Abstract:
A portable, lightweight, robust computer composed of a monitor/keyboard module and a CPU module which can be separated from each other and selectively recombined is presented. Both modules individually and jointly can fit into most overhead compartments on today&#39;s major airlines, and the combined unit can easily be secured in and removed from a standard bay in a nineteen inch rack-mount cabinet. A dual track system allows the portable computer to be compact yet able to provide for the uncomplicated insertion and removal of six standard commercial off-the-shelf computer data storage devices. The monitor/keyboard module includes a detachable keyboard and touchpad mouse which can be repositioned as the user desires, and it includes a monitor which is manually rotatable from an upright position to a compact position in which it covers the keyboard. The monitor can be locked in its compact position to ensure safe transport of the monitor/keyboard module and to prevent anyone from easily typing or from viewing the monitor while the user is absent. Power and data communications cables are removably attached to a connector panel located on one side of the CPU module so that common computer data storage devices may be connected and disconnected exteriorly to the CPU module.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to electronic information equipment and more specifically to a portable computer having a novel monitor/keyboard module and a novel CPU module.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    Numerous apparatuses have been devised for providing portable computers with adjustable keyboard and display units. Some of the most significant advances in the art have centered around the development of computers having modular, configurable subcomponents. However, none of the references herein described presents a portable computer including a monitor and keyboard module reversibly attachable to a separate CPU module in which the internal layout of the CPU housing is specially arranged so as to provide sufficient room for the placement of a sliding track assembly system for holding up to six computer data storage devices therein. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,740, issued to Cox, presents a housing and stowage mechanism for a terminal keyboard and data display. This invention includes a rectangular housing mounted vertically on a wall having a front face hinged along the lower edge for opening to a horizontal position. A keyboard is mounted on the upper portion of the housing face interiorly of the housing, and a display panel is pivotally suspended from the lower edge of the keyboard. U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,419, issued to Mitchell et al., discloses a mechanism for adjusting the height and viewing angle of a flat panel display which is viewed in conjunction with a portable personal computer. The mechanism includes a pair of arms that swing the display panel between the lowered and raised position, cooperating with a cam wheel moveable in a cam track.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,812, issued to Holmberg, discloses a portable data system which includes a bottom plate and a lid. The bottom plate carriers a PC-computer having a keyboard and a pivotal presentation screen which in its lowered position forms part of the upper surface of the computer. The system also includes a voltage source for powering the computer and the screen. Two parallel-arm mechanisms arranged on each side of the computer enable a carrier plate with printer to move away from the computer and partially into a raised lid.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,676, issued to Nomura et. al., discusses an electronic apparatus with keyboard, including a portable personal computer in which the keyboard can be stored in a case in an upright position in such a manner that it is surface mounted with the keys facing toward the inside.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,858, issued to Kawamoto et al., discloses a computer assembly constructed to accommodate a keyboard sandwiched between a main body and a display. The keyboard is provided separably from the main body. The display is attached to the main body by a supporting device at a position where the display face is movable to a predetermined position.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,646,820, issued to Honda et al., discusses a portable computer having a box-like case with a front wall and an upper wall continuous with the front wall. A keyboard is arranged on the upper wall of the case, and a display unit is supported by the case. The display unit is rotatable between a first position wherein the display unit covers the keyboard and a second position wherein the display unit exposes the keyboard.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,167, issued to Lee, discusses a portable notebook computer having an ergonomically designed keyboard made up of two rotatably separable keyboard sections. Upon opening up the lid of the notebook computer, the user may manually rotate the keyboard sections apart to a desired angle.  
           [0010]    U.S. Design Pat. No. 306,433, issued to Mitchell, shows a laptop computer. U.S. Design Pat. No. 294,029, issued to Nishiyama et al., illustrates a portable computer. And finally, U.S. Design Pat. No. 317,302, issued to Shibuya et al., illustrates a portable computer.  
           [0011]    None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a portable computer with modular assemblies, including a novel monitor/keyboard module and a novel CPU module solving the aforementioned problems is desired.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    The principal object of the present invention includes a portable computer which is comprised of a CPU module and a monitor/keyboard module which can be separated from and then recombined with the CPU module. The monitor/keyboard module is detachably connected to the CPU module by means of tabs which extend rearwardly from its base and engage slots located on one side panel of the CPU module, and is secured by thumb screws located at the front corners of monitor/keyboard module which engage threaded holes located on the aforementioned side panel of the CPU module.  
           [0013]    The monitor/keyboard module can be mounted to the CPU module in two discrete configurations. This feature allows the user the freedom to decide which position suits his needs best. An innovation of the invention is that the portable computer fits into a “6U” bay in an industry-standard nineteen inch rack-mount cabinet when the monitor/keyboard module is attached to the CPU module in the same direction as the data storage drives so that the monitor, keyboard, and data storage drives are easily assessable from the front side of the rack-mount cabinet. This invention presents a unique solution to a long felt need in that there are at present no computer servers or workstations that can be used at the desktop, in a rack-mount cabinet, and then transported with ease on today&#39;s airlines.  
           [0014]    In order for the portable computer to be easily transportable, the monitor/keyboard module as well as the CPU module must be lightweight, sturdy, and compact. Both modules may be compactly stored for transport, e.g., in knapsack or other carry-on luggage, and either separably or jointly can fit into most overhead compartments on today&#39;s common airlines.  
           [0015]    Yet still another object of the invention is to provide a monitor/keyboard module that can be used with any standard PC workstation or server. The monitor/keyboard module principally includes a thin flat panel LCD, an AC adapter used to provide power to the LCD, and a keyboard with serial and PS2 connectors. The keyboard may include a touchpad mouse.  
           [0016]    The keyboard with touchpad mouse can be detached from and then recombined with the monitor/keyboard module so that the user can reposition the keyboard with touchpad in any desired way.  
           [0017]    Additionally, it should be understood that the keyboard with touchpad mouse can be ported to and used by any other computer system that requires a similar keyboard and mouse.  
           [0018]    Yet still another object of the invention is to provide a monitor/keyboard module which includes a cable storage compartment and a disk drive storage compartment.  
           [0019]    Yet still another object of the invention is to provide a monitor/keyboard module which includes a monitor which is manually rotatable from an upright position to a compact position in which it covers the keyboard. The two points of rotation allow the monitor to frictionally rotate anywhere between 0 and 270 degrees from its compact/portable position. The monitor arm has a locking device which serves two purposes: (1) secure transport of the monitor/keyboard module in compact form, and (2) while the computer system is running a program, the user can lock the monitor arm so that no one can easily type on the keyboard or view the contents on the monitor.  
           [0020]    The invention provides an important advantage in that the internal layout of its associated CPU module is designed to provide for the maximum efficient utilization of space, allowing for an open architecture design which allows user-friendly upgrades and the uncomplicated insertion and removal of standard commercial off-the-shelf personal computer components. Because one side panel can easily be removed and reattached, the main circuit board, cpu, system memory, computer expansion cards, power supply, and any other computer components internal to the CPU module can easily be upgraded by the end-user as desired.  
           [0021]    A critically important part of the invention includes a dual track system which allows the portable computer to be compact yet able to provide for the uncomplicated insertion and removal of a plurality of standard commercial off-the-shelf computer data storage devices. Pairs of mirrored flanges form tracks which are stacked vertically in two separate columns to form an array of bays called the dual track system. The user attaches each computer data storage drive to a pair of rails, thereafter slidably inserting the resulting combination through mating tracks. Computer data storage drives can be secured in and removed from the tracks of the dual track system without using a screwdriver. Furthermore, the mirrored flanges which form the tracks contribute to the overall strength of the CPU module and permit the dual track system to be made of a very thin and lightweight metal.  
           [0022]    Yet it is still another object of the invention to provide a CPU module in which the internal ambient air remains at or near room temperature during operation. Ventilation holes and fans strategically placed within the CPU module help to accomplish this task.  
           [0023]    Power cables and data communications cables for IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) and SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) computer data storage devices are removably attached to a connector panel located on one side of the CPU module so that common IDE and SCSI computer data storage devices may be connected and disconnected from the CPU module without opening any exterior side panels of the CPU module. The power and data communications cables may also be used to supply power and data communications to the optional disk drive housed in the monitor/keyboard module.  
           [0024]    The modular architecture of the portable computer would permit: (1) the user to travel from a home base carrying with him the CPU module with or without the monitor/keyboard module, (2) attach the CPU module to a compatible monitor/keyboard module at his destination, (3) use power and data communications cables to transfer data between data storage drives located inside and outside the CPU module, (4) disconnect and detach monitor/keyboard module from the CPU module, and (5) transport CPU module back to his home base. Capabilities of step three may be extended to include the ability to be used in extracting, copying, and imaging data as well as searching, retrieving, and sorting data from many types of existing computer data storage.  
           [0025]    Yet still another object of the invention is to provide CPU module which houses a removable hard drive tray which is accessible from the side of the CPU module opposing the dual track system. Two common 2.5″ notebook hard drives or one common 3.5″ hard drive can be removably installed in this hard drive tray.  
           [0026]    It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangement thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.  
           [0027]    These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specifications and drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]    The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1A is a front angular perspective view of the monitor/keyboard module in a state wherein the monitor is pivoted to a ninety degree position.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 1B is a back angular perspective view of the monitor/keyboard module in a state wherein the monitor is pivoted to a ninety degree position.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 1C is a second back angular perspective view of the monitor/keyboard module in a state wherein the monitor is pivoted to a ninety degree position.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 2 is a top view of the monitor/keyboard module showing the monitor/keyboard module according to the invention with the upper wall of the housing removed.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of the monitor/keyboard module according to the invention with a side wall removed.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3A is a detailed configuration view of the apparatus which secures the monitor to the monitor/keyboard module.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 is a top view of a second embodiment of the monitor/keyboard module with the keyboard detached from the module.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4A is a side view of a FIG. 4 with the keyboard secured in the base of the module.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the monitor/keyboard module attached to the CPU module to form a portable PC according to the invention which is ready for transport.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a portable computer according to the invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a portable computer according to the invention.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a portable computer according to the invention which is ready to be rack-mounted.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a dual track system for mounting disk drives in a portable computer according to the invention.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 8 is a second perspective view of a dual track system for mounting disk drives in a portable computer according to the invention.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a decorative cover which removably attaches to the front side of the dual track system according to the invention.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connector panel and cables according to the invention.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 11A is a side perspective view of the CPU module according to the invention.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 11B is detailed side view of the removable input/output bracket according to the invention.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 11C is a detailed side view of the removable power supply mounting bracket according to the invention.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a removable hard drive tray according to the invention.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing of the internal layout of the CPU module of a portable computer according to the invention.  
         [0050]    Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0051]    The present invention is directed to a portable computer having a monitor/keyboard module and a CPU module, the monitor/keyboard module being detachably connected to the CPU module. The preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS.  1 - 13  and is generally referenced by the numeral  10 .  
         [0052]    Referring now generally to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS.  1 A- 1 C, it can be seen that the monitor/keyboard module  20  principally includes a thin flat panel LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor  21 , keyboard  22 , and module base  24  for a portable desktop computer that can be separated from, and then recombined with, either the same or a different CPU module  100  so that the monitor/keyboard module  20  may be compactly stored for transport, e.g., in a knapsack or other carry-on luggage during airline travel, and connected to the same or a different CPU module  100  at the traveler&#39;s destination.  
         [0053]    In the preferred embodiment, the module base  24  is made from a plastic material and defines a plurality of compartments, as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows base  24  with the top of the base housing removed to show the internal layout of base  24 . As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the module base  24  has a flat horizontal bottom wall  32 , side walls  33 , a rear wall  34 , and a pair of keyboard retainer tabs  46  at the front corners of the base  24 . Divider walls define a keyboard compartment  40  towards the front of the base  24 , a user assessable cable storage compartment  48  in the rear of the keyboard compartment  40 , a disk drive storage compartment  38  for an optional disk drive  39 , a storage compartment  25  for AC adapter  26  which supplies power to the monitor  21 .  
         [0054]    The keyboard compartment  40  is defined by divider sidewalls  41 , an inner divider wall  42  which runs parallel to bottom wall  32 , and a central retaining tab  43  which sticks out perpendicular to inner divider wall  42 . The compartment  40  is dimensioned for receiving an elevated keyboard  22 . The keyboard cable  23  is normally disposed in cable storage compartment  48  for safe and secure storage and/or transport of the monitor/keyboard module  20 . Cable storage compartment  48  has sufficient room to store AC adapter cable  28 , a video cable for connecting the monitor  21  to the CPU module, a power cord for connecting the AC adapter  26  to an electrical outlet, and a power cord for connecting the power supply  146  of CPU module  100  to an electrical outlet. The keyboard cable  23  extends within compartment  48  and through a hole in divider wall  49  which runs perpendicular to inner divider wall  42 , then the keyboard cable  23  continues through a narrow passageway within the monitor support structure  70  and may be pulled out through port  35  in the center of rear wall  34  of base  24  for connection to the CPU module  100 . In preparation for storage and transport of the monitor/keyboard module  20 , the keyboard cable  23  can be retracted through port  35  and the hole in divider wall  49  by pulling on the keyboard cable  23  from within storage compartment  48 .  
         [0055]    The keyboard  22  may be removably installed in keyboard compartment  40  by sliding the front edge of the keyboard  22  against keyboard retainer tabs  46  and releasing the back edge of the keyboard so that it rests in front of the central retaining tab  43 . The keyboard is retained in the keyboard compartment  40  by the retainer tabs  46  in conjunction with a cable storage compartment cover  44  which rotates between an open position for access to the cable storage compartment  48  and a closed position shown in phantom in FIG. 3. Cable storage compartment cover  44  has a depending flange  45  which engages central retaining tab  43  in a snap fastener fashion to retain the cover  44  in the closed position, and a lip and tab  44 A which overlays the rear of the keyboard  22  to retain the keyboard  22  in compartment  40 .  
         [0056]    Disk drive storage compartment  38  is provided so that an optional disk drive  39  may be housed in the base module  24 . AC adapter  26  is provided for supplying power to the monitor  21 . A three prong connector  27  is available on a sidewall  33  of base  24  for receiving a power cord to connect the AC adapter  26  to an electrical outlet. Referring to FIG. 2, AC adapter cable  28  is pre-installed so that it extends between four standoffs  71  which attach the monitor support structure  70  to bottom wall  32 , and then through a hole in divider wall  49  so that the majority of the length of AC adapter cable  28  can be stored within the user accessible cable storage compartment  48 . From within compartment  48 , AC adapter cable  28  follows the same passageway as the keyboard cable  23 . AC adapter cable  28  extends within compartment  48  and through a hole in divider wall  49  which runs perpendicular to inner divider wall  42 , then it continues through a narrow passageway within the monitor support structure  70  and may be pulled out through port  35  in the center of rear wall  34  of base  24  for connection to the monitor  21 . In preparation for storage and transport of the monitor/keyboard module  20 , AC adapter cable  28  can be retracted through port  35  and the hole in divider wall  49  by pulling on cable  28  from within storage compartment  48 .  
         [0057]    Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3A, the monitor arm  74  pivotally rotates around shaft  79 A. Shaft  79 A passes through hole  72 A in monitor support structure  70 , through cylinder  73 A in the lower portion of monitor arm  74 , and out through opposing hole  72 B at the other side of the monitor support structure  70 . The monitor arm  74  is then secured to the monitor support structure  70  by locknuts  75 . The monitor mounting bracket  78 , attached to the back of the monitor  21  by four screws, similarly rotates around shaft  79 B attached to the upper portion of monitor arm  74 . Shaft  79 B passes through hole  77 A in flange  77 , through cylinder  73 B in the upper portion of monitor arm  74 , and passes out through hole  77 B. Lock washers  76  placed around shaft  79 A and between the locknuts  75  and the monitor support structure  70 , and between the monitor arm  74  and the monitor support structure  70 , provide frictional motion at this pivot point. Lock washers are similarly used at shaft  79 B for the same purpose. The two points of rotation  79 A and  79 B allow the monitor  21  to frictionally rotate anywhere between 0 and 270 degrees from its compact/portable position.  
         [0058]    The locking device  82  for monitor arm  74  provides for two important purposes: (1) secure transport of the monitor/keyboard module  20  in compact form, as seen in FIGS.  5 - 6 C, and (2) while the computer system is running a program, the user can lock the monitor arm  74  so that no one can easily type on the keyboard  22  or view the contents on the monitor  21 . With the monitor screen  21  forward and into compact configuration as shown in FIGS.  5 - 6 C wherein the monitor  21  covers the keyboard  22 , the lock arm  80  which is pivotally mounted to the rear of the monitor support structure  70  may be rotated until it closely abuts against the monitor support arm  74 . Lock arm  80  which supports the locking device  82  at the free end thereof is rotated forward until the locking device  82  with its locking member  88  is disposed into an aperture  81  in the monitor support arm  74 . The lock arm  80  closely abuts against the monitor support arm  74  once the locking device  82  is disposed into the aperture  81 . The locking device  82  with its locking member  88  may be selectively key actuated to lockingly engage the monitor support arm  74  so that the monitor  21  remains in its compact form.  
         [0059]    Turning now to FIG. 4, a less preferred embodiment of the monitor/keyboard module  20  is displayed. In this embodiment, the base  24  is made from metal and has an AC adapter compartment  25  which houses AC adapter  26 , a keyboard compartment  40  which houses keyboard  22 , and a disk drive compartment  38  which houses a removable external hard disk drive  39 . The top edge of vertical side wall  33  is bent at ninety degrees in order to form a ledge for the monitor to rest when the monitor is folded to its compact and portable position. This ledge also prevents the monitor  21  from touching the keyboard. The base  24  removably attaches to the CPU module  100  by means of tabs  30  which extend rearwardly from the base  24  and engage slots  610  (seen in FIG. 6A) or recessed slots  611  (seen in FIG. 6C) on the CPU module  100  housing, and is secured by thumb screws  29  located at the front corners of base  24  which engage threaded holes located on the removable side panel  600  of the CPU module  100 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 4 and  4 A demonstrate how the keyboard  22  with touchpad mouse can be detached from and then recombined with module base  24 , allowing for greater flexibility of use so that the user can reposition the keyboard  22  in any desired way. The keyboard  22  may be removably installed in keyboard compartment  40  by sliding the side edges of the keyboard  22  through retaining walls  50  located on both sides of module base  24 . Like keyboard  22 , retaining walls  50  are inclined to secure the keyboard in the keyboard compartment  40 . The keyboard cable  23  extends through a gap between the disk drive  39  and the monitor support structure  70  for connection to the CPU module  100 . Additionally, it should be understood that the keyboard  22  with touchpad mouse can be ported to and used by any other computer system that requires a similar keyboard and mouse. Although this embodiment of the monitor/keyboard module  20  is less attractive aesthetically than the embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , it is nevertheless a possible way of carrying out the present invention and is intended to be within the scope of the following claims.  
         [0061]    FIGS.  5 - 6 C illustrate the combination of a monitor/keyboard module  20  with a CPU module  100  to form the portable computer  10  of the present invention. The monitor/keyboard module  20  is detachably connected to CPU module  100  by means of tabs  30  which extend rearwardly from the base  24  and engage slots  610  (as shown in FIG. 6A) or recessed slots  611  (as shown in FIG. 6C), and is secured by thumb screws  29  located at the front corners of monitor/keyboard module  20  which engage threaded holes located on the removable side panel  600  of the CPU module  100 . Because the monitor/keyboard module  20  can be mounted in two different positions, the user has the freedom to decide which position suits his needs best.  
         [0062]    As seen particularly in FIG. 5, wherein the invention is positioned for carry by handle  310 , the portable computer  10  forms a compact unit which may be easily transported. The invention provides an important advantage in that the internal structure of its associated CPU module  100  is designed to provide for maximum efficient utilization of the CPU module&#39;s internal space, allowing for an open architecture design which allows user-friendly upgrades and the uncomplicated insertion and removal of standard commercial off-the-shelf personal computer components. Because side panel  600  can easily be removed and reattached, the main circuit board  148 , cpu, computer expansion cards  144 , power supply  146 , and other computer components internal to CPU module  100  can easily be changed by the end-user as desired.  
         [0063]    The recessed area of side  300  not only helps to provide flush surface or subsurface storage of the handle, but also gives strength to side panel  300  of the CPU module  100  so that a thin and lightweight metal can be used to form this panel. A rib following the same pattern as the recessed area is also placed on side  300  for additional strength.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 13 shows a diagrammatic view of the internal layout of the CPU module  100 . Expansion card slots  144 , main circuit board  148  with central processing unit and system memory, power supply  146 , and removable hard drive tray  410  (close-up view shown in FIG. 12) are mounted toward side  400  of CPU module  100 . Data cable connector panel  510  (close-up view shown in FIG. 10) is positioned on side  500  of the CPU module  100 , and it houses power connector  514 , data cable connectors  516 A and  516 B, power switch  518 , and reset switch  519 . The layout of CPU module  100  also permits a dual track cage assembly system  120  (detailed in FIGS. 7 and 8) to be mounted so that computer data storage devices  140  can be easily installed and removed from side  200  of CPU module  100 .  
         [0065]    Four vertical panels  121  positioned as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are connected together by mirrored upper and lower horizontal panels  122  and a front panel  123  with three holes  124 . As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, this configuration forms the dual track system  120  which allows the portable computer  10  to be compact yet able to provide for the uncomplicated insertion and removal of six standard commercial off-the-shelf computer data storage devices. Vertical panels  121  with three pairs of mirrored flanges form the tracks  126 . The user attaches computer data storage devices, generally  140 , to a pair of rails, each  125 , thereafter slidably inserting the resulting combination through mating tracks, indicated at  126 . Three pairs of tracks are stacked vertically in two separate columns to form an array of six bays called the dual track system  120 . The tracks  126  preferably hold six data storage devices  140 , namely but not limited to CD-ROMs, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAMs, CDRWs, hard drives, floppy drives, computer card readers within the dual track system  120 . Furthermore, the mirrored flanges which form tracks  126  contribute to the overall strength of CPU module  100  and permit the dual track system  120  to be made of a very thin and lightweight metal.  
         [0066]    A decorative cover  130  (shown in FIG. 9) is removably attached to the front side of the dual track system  120  at side  200  of CPU module  100 . Legs  131  on the upper edge of decorative cover  130  are inserted into holes  124  on front panel  123  of the dual track system  120 , and the decorative cover  130  is secured to the side panel opposite to removable side panel  600  with the use of a single thumbscrew. The decorative cover serves three purposes: (1) aesthetics, (2) it keeps the rails  125  and consequentially the computer data storage devices  140  from sliding out of the tracks  126  while the system is transported, and (3) it allows the six computer data storage devices  140  to be secured in and removed from the tracks  126 , and consequentially the CPU module  100 , without using a screwdriver. U-shaped panels  135  can be easily attached to decorative cover  130  if one or more of the six bays is left unused or if a data storage device  140  does not need to be externally accessible. Air outlet holes  136  are provided on U-shaped panels  135  so that common computer cooling fans can be easily attached in a position opposing holes  136  to extract warm air which may build up inside CPU module  100 . To ensure that the central processing unit, system memory, data storage devices  140 , and other computer components inside CPU module  100  remain at or below room temperature, a fan is attached at air intake holes  320  to pull cool ambient room air into CPU module  100 . Similarly a fan is attached at air outlet holes  520  to extract warm air from inside CPU module  100 .  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 10 illustrates an optional data cable connector panel  510  which may be secured to Side  500  of CPU module  100 . Power connector  514  and data communications cable connectors  516 A for IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) and  516 B for SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) computer data storage devices  140  are positioned on connector panel  510  so that common IDE and SCSI computer data storage devices  140  may be connected and removed externally to the CPU module  100 . Long data communications cables  517 A and  517 B may be connected to the associated data communications cable connectors  516 A and  516 B, respectively, so that computer data storage devices  140  may be run externally to and at a distance from the CPU module  100 . Power cable  515  connected to power connector  514  is needed to supply power to any computer data storage devices  140  connected externally to the CPU module  100 . Power cable  515  connected to power connector  514  and data communications cable  517 A (or  517 B) connected to data communications cable connector  516 A (or  516 B) may also be used to supply power and data communications for the optional disk drive  39  housed in the monitor/keyboard module  20 . Advantageously, the data communication cables  517 A and  517 B may be proprietary cables.  
         [0068]    FIGS.  11 A- 11 C show that side  400  of CPU module  100  is comprised of a removable bracket which houses a plurality of input/output connectors, a removable bracket to attach a power supply, and a removable hard drive tray. Additionally the connectors on the back of computer expansion cards can be accessed from this side  400 . More particularly, FIG. 11B shows input/output bracket  420  which can house a PS2 keyboard connector, a PS2 mouse connector, two USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports, serial ports, and a parallel port. Two recessed retaining tabs  427  and two screw holes  426  on the input/output bracket  420  allow it to be easily installed and replaced to meet the needs of the main circuit board  148 . Similarly power supply bracket  430  shown in FIG. 11C with recessed tabs,  432  and  433 , and screw holes  431  can be changed to meet the dimensional requirements of the power supply. A three prong connector on the power supply  146  for receiving a power cord to connect it to an electrical outlet is accessible from this side  400 .  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 11A and FIG. 12 show removable hard drive tray  410  which is user accessible from side  400  of CPU module  100 . Two common 2.5″ notebook hard drives or one common 3.5″ hard drive can be removably installed in hard drive tray  410 . Standoffs positioned on the hard drive tray  410  allow air to circulate under the disk drives which helps to prevent overheating of the hard drives. U-brackets  411  welded to opposing sides of the removable hard drive tray  410  glide along L-brackets  412  during the insertion or removable of the hard drive tray  410  with hard disk drives.  
         [0070]    The modular architecture of the portable computer  10  would permit: (1) the user to travel from a home base carrying with him the CPU module  100  with or without the monitor/keyboard module  20 , (2) attach the CPU module  100  to a compatible monitor/keyboard module  20  at his destination, (3) use cables  515 ,  517 A, and  517 B to supply power and data communications to disk drive  39  and other computer data storage devices  140  connected externally to CPU module  100 , (4) transfer contents between data storage devices  140  located inside the CPU module  100 , disk drive  39 , and external data storage devices  140  connected to data communications cables  517 A and  517 B, (5) disconnect and detach monitor/keyboard module  20  from the CPU module  100 , and (6) transport CPU module  100  back to his home base. Capabilities of step four may be extended to include the ability to be used in extracting, copying, and imaging data as well as searching, retrieving, and sorting data from many types of existing computer data storage.  
         [0071]    As previously noted and particularly shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the monitor/keyboard module  20  can be mounted in two different configurations. This feature allows the user the freedom to decide which position suits his needs best. An innovation of the invention is that the portable computer  10  fits into a “6U” bay in an industry-standard nineteen inch rack-mount cabinet. When the monitor/keyboard module  20  is attached to the CPU module  100  in the direction shown in FIG. 6C, the monitor  21 , keyboard  22 , and computer data storage devices  140  are easily assessable from the front side of the rack-mount cabinet. For clarity, recessed slots  611  are used to position the monitor/keyboard module  20  on CPU module  30  when the portable computer  10  is to be used on the desktop or rack-mounted, and slots  610  are used to position the monitor/keyboard module  20  on CPU module  30  for desktop use or for easy transport of the portable computer  10 . This invention presents a unique solution to a longfelt need in that there are at present no computer servers or workstations that can be used on the desktop and then rack-mounted and then transported with ease on today&#39;s airlines.  
         [0072]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.