WO1994007234A1

WO1994007234A1 - Clip-on computer pointing device

Info

Publication number: WO1994007234A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/008590
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric S. Brauel; Peter K. Toedter; Frederick J. Nemec; Feng-Shun Lin
Original assignee: Ast Research, Inc.
Priority date: 1992-09-18
Filing date: 1993-09-13
Publication date: 1994-03-31
Also published as: GB2285497A; CA2144638A1; GB9505257D0

Abstract

A clip-on pointing device (10) attaches to the front of a portable computer. The pointing device connects directly with circuitry internal to the computer by means of a connection port formed on the front of the computer. In one embodiment, the pointing device attaches to the computer by means of a mounting clip (140) which comprises a unitary sheet of metal. The mounting clip (140) includes a top arm (142) and a bottom arm (202) which provide a spring tension when flexed. The top arm (142) includes a gripping rail (144) which engages with a ridge on the frame of the computer. The bottom arm (202) includes a plurality of gripping tabs (210) which engage with slots (225) formed on the underside of the computer. The mounting clip (140) slides onto the front of the computer and snaps into place by virtue of the spring tension produced within the top and bottom arms of the mounting clip. Due to the thinness of the mounting clip (140), and the direct connection between the pointing device and the internal circuitry of the computer, the computer may be closed and carried without detaching the pointing device from the front of the computer.

Description

CLIP-ON COMPUTER POINTING DEVICE

Background of the Invention Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to peripheral pointin devices for computers, and more particularly to pointin devices which clip onto laptop and notebook computers.

Description of the Related Technology

Over the past several years peripheral pointing devices have become quite popular within the personal computing industry. The demand for these pointing devices has grown sharply, especially since the advent of Windows® software which uses pull down menus and icons that are especially compatible with pointing devices. This is because the pointing devices are typically much easier to use and much faster than input by means of a keyboard in Windows® software applications.

A number of different types of pointing devices have been developed recently to accommodate the growing demand for such devices. For example, one of the more common pointing devices is the conventional roller-ball mouse. A roller-ball mouse typically includes a small, partially-encased ball which is in frictional contact with a vertical rolling bar and a horizontal rolling bar. Thus, when a user moves the mouse while the roller-ball is in frictional contact with a flat surface, the vertical and horizontal bars rotate. Circuitry within the mouse detects the rotation of the vertical bar and the horizontal bar and converts this information into data capable of moving a cursor on the display screen of the personal computer. Typically, the mouse also includes one or more activation buttons whereby the user indicates that an activity is to be performed. Usually, this activity is associated with the position of the cursor on the display screen. Thus, a user is able to control the position of a cursor on the display screen and activate functions of the computer by means of a roller-ball mouse. Another popular pointing device is a trackball pointer. Trackball pointers work in a substantially similar manner to roller-ball mice, with the exception that the trackball is exposed on the top of trackball pointer devices so that a user can effect motion of the trackball by means of a finger or a thumb. Circuitry within the trackball pointer device detects the motion of the trackball and converts this information into data suitable to effect a corresponding motion of a cursor on a video display screen. Other pointing devices that may be used include an Isopoint pointer and a joystick pointer.

The above described devices constitute just a few examples of pointing devices found in the market today. With the advent of so-called "laptop", or "notebook" computers, a demand has arisen for smaller, more portable pointing devices which may be used in the kind of working environment that is typically associated with these portable computers. For example, laptop and notebook computers are often used during travel (e.g., on airplanes, trains, etc.) where often no flat surfaces are available or the surface area is too small to accommodate a computer and a conventional separate pointing device. In such situations it would be impractical to use a conventional roller-ball mouse. Also, because of the small workspace which is often afforded during travel, it is desirable to provide as small a computer as is feasible. Thus, laptop computers which employ Isopoint devices that are built into the computer chassis are often disadvantageous since this usually necessitates an increase in computer size. Finally, it is often inconvenient to have a pointing device which is loosely connected to the computer by means of a cable, especially in a small workspace. Thus, devices such as trackball and joystick pointers which are connected to the computer by means of a cable are also disadvantageous.

In order to respond to these problems with prior pointing devices, a number of manufacturers have designed and produced clip-on pointing devices which clip onto the side of a portable laptop or notebook computer. However, these devices have also been found to posses certain limitations. In particular, these devices still employ cables to connect th pointing device to a mouseport provided at the back of lapto and notebook computers. These cables are often inconvenien and may get caught on corners, be accidentally unplugged, etc. Furthermore, the positioning of the clip-on devices on th side of the computer, as opposed to the front of the computer, is often inconvenient. The connection of these clip-o pointing devices by means of a cable compounds this proble since an extra long cable would be required to connect a fron clip-on pointing device. Finally, a number of these device are not able to remain connected when the laptop computer i closed and carried. Thus, a further inconvenience i occasioned when the user must find a place to carry th detached pointing device. Due to the above stated disadvantages associated wit prior portable pointing devices, a need exists for a pointin device which is small, portable, and easy to use with portabl computers. Furthermore, a need exists for a pointing devic which does not significantly increase the size of a portabl computer and does not include loose articles such as connection cable. Finally, a need exists for a pointin device which may be attached to a portable computer even whe the computer is closed for carrying purposes.

Summary of the Invention One aspect of the present invention is a pointing devic for use with a computer system capable of providing a vide display. The computer system has a front, two sides, and back. The computer system is capable of receiving an processing data signals from the pointing device so as t effect motion of a visible object on the video display. Th pointing device comprises a motion input device which detect motion of at least a portion of the input device, and whic provides a motion output signal responsive to the amount an direction of the motion. A mounting grip removably attache the pointing device to the front of the computer. A firs connector is provided on the motion input device, and a secon connector is provided on the computer. The first connector engages the second connector whenever the motion input device is attached to the computer. The motion input device communicates the motion output signal to the computer via the engaged first and second connectors through the front of the computer when the motion input device is attached to the computer. Preferably, the mounting grip of the pointing device comprises a spring clip which includes a top arm having a gripping rail and a bottom arm having gripping tabs. Another aspect of the present invention is a portable computer system that comprises a portable computer having a front, a left side, a right side, and a back. The front of the computer has an input port that comprises a first connector mounted proximate to the front of the computer. The computer controls a video display. A removable peripheral pointing device attaches directly to the front of the portable computer. The peripheral pointing device has a second connector. The peripheral pointing device receives user input motion and outputs data responsive to the motion to the portable computer through the input port on the front of the portable computer from the second connector to the first connector. The portable computer is responsive to the data to effect motion of a visible object on the video display. Preferably, the first connector of the input port is positioned behind a door on the front of the computer. The door opens to expose the first connector to the second connector as the peripheral pointing device is being attached to the portable computer. The door closes to cover the first connector when the peripheral pointing device is detached from the portable computer.

A still further aspect of the present invention is a method of establishing electrical communication between a peripheral pointing device having internal circuitry and a notebook or a laptop computer having a frame and internal circuitry. The method comprises the steps of engaging the pointing device with the frame, and simultaneously establishing electrical communication between the circuitry in the pointing device and the circuitry within the computer vi a direct connection between a fixed connector on the pointin device and a fixed connector on the computer.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the mai internal elements of a pointing device and a computer.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the clip-o pointing device of the present invention as attached to portable laptop computer. Figure 3 is a perspective assembly view which shows th underside of the computer, and the pointing device a separated from the computer.

Figures 4A-4C are top plan, bottom plan, and sid elevational views respectively of a pointing devic constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presen invention.

Figure 5 is a partial cutaway perspective view of th pointing device immediately prior to connection with th computer. Figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views along th line 5A-5A in Figure 5 of the pointing device and compute just prior to connection, and after connection, respectively

Figure 6 is an exploded assembly view of the pointin device which clearly shows the major internal structura components of the pointing device.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 is a block diagram which shows the mai functional elements within a pointing device 10 and a compute 15. The pointing device 10 connects to the computer 15 via bidirectional bus 20. Mouse circuitry 30 within the pointin device 10 communicates with a keyboard controller 40 withi the computer 15 via the bus 20 and mouse interface circuitr 50. The mouse circuitry 30 within the pointing device 10 i conventional circuitry which is capable of detecting motio and providing a signal indicative of the.detected motion. Th keyboard controller 40 including the mouse interface circuitr 50 is also conventional, and may, for example, be a MIK controller provided by AST® Research Inc. , 16215 Alto Parkway, Irvine, CA, 92713.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of th present invention wherein a pointing device 10 attaches to front edge 102 of a laptop computer 15. The computer 1 includes a screen 115 and a keyboard 120. A frame 125, whic may comprise injection molded plastic, for example, surround the keyboard 120. The frame 125 includes a ridge 130 whic runs along the entire length of the front of the keyboard 120

The pointing device 10 includes a housing 132 and faceplate 134. The faceplate 134 attaches to the housing 13 by means of screws (shown in Figure 6) or the like. Th pointing device further includes a mounting clip 140. Th mounting clip 140 is positioned between the faceplate 134 an the main body of the pointing device 10 so that the faceplat 134 retains the mounting clip 140 when the faceplate 134 i securely attached (e.g., by means of screws) to the housin 132. The mounting clip 140 is advantageously constructed fro a durable, flexible material such as spring metal or hardene plastic. The flexible nature of the mounting clip 14 produces a spring tension which aids in securing the pointin device to the computer 15. A top arm 142 of the mounting cli 140 secures the pointing device 10 to the front 102 of th computer 15 by means of a gripping rail 144 (shown in mor detail in Figure 4C) which engages with the frame ridge 130 The mounting clip 140 also includes an underside havin additional gripping members which are not shown here but ar depicted in Figure 3 below.

In one embodiment, the pointing device 10 comprises trackball motion sensor 150, and left and right push button 160, 162. The trackball 150, along with its associate internal circuitry, may, for example, be a trackball senso assembly part number KGBCBA024A, available from ALPS®. I should be noted that, although the pointing device 10 is show and described hereafter as a trackball . pointing device, on skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of pointin devices may be implemented in accordance with the teachings o the present invention. For example, the pointing device 1 may comprise an Isopoint pointing device, a thumb-operated joystick pointing device, a touch-pad pointing device, etc.

The pointing device 10 is generally configured to res flush against the front edge 102 of the computer 15. Thus the side of the pointing device 10 which borders the compute 15 is approximately the same height as the edge 102. Rubbe pads (not shown) may be interposed between the front edge 10 of the computer 15 and the pointing device 10 to provid cushioning and to help insure proper spacing. The body of th pointing device 10 tapers away from the computer 15 (as show more clearly in Figure 4C below) so that a sloping top fac 165 of the pointing device is provided and an outer, expose edge 170 of the pointing device 10 is narrower than the fron edge 102 of the computer 15. The pointing device furthe includes an extending connection portion 175 which forms a electrical connection between the pointing device 10 an circuitry within the computer 15 as will be discussed i greater detail below.

Figure 3 is a perspective assembly view which shows th underside of the computer 15 and the pointing device 10 a separated from the computer 15. An upward-sloping botto surface 200 of the pointing device 10 is shown as well as bottom arm 202 of the mounting clip 140. The bottom arm 20 of the mounting clip 140 includes four gripping tabs 210 whic appear as small indentations in the bottom arm 202 of th mounting clip 140. Although the tabs 210 appear a indentations from the underside, the tabs 210 form raise portions on the opposite side of the bottom arm 202 of th mounting clip 140, as may be clearly seen from the side vie of Figure 4C below. The tabs 210 are configured to engag with four slots 225 formed on the bottom portion of a door 22 of a removable hard drive. In typical use, the slots 225 provide a griping mean which is adapted to receive the tips of a user's fingers. Thus, a user may grasp the bottom of the door 220 by means o the slots 225 and remove the door 220, thereby exposing portable hard drive (not shown) for removal. In accordanc with the teachings of the present invention, the pre-existin finger slots 225 serve a dual purpose. Namely, when th raised tabs 210 insert into, and engage with, the slots 225, the tabs 210 provide lateral stability so that the pointin device 10 is restricted from moving laterally (i.e., sideway across the front edge 102 of the computer 15) . In addition, the engagement of the tabs 210 with the slots 225 prevents th pointing device from slipping out of connection with th computer 15 upon application of a force (e.g., a slight bump) to the bottom of the pointing device 10. This is especiall advantageous in laptop computer applications where it i possible that the pointing device 10 will experience smal bumps or jars from a user's knees, etc.

Figure 3 also depicts a connection port 230. Th connection port 230 includes a spring-loaded swinging door 23 which swings open upon the application of pressure fro outside of the computer 15, and swings shut when no outsid pressure is applied. The pointing device 10 connects directl to the computer 15 through the connection port 230. Th extended connection portion 175 of the pointing device 1 extends over the port 230 and includes connection means (show in Figures 4A-4C below) which protrude into the connectio port 230 when the pointing device is mounted onto the front o the computer 15. Figures 4A-4C depict top, bottom, and side view respectively of the pointing device 10. The pointing devic 10 is shown to include four connecting terminals 300 which ar partially encased by a plastic sheath 305. The sheath 305 i integrally molded with the faceplate 134. The terminals 30 are electrically conductive and communicate with circuitr internal to the pointing device 10, as will be discussed i greater detail with reference to Figures 5, 5A, and 5B below. Figure 4C shows the main features of the mounting clip 140 in detail. The mounting clip 140 includes the raised tabs 120 as well as the gripping rail 144 which fits over the top of" the frame 125 (Figure 2) and engages with the ridge 130 to support the pointing device 10. As will be shown more fully below, the mounting clip 140 is advantageously formed from a single piece of flexible material, such as spring metal.

A significant advantage results from forming the mounting clip out of a single sheet of metal. Namely, a spring tension is produced when the top and bottom arms 142, 202 of the mounting clip 140 are flexed outward. The mounting clip 140 is advantageously constructed so that the distance, D, between the top arm 142 and the bottom arm 202 of the mounting clip 140 is slightly less than the thickness of the front edge of the computer 15 when the clip 140 is in an unflexed state. Thus, when the user slides the pointing device 10 onto the front edge 102 of the computer 15, so that the rail 144 hooks over the ridge 130 (Figure 2) and the tabs 210 are aligned with the slots 225 (Figure 3), the top and bottom arms 142, 202 of the clip 140 flex outward. The outward flexing of the top and bottom arms 142, 202 produces a spring tension which causes the tabs 210 to snap into place within the slots 225. This spring tension provides a significant aid in securing the pointing device 10 to the computer 15. It should be noted that, although the gripping means provided on the bottom arm 202 of the mounting clip 140 is shown and described as the tabs 210 in one advantageous embodiment, other gripping means, such as a rubber pad, may also be provided on the bottom arm 202 of the mounting clip 140, as called for by the particular application.

Figures 5, 5A, and 5B illustrate the structure and method used to electrically connect the pointing device 10 to the front of the computer 15. Figure 5 is a perspective cutaway view which shows the pointing device 10, having the connection terminals 300, just prior to connection with the computer 15. In order to electrically connect the pointing device 10 to the computer 15, the user aligns the pointing device 10 so that the pointing device is approximately parallel to the front edge 102 of the computer 15 and the connecting terminals 300 are proximate to the door 235. The user then pushes the pointing device 10 towards the computer 15, making sure that the top arm 142 of the mounting clip 140 grazes the top of the front edge 102, so that the terminals 300 enter the computer 15 through the connection port 230.

Inside the computer 15, four conductive spring contacts 400 (shown in phantom in Figure 5) receive the terminals 300 so that an electrically conductive path is established between each of the terminals 300 and each of the contacts 400. The contacts 400 are slightly bent so as to provide a spring action which insures a good conductive contact between the terminals 300 and the contacts 400. The process of inserting the terminals 300 into the connection port 230 so that the terminals make good conductive contact with the contacts 400 is illustrated more clearly in Figures 5A and 5B.

Figures 5A and 5B are side cross-sectional views taken along the line 5A-5A before and after insertion of the terminals 300 respectively. As shown in Figure 5A, prior to insertion of the terminals 300 the door 235 is held in a closed position by a spring 402 and the contacts 400 are not flexed. When the user inserts the terminals 300, the terminals 300 push against the outside of the door 235 thereby forcing the door 235 open. The terminals 300 then make contact with the contacts 400 so that the contacts 400 bend backward as the user continues to apply pressure. The bending of the contacts 400 creates a spring action which produces a better conductive connection between the terminals 300 and the contacts 400. It will be understood that the horizontal spacing between the terminals 300 is substantially equal to the horizontal spacing between the contacts 400 so that each terminal 300 will line up with one of the contacts 400 upon insertion of the terminals 300 into the port 230. When the top and bottom arms 142, 202 of the mounting clip 140 snap into place, the pointing device is securely held in place so that the user may release the pointing device 10. Thus, the terminals 300 of the pointing device 10 remain in firm, conductive communication with the contacts 400 within the computer 15.

The contacts 400 connect to a printed circuit board 410 (shown in phantom in Figure 5) which, among other things, provides a conductive path between the contacts 400 and a flex cable 420 via a conductive junction 425 (also shown in phantom) . The flex cable 420 extends within the computer to internal circuitry used to process mouse input data. This circuitry may, for example, be a keyboard controller (not shown) . Thus, by means of the present invention, a direct, internal connection provides communication between the pointing device 10 and the internal circuitry of the computer 15. This is a marked advantage over prior clip-on pointing devices which typically require external connection via a cable that extends to the external mouseport at the rear of a laptop computer. In addition, the present invention provides the further advantage that, due to the minimal thickness of the mounting clip 140 and the lack of an external connection cable, the user may close and carry the computer 15 without detaching the pointing device 10.

With respect to the manner and format of data transmission from the pointing device 10 to the computer 15, the communication between the pointing device 10 and the computer 15 is essentially the same as if the pointing device had been connected by means of a conventional serial mouseport. The only significant difference between the two connection schemes is that data is transmitted to the keyboard controller within the computer 15 by means of the flex cable 420 instead of by means of four connection pins in a conventional PS/2 mouseport interface (not shown) .

Figure 6 is an exploded assembly view which shows the main internal components of the pointing device 10 and their manner of interconnection. The pointing device 10 is shown to include a complete trackball motion sensor assembly 500 which includes the trackball sensor assembly 150, the buttons 160, and detector and processing circuitry (not shown) associated with detecting and transmitting trackball motion data. A stated above, the trackball sensor assembly 150 is availabl from ALPS. Preferably, the detector and processing circuitr (not shown) includes a P/S 2 interface chip, available fro ALPS® as part number KP2AC0111A, and other support circuitr specified by ALPS to convert the trackball motion int conventional P/S 2 compatible trackball (i.e., mouse) signals. The complete trackball assembly 500 fits within the housin 132. The housing 132 has apertures 505 for receiving th buttons 160 and a hole 508 for receiving the moveable portio of the trackball assembly 150.

The circuitry within the complete trackball assembly 50 communicates with the terminals 300 via a flex cable 510 an a terminal connector 512 which fits over the inside ends o the terminals 300. Of course, the terminals 300 may connec with the flex cable 510 by some other method such as direc soldering, etc. The terminals 300 are mounted onto a smal circuit board 515 which connects to the faceplate 134 by mean of screws 518. The faceplate 134 includes a plurality of features which, in one embodiment, are integrally formed with the faceplat 134. The mounting clip 140 is specially formed to accommodat the features of the faceplate 134. As can be clearly see from Figures 6 and 4C, the mounting clip 140 comprises unitary strip which includes a plurality of apertures, and i bent to have a generally U-shaped cross-section.

As shown in Figure 6, the mounting clip 140 includes plurality of openings 520 (six in one embodiment) whic receive an equal number of hooks 522 formed on the inside o the faceplate 134. The mounting clip 140 also includes a pai of apertures 530 which receive a pair of spring tabs 532 formed within the faceplate 134. The hooks 522 and the sprin tabs 532 hold the mounting clip 140 in place on the faceplat 134 and prevent the mounting clip 140 from sliding to the lef or the right.

When attaching the mounting clip 140 to the faceplat 134, an assembler simply overlays the mounting clip 140 ont the inside surface of the faceplate 134 so that the hooks 522 pass through the openings 520, and slides the mounting cli 140 to the left (with respect to the view depicted in Figur 6) . The spring tabs 532 have a generally sawtoot cross-section (i.e., they have a sloping surface which drop suddenly to form a steep side) . As the assembler slides th mounting clip 140 to the left, the mounting clip 140 coast across the sloping surface of each of the spring tabs 532. The spring tabs 532 are flexible so that they are able t depress beneath the inside surface of the faceplate 134 as th assembler slides the mounting clip 140 over the smoot surfaces of the tabs 532. Thus, the assembler is not hindere as the mounting clip slides to the left. As soon as th apertures 530 align completely with the spring tabs 532, however, the mounting clip 140 no longer applies pressure t the sloping surface of the spring tabs 532 so that the sprin tabs 532 pop up through the apertures 530. The mounting cli 140 is thereafter unable to slide to the right since the stee side of each of the spring tabs 532 hinders any motion to th right unless the spring tabs 532 are depressed beneath th inside surface of the faceplate 134 again. Similarly, th hooks 522 prevent the mounting clip 140 from sliding an further to the left so that the mounting clip 140 is horizontally immobilized. Both the spring tabs 532 and th hooks 522 prevent the mounting clip 140 from sliding vertically.

A pair of support members 540 formed on the faceplate 134 protrude through holes formed within the mounting clip 140. The support members 540 serve as physical supports which slide under the complete trackball assembly 500 when the pointin device 10 is fully assembled. The support members 540 pus against the bottom of the complete trackball assembly 500 so that the trackball 150 and the buttons 160 do not descend into the housing 132 when the user applies pressure to the trackball 150 or to the buttons 160.

The mounting clip 140 also includes upper flanges 550 and lower flanges 555. In one embodiment, a pair of upper flanges 550 are formed slightly below the top corner of the mounting clip 140, and a pair of lower flanges 555 are formed slightly above the bottom corner of the mounting clip 140. The flanges 550, 555 insert into the housing 132 and give additional vertical stability to the mounting clip 140.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other modifications and adaptations of the mounting clip may be made to accommodate the features of the faceplate 134. For example, the edges of the mounting clip 140 may be trimmed to fit around raised areas on the faceplate 134, as shown in Figure 6.

When assembling the pointing device 10, an assembler first attaches the complete trackball assembly 500 to the faceplate 134 by screwing the circuit board 515 onto the faceplate 134 using the screws 518. The assembler then inserts the complete trackball assembly 500 into the housing 132 so that the trackball 150 and the buttons 160 protrude through the holes 505, 508. The assembler then pushes the faceplate 134 against the housing 132 so that a pair of spacing through-holes 560, which receive screws 570, line up with a pair of receiving mounts 580 inside of the housing 132. In one embodiment, the mounts 580 are integrally formed with the housing 132 and include threaded brass inserts (not shown) for receiving the screws 570. The assembler simply inserts the screws 570 to complete the assembly process.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. For example, the pointing device 10 may comprise an Isopoint pointer, a joystick pointer, a touchpad pointer, etc. In addition, the gripping means provided by the spring tension of the mounting clip 140 and the tabs 210 may instead be provided by rubber pads on the top and bottom arms 142, 202 of the mounting clip 140 and an adjustable vice or clamping mechanism. Furthermore, the overall shape of the pointing device 10 may be altered as called for by the specific application. For instance, the pointing device 10 may be extended on either side to provide a suitable palm rest. These and other obvious modifications to the inventio may be contemplated by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above specification is to be considered as merel illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the inventio should instead be understood as defined by the appende claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM :

1. A pointing device for use with a computer system capable of providing a video display, said computer system having a front, two sides, and a back, said computer system further being capable of receiving and processing data signals from said pointing device so as to effect motion of a visible object on said video display, said pointing device comprising: a motion input device which detects motion of at least a portion of said input device and which provides a motion output signal responsive to the amount and direction of said motion; a mounting grip which removably attaches said pointing device to said front of said computer; and a first connector on said motion input device and a second connector on said computer, said first connector engaging said second connector whenever said motion input device is attached to said computer, said motion input device communicating said motion output signal to said computer via said engaged first and second connectors through said front of said computer when said motion input device is attached to said computer.

2. A pointing device as defined in Claim 1, wherein said mounting grip comprises a spring clip.

3. A pointing device as defined in Claim 2, wherein said spring clip includes a top arm having a gripping rail and a bottom arm having gripping tabs.

4. A portable computer system comprising: a portable computer having a front, a left side, a right side, and a back, said front of said computer having an input port comprising a first connector mounted proximate to said front of said computer, said computer controlling a video display; and a removable peripheral pointing device which attaches directly to the front of said portable computer, said peripheral pointing device having a second connector, said peripheral pointing device receiving user input motion and outputting data responsive to said motion to said portable computer through said input port on said front of said portable computer from said second connector to said first connector, said portable computer responsive to said data to effect motion of a visible object on said video display.

5. A computer system as defined in Claim 4, wherein said first connector of said input port is positioned behind a door on said front of said computer, said door opening to expose said first connector to said second connector as said peripheral pointing device is being attached to said portable computer, said door closing to cover said first connector when said peripheral pointing device is detached from said portable computer.

6. A method of establishing electrical communication between a peripheral pointing device having internal circuitry and a notebook or a laptop computer having a frame and internal circuitry, said method comprising the step of: engaging said pointing device with said frame; and simultaneously establishing electrical communication between said circuitry in said pointing device and said circuitry within said computer via a direct connection between a fixed connector on said pointing device and a fixed connector on said computer.