Modular data device

Abstract

The system includes a modem unit with a standardized form factor and standardized connector. The modem unit can be connected to a phone shell personal digital assistant and for other data units. Connected to the phone shell, the modem unit transmits voice data. Connected to the personal digital assistant or other data device, the modem unit transfers data. By having a modem unit that can usable both for voice and data, a single cellular transceiver can be used for both voice and data without requiring a wired connector. Additionally the standardized form factor and connector allows a second modem unit, having a second type of cellular connection, to be used in place of the first modem unit. The other type of cellular connection can be a different communication standard.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system comprising: 
 modem unit having a predetermined form factor, the modem unit having a standardized connector and adapted to provide a connection to a cellular network; and    a phone shell unit connectable to the modem unit including a speaker and a microphone, the phone shell unit connectable to phone shell using a standardized connector, the phone shell unit not having a cellular transceiver but adapted to use a cellular transceiver in the modem unit; wherein the modem unit is removable from the phone shell and adapted to be connected to another unit for data transfer.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the another unit is a personal digital assistant.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the another unit is a personal computer.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the phone shell unit is connectable to a modem unit of a second type to provide a second type of cellular connection.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the modem unit includes a data control status line.  
     
     
         6 . The modem of  claim 1  wherein the modem unit includes a microphone port and a speaker port.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the phone shell includes a keypad and display.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the modem unit has standardized data and voice connections in the connector.  
     
     
         9 . A system comprising: 
 a modem unit of a first type having a predetermined form factor, the modem unit having a standardized connector and adapted to provide a first type of connection to a cellular network; and    a phone shell unit connectable to the modem unit including a speaker and a microphone, the phone shell unit connectable to phone shell using a standardized connector, the phone shell unit not having a cellular transceiver but adapted to use a cellular transceiver in the modem unit; wherein the modem unit is removable from the phone shell and phone shell unit is connectable to a modem unit of a second type to provide a second type of cellular connection.    
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the modem unit is adapted to be connected to another unit for data transfer.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the another unit is a personal digital assistant.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the another unit is a personal computer.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the first type of cellular connection is a U.S. standard cellular connection and the second type of cellular connection is a European standard cellular connection.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the first type of cellular connection is a CDMA cellular connection.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the phone shell includes a keypad and display.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the connectors have standardized connectors for voice and data.