Patent ID: 8624844
Filing Date: 2014-01-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A portable computer configurable between a plurality of display modes including a laptop mode and an easel mode wherein transitions between the plurality of display modes allows an operator to interact with a single display screen in each of the plurality of display modes, the portable computer comprising: a base including a keyboard; a main display component rotatably coupled to the base such that the main display component and the base are rotatable with respect to one another about a longitudinal axis running along an interface between the main display component and the base to transition between at least the laptop mode and the easel mode, the main display component including the single display screen, wherein the transition between the laptop mode and the easel mode allows the operator to operate the portable computer while viewing the single display screen in each of the plurality of display modes, wherein the laptop mode is configured to display to a user on the main display component a first content mode having a first content display orientation with the main display component oriented towards the user and the keyboard oriented to receive input from the user; the easel mode is configured to display to the user on the main display component a second content mode having a second content display orientation with the main display component oriented towards the user and the keyboard oriented away from the user, wherein the first and second content display orientations are 180 degrees relative to each other, and wherein the portable computer is operable in the easel mode to enable the user to interact with displayed content without interacting with the keyboard; and a navigation control disposed at least partially within the base and rotatable about the longitudinal axis, the navigation control configured to permit a user to control at least one of operating parameters of the portable computer and content displayed on the single display screen wherein the plurality of modes includes a frame in which the main display component is oriented towards the operator, the base contacts a substantially horizontal surface, and the keyboard faces the substantially horizontal surface.