved groove74 (see FIGS. 3 and 8) formed inrear face40 ofhousing32, which thus prevents any further movement ofcover34 aboutaxis70 in the direction of arrow72. Thus, cover34 in the stand position of FIG. 8 will function as an outrigger that maintainshousing32 at an inclined angle relative to horizontal worksurface surface68.

To move[0044]

cover

34 from the stand position of FIG. 8 to the fully open position of FIG. 7, cover34 is pivoted aboutaxis70 against the direction of arrow72 untilarm62 is sufficiently clear of curved groove74. Once this is done, cover34 may be rotated (as indicated by arrow73) approximately 180° about an axis71 that extends longitudinally througharm62. Withcover34 in this new orientation, it can once again be pivoted about axis70 (as indicated by an arrow75) until inner surface50 ofcover34 abuts (or is closely adjacent)rear face40 ofhousing32 and cover34 is in the fully open position of FIG. 7. Whencover34 is in the fully open position, handheld computer10 will have a sufficiently compact footprint that it can be easily held in a user's hand and/or utilized on a surface with only limited available working space.

As best seen in FIG. 11,[0045]

proximal end

64 oftubular arm62 may be attached tobottom edge44 ofhousing32 by a ball andsocket arrangement76. Ball andsocket arrangement76 is particularly advantageous in that it allows universal pivoting motion (i.e., swiveling motion in all directions) betweencover34 andhousing32. Ball andsocket arrangement76 also allowscover34 to be quickly and easily detached from and reattached tohousing32 without requiring any tools.

In the illustrated embodiment, ball and[0046]

socket arrangement

76 comprises a generallyspherical ball78 located onproximal end64 ofarm62 and a correspondingsocket80 located onbottom edge44 ofhousing32. Alternatively,socket80 could be located on

side edge

46 or48 ofhousing32 ortop edge42. Regardless of its location,socket80 may include a pair of slidably mounted pads (or pistons)82 and84 (best seen in FIG. 11) that laterally oppose each other and are biased inwardly againstball78 by a pair of springs or other suitable biasing means. In an exemplary embodiment,pads82 and84 may include inwardly facing

concave surfaces

83 and85, respectively, designed to match the generally spherical outer surface ofball78.

Concave surfaces

83 and85 help to ensure thatball78 remains securely captured betweenpads82 and84 during pivotal movement ofcover34. If desired,ball78 and/orsocket80 may be non-spherically shaped so thatcover34 has a natural bias toward one or more predefined positions. In addition,ball78 may have one or more depressed or flattened regions formed thereon so thatcover34 has a tendency to remain in one or more of the predefined positions. Ifhousing32 is particularly thin, or where desired for other reasons,bottom edge44 ofhousing32 may be provided with a pair of enlarged regions (or ball surrounds)86 and88 to better accommodatepads82 and84, respectively, and their associated springs.

With the foregoing structure, cover[0047]34 can be quickly and easily detached fromhousing32 by applying a downward force oncover34 sufficient to causepads82 and84 to separate far enough apart thatball78 snaps out ofsocket80. Once this occurs,pads82 and84 will reconverge towards one another (due to the spring biasing means mentioned above) until they either abut each other or some other predefined stop.

After[0048]

cover

34 has been removed, a replacement cover of a different type (or some other element or device) can be quickly and easily attached tohousing32 in place ofcover34. The replacement cover or other element may differ fromcover34 in terms of its appearance (i.e., shape and indicia) and/or function it provides. The indicia of the replacement cover or other element may include patterns, colors or textures, as well as pictorial, graphic or relief images, designed to appeal to a particular individual or group of individuals. For example, such indicia could include specific business identifiers, sports team identifiers, school identifiers, personal names or initials, logos, designs, as well as combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, areplacement cover34′ includes a spiral design on itsouter surface52′.

[0049]

Replacement cover

34′ (or another element) may be attached tocomputer housing32 by simply reversing the detaching steps described above. In particular, cover34′ may be attached tohousing32 by positioningball78′ belowsocket80 and applying an upward force oncover34′ sufficient force to causepads82 and84 to separate far enough apart to acceptball78′ therebetween. As best seen in FIG. 11,pads82 and84 may be provided with ramps (or cams)90 and92, respectively, which facilitate separation (i.e., outward movement) ofpads82 and84.

Referring now to FIGS.[0050]13-17, a second embodiment of a handheld computer110 is shown. For brevity, the description of handheld computer110 will be generally limited to its differences relative to handheld computer10 described above. For convenience, elements of handheld computer110 that are substantially similar to corresponding elements of handheld computer10 will be identified by the same reference numerals but preceded by a “1”.

Handheld computer[0051]110 differs from handheld computer10 described above in that a cover134 is releasably and pivotally coupled to ahousing132 by a double-jointed hinge arrangement176 (instead of the ball and socket arrangement). In an exemplary embodiment, double-jointedhinge arrangement176 comprises a generally T-shapedarm162 having aproximal end164 attached to aleft edge146 ofhousing132 and adistal end166 attached to a left edge158 of cover134. As indicated by arrow179 in FIG. 13,proximal end164 ofarm162 includes a pin (or rod)178 that slidably engages acorresponding slot180 formed inleft edge146 ofhousing132 to form a first joint ofhinge assembly176. As indicated byarrow172 in FIG. 14, the first joint permits cover134 to pivot about avertical axis170 extending generally alongleft edge146 ofhousing132. As indicated byarrow173 in FIG. 14, asecond joint181 ofhinge assembly176 may be formed midway along the length oftubular arm162 to permit cover134 to rotate about ahorizontal axis171 extending generally longitudinally througharm162.

With the forgoing double-jointed attachment structure, cover[0052]134 can be pivoted in a universal motion (i.e., swiveled in all directions) to a number of different positions to provide several distinct functions. For example, FIG. 15 shows acover134A in a closed position for protecting adisplay screen114. In addition, FIG. 15 shows a cover134B in a book open position for working on a flat worksurface. Starting from the closed position, the book open position can be achieved by pivoting thecover 180° outwardly aboutvertical axis170 in the direction ofarrow172. Additionally, FIG. 15 shows a cover134C in a video viewing position which positionshousing132 at a relatively steep angle relative to a horizontal work surface168 for enhancing watching of video (see also FIG. 17). Starting from the book open position, the video viewing position can be achieved by pivoting the cover approximately 180° about horizontal axis171 (as shown byarrow173 in FIG. 14) and then rotating the cover about vertical axis170 (as shown by arrow172) until cover134C extends generally perpendicular tohousing132. As another example, FIG. 16 shows a cover134D in an oblique working angle position in whichhousing132 is maintained at a relatively shallow angle relative to horizontal work surface168 (see also FIG. 15) by cover134D. Starting from the video viewing position, the oblique working angle position can be achieved by flipping cover134C an additional 90° onhorizontal axis171. Finally, FIG. 15 shows a cover134E in a fully open position that is particularly useful when computer110 is to be held in a user's hand or placed on a desk with limited working space. Starting from the oblique working angle position, the fully open position can be achieved by flipping the cover approximately 90° on horizontal axis171 (as shown by arrow173) and further rotating the cover about vertical axis170 (as shown by arrow172) until inner surface152 abuts (or closely conforms to) rear face140 ofhousing132.

An exemplary embodiment may utilize, be executed by, and/or be applied in a handheld computer including a processor such as but not limited to a Dragonball processor running at clock speeds of 33 MHz, 66 MHz, or other clock speeds, the Dragonball processor being available from Motorola Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. An exemplary handheld computer may also include, but is not limited to, four (4) megabytes (MB) of flash read only memory (ROM) for storing BIOS information, operating system information, and other information. The flash ROM may be used to store, but is not limited to, any of a number of versions of the Palm operating system (OS) available from Palm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif. Further, an exemplary handheld computer may also include, but is not limited to, thirty-two (32) MB of synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) for storing program information, and other information to be used by the handheld computer. In an alternative embodiment, the handheld computer may also use a digital signal processor including an advanced RISC machine (ARM) processor available from Texas Instruments of Dallas, Tex. and may use, but is not limited to, a Linux based operating system.[0053]

It is important to note that the above-described preferred embodiments of the encasements for handheld computers are illustrative only. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, although the covers are illustrated as being generally rectangular flat plates, the covers could have other configurations. Additionally, although only two joint structures were described and illustrated above for coupling the covers to the housings, additional joint structures could be used. Accordingly, these and all other such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.[0054]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A handheld computer, comprising:

a housing; and

a cover releasably connected to the housing by a universal hinge assembly.

2. The handheld computer ofclaim 1, wherein the universal hinge assembly allows universal pivotal motion between the cover and the housing.

3. The handheld computer ofclaim 1, wherein the cover has an inner surface that faces a display screen when the cover is in a closed position, and wherein the inner surface of the cover faces a rear face of the housing when the cover is in an open position.

4. The handheld computer ofclaim 1, wherein the cover has an inner surface that faces a display screen when the cover is in a closed position, and wherein the inner surface of the cover engages a horizontal work surface when the cover is in a stand position that maintains the housing at an inclined angle relative to the work surface.

5. The handheld computer ofclaim 1, wherein the universal hinge assembly comprises a ball and socket arrangement.

6. The handheld computer ofclaim 5, wherein the ball and socket arrangement includes a ball connected to the cover and a corresponding socket formed in an edge of the housing.

7. The handheld computer ofclaim 6, further including a pair of movable pads located within the socket on opposite sides of the ball for releasably receiving the ball therebetween.

8. The handheld computer ofclaim 7, wherein the pads are resiliently biased inwardly against the ball.

9. The handheld computer ofclaim 6, wherein the ball has a non-spherical outer surface.

10. The handheld computer ofclaim 6, wherein the ball has an outer surface including one or more depressions.

11. The handheld computer ofclaim 1, wherein the universal hinge assembly comprises a pin and slot arrangement.

12. The handheld computer ofclaim 11, wherein the pin and slot arrangement includes a pin connected to the cover and a corresponding slot formed in an edge of the housing.

13. The handheld computer ofclaim 1, wherein the universal hinge assembly includes a tubular member fixedly coupled to a first edge of the cover and pivotally coupled to a second edge of the housing.

14. The handheld computer ofclaim 13, wherein the pivotal coupling is provided by a ball and socket arrangement.

15. The handheld computer ofclaim 14, wherein the ball and socket arrangement includes a ball provided on a distal end of the tubular member and a corresponding socket provided in the second edge of the housing.

16. The handheld computer ofclaim 13, wherein the pivotal coupling is formed by a pin and slot arrangement.

17. The handheld computer ofclaim 16, wherein the pin and slot arrangement includes a pin provided on a distal end of the tubular member and a corresponding slot provided in the second edge of the housing.

18. A handheld computer, comprising:

a housing;

a first cover configured for releasable coupling to the housing; and

a second cover configured for releasable coupling to the housing,

wherein the first and second covers are of different types and one of the first and second covers is releasably coupled to the housing.

19. The handheld computer ofclaim 18, wherein the first and second covers differ from each other by having different indicia on outer surfaces thereof.

20. The handheld computer ofclaim 19, wherein the indicia on the outer surfaces of the first and second covers are selected from colors, patterns, textures, designs, pictorial images, graphic image, relief image, and combinations thereof.

21. The handheld computer ofclaim 19, wherein the indicia on the outer surfaces of the first and second covers are selected from business identifiers, sports team identifiers, educational school identifiers, names or initials, logos, and combinations thereof.

22. A handheld computer, comprising:

a housing; and

a cover releasably connected to the housing by a hinge assembly that allows universal pivoting movement between the cover and the housing.

23. The handheld computer ofclaim 22, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a ball and socket arrangement.

24. The handheld computer ofclaim 23, wherein the ball and socket arrangement includes a ball provided on a distal end of a tubular member attached to the cover and a corresponding socket provided in an edge of the housing.

25. The handheld computer ofclaim 24, wherein the socket includes a pair of pads slidably mounted in the socket on opposite sides of the ball and biased into contact therewith.

26. The handheld computer ofclaim 22, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a pin and slot arrangement.

27. The handheld computer ofclaim 26, wherein the pin and slot arrangement includes a pin provided on a distal end of a tubular member attached to the cover and a corresponding slot provided in an edge of the housing.

28. A handheld computer, comprising:

a housing;

a cover; and

means for releasably coupling the cover to the housing to provide universal pivoting motion between the cover and the housing.

29. The handheld computer ofclaim 28, wherein the coupling means comprises a ball and socket arrangement.

30. The handheld computer ofclaim 29, wherein the ball and socket arrangement includes a ball provided on a distal end of a tubular member attached to the cover and a corresponding socket provided in an edge of the housing.

31. The handheld computer ofclaim 30, wherein the socket includes a pair of pads slidably mounted in the socket on opposite sides of the ball and biased into contact therewith.

32. The handheld computer ofclaim 28, wherein the coupling means comprises a rod and groove arrangement.

33. The handheld computer ofclaim 32, wherein the rod and groove arrangement includes a rod provided on a distal end of a tubular member attached to the cover and a corresponding groove provided in an edge of the housing.

34. A method of reconfiguring a handheld computer, the computer including a housing and a first cover releasably coupled thereto by a universal hinge assembly, the method comprising:

decoupling the first cover from the housing; and

releasably coupling a second cover to the housing, the second cover being of a different type than the first cover.

35. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the decoupling and coupling steps are accomplished by moving the cover in a direction substantially transverse to an edge of the housing.

36. The methodclaim 35, wherein the universal hinge assembly comprises a ball connected to an edge of the cover and a socket formed on an edge of the housing, the decoupling and coupling steps being accomplished by snapping the ball into the socket.

37. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the decoupling and coupling steps are accomplished by moving the cover in a direction substantially parallel to an edge of the housing.

38. The methodclaim 37, wherein the universal hinge assembly comprises a pin connected to an edge of the cover and a groove formed along an edge of the housing, the decoupling and coupling steps being accomplished by sliding the pin into the groove.

39. A handheld computer, comprising:

a housing including a display mounted therein;

a cover pivotally connected to the housing by a hinge assembly, the cover configured to pivot between a closed position overlying the display and an open position that permits access to the display; and

an elastomeric material affixed to the cover and configured to abut the screen when the cover is in the closed position.

40. The methodclaim 39, wherein the elastomeric material is affixed to an inner face of the cover.

41. The methodclaim 40, wherein the elastomeric material is affixed to the inner face in the shape of an X.

42. The methodclaim 40, wherein the inner face of the cover has a generally rectangular profile and the X-shaped elastomeric material extends to proximate at least one corner.

43. The methodclaim 40, further including a plurality of feet on an outer surface of the cover.

44. The methodclaim 43, wherein the plurality of feet are made from the elastomeric material.

45. The methodclaim 43, wherein the outer face of the cover has a generally rectangular profile and the feet are provided proximate at least one cover.