Patent ID: 6494762
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: A63H

Abstract:
A portable computer configured to be coupled to receive a subscription service, comprising:a processor; data communications apparatus, coupled to the processor, the data communications apparatus being configured to establish a connection with at least one subscription service; means for transferring data to the subscription service to identify the portable computer to the subscription service; means for registering the portable computer to receive at least one subscription from the at least one subscription service; a memory, coupled to the processor and the data communications apparatus, the memory being configured to automatically receive at least one application of a plurality of applications, determined by the at least one subscription service, the at least one application including base program code and periodic updates thereto for the at least one subscription registered to the portable computer; and actuator means, coupled to the processor; wherein the processor is configured to execute the at least one application from the memory, responsive to the actuator means, independently of the subscription service.