Patent ID: 6262881
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A notebook computer, comprising:a base having an upper surface, a front edge, a rear edge, two side edges, a longitudinal axis from the front edge to the rear edge, and a lateral axis between the two side edges, the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to the lateral axis;a display having a hinge pivotally mounted adjacent to the rear edge of the base, the display being movable about the hinge between open and closed positions relative to the base, and having a conventional aspect ratio of approximately 4 to 3;a keyboard on the upper surface of the base and having a plurality of keys arranged in a generally rectangular configuration with a front edge row of keys, a rear edge row of keys and two side edge rows of keys, the keyboard also having an approximately equal amount of surface area as the display; whereineach of the front edge and side edge rows of keys are substantially flush with the front edge and side edges of the base, respectively, and the rear edge row of keys is substantially flush with the hinge of the display, such that the upper surface of the base is substantially void of any unused surface area; and whereinwhen the display is in the closed position, the keyboard has an aspect ratio which is substantially equal to the aspect ratio of the display, and when the computer is in operation, the keyboard has an aspect ratio which is substantially larger than the aspect ratio of the display; anda support foot mounted to the base such that, when the computer is in operation, the support foot extends rearward of the rear edge of the base and the hinge of the display, wherein the support foot comprises a platform integrally formed with and extending continuously from the base.