Content access from a communications network using a handheld computer system and method

Abstract

A handheld computer including a wireless communications link with a wireless server is disclosed. The wireless communications link allows browsing of information provided through the wireless server which is coupled to a communications network. A user of the handheld computer may generate a request for content, for example, by selecting a link to content. The request is communicated to the wireless server which requests the content from the content source. When the content is received by the wireless server, a plug-in mechanism or other type of software program is used to convert the particular content type into a format easily communicated and used by the handheld computer. The handheld computer receives the formatted content, and using a compatible plug-in mechanism or software program, is able to display content using the handheld computer.

1 . A handheld computer system to access content for a user, comprising:
 a handheld computer capable of transmitting a request for content and lacking the capability to access the content in an unformatted form;   a first server with formatting capability to format the content of the request, the server being configured to send the formatted request to a source of the content;   a second server in communication with the first server over a communication link, the second server being a source for the content requested by the handheld computer;   the first server further having formatting capability and configured to format the content requested into a form for delivery to the handheld computer;   the handheld computer configured to receive the requested formatted content, from the first server and to provide access to the content by the user of the handheld computer.