Patent ID: 7724235
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A portable computer comprising: a processor; a housing including a front panel on which a platform is provided; a plurality of contacts provided on the platform; and a multi-directional input mechanism comprising a plurality of components, wherein the multi-directional input mechanism is configured to be engaged with the housing so as to be slideably re-insertable into an operative position and slideably removable from engagement with the housing; wherein (i) when in the operative position with respect to the platform, each of the plurality of components overlays at least one of the plurality of contacts, and (ii) when each component in the plurality of components is pressed, the one or more contacts, that the component overlays, signal a corresponding input that is received by the processor; wherein the plurality of contacts include at least a set of four contacts distributed on the platform, wherein the set is distributed linearly in a first direction extending across the platform.