Hand-held computer and communications apparatus

Abstract

Combined computer and communications apparatus is described which is constructed with a two-part casing, the parts ( 1, 2 ) being hinged together. When folded together, the entire unit can act like a mobile phone (FIG. 1 ) and when unfolded (FIG. 2 ) a keyboard ( 5 ) Is exposed enabling it to act as a palmtop computer. In accordance with the invention, the keyboard ( 5 ) is folded about a line running substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rows of keys. One casing portion ( 1 ) may have a window ( 4 ) through which a screen ( 3 ) mounted on the other casing portion ( 2 ) may be viewed when the unit is folded.

1 . Combined computer and communications apparatus including a casing having two portions hinged to one another and foldable from a closed folded condition to an open generally flat condition, a planar foldable keyboard and a display screen, both accessible when the casing is in the opened condition, the keys on the keyboard being arranged in rows running in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of hinging between the two portions of the casing.  
     
     
         2 . A palmtop computer apparatus including a display screen and a foldable landscape format keyboard, both mounted in a two-part foldable casing, wherein the hinge axes about which the parts of the casing and the keyboard fold are substantially perpendicular to the direction of rows of keys on the keyboard.  
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the two portions of the casing are of substantially equal size.  
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one portion of the casing includes an antenna slidable between a retracted and an extended position in a direction parallel to the axis of hinging.  
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and having on the outside of one portion of the casing when in closed folded condition a plurality of actuation buttons enabling the apparatus to be used as a mobile telephone.  
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to any one of the preceding 
 STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 
   claim 2  has been reworded to clarify the distinction between the dissected keyboards disclosed in the prior art and the foldable keyboard used in the present invention. The description at page 3, lines 23-29 will need to be amended to match. EP-A-0005661 will need to be acknowledged in the description.