Abstract:
A method of managing power distribution between a portable computing device (PCD) and a PCD docking station is disclosed and may include determining that the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, switching a power supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking station battery, and powering the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery. Further, the method may include determining whether a PCD battery power equals a charge condition and charging the PCD battery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition. The method may also include monitoring a PCD docking station battery power, determining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a warning condition, and transmitting a first warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the warning condition.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/755,818, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING POWER AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed on Jan. 31, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/645,077, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING POWER AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed on Dec. 22, 2009, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/164,084, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING POWER AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed on Mar. 27, 2009. 
       CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS 
       [0002]    The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/644,414, entitled A PORTABLE DOCKING STATION FOR A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE, filed concurrently. The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/644,443, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING MEMORY AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed concurrently. The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/644,757, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING SECURITY BETWEEN A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed concurrently. The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/645,055, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING DISPLAYS AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed concurrently. The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/645,276, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING DATA COMMUNICATION AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed concurrently. The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/645,707, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING SCALABLE COMPUTING BETWEEN A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed Dec. 23, 2009. The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/645,723, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed Dec. 23, 2009. The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/645,750, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING THE EXECUTION OF APPLICATIONS AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed Dec. 23, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0003]    The present invention generally relates to portable computing devices, and more particularly, to portable computing device docking stations. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0004]    Portable computing devices (PCDs) are ubiquitous. These devices may include cellular telephones, portable digital assistants (PDAs), portable game consoles, palmtop computers, and other portable electronic devices. As technology increases, PCDs are becoming increasingly powerful and rival laptop computers and desktop computers in computing power and storage capabilities. 
         [0005]    One drawback to using a PCD, however, is the small form factor typically associated therewith. As the PCD gets smaller and is made more easily portable, using the PCD may become increasingly difficult. Further, the small form factor of a PCD may limit the amount of ports, or connections, that may be incorporated in the shell, or housing, of the PCD. As such, even as PCDs become more powerful and have increased capabilities, access to the power and capabilities may be limited by the sizes of the PCDs. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, what is needed is an improved for system and method for taking advantage of the computing capabilities provided by a PCD. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0007]    A method of managing power distribution between a portable computing device (PCD) and a PCD docking station is disclosed and may include determining that the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, switching a power supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking station battery, and powering the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery. Further, the method may include determining whether a PCD battery power equals a charge condition and charging the PCD battery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition. The method may also include monitoring a PCD docking station battery power, determining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a warning condition, and transmitting a first warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the warning condition. 
         [0008]    In this aspect, the method may include determining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a critical condition and transmitting a second warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the critical condition. The method may include determining whether an external power source is connected to the PCD docking station, charging the PCD docking station battery when the external power source is connected, switching the power supply to the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery to the PCD battery, and powering the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD battery. 
         [0009]    Moreover, the method may include monitoring the PCD battery power and determining whether the PCD battery power equals a power down condition. The method may also be transmitting a third warning when the PCD battery power equals the power down condition and powering down the PCD and the PCD docking station when the PCD battery power equals the power down condition. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, a portable computing device is disclosed and may include means for determining that the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, means for switching a power supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking station battery, and means for powering the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery. The portable computing device may include means for determining whether a PCD battery power equals a charge condition and means for charging the PCD battery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition. Also, the portable computing device may include means for monitoring a PCD docking station battery power, means for determining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a warning condition, and means for transmitting a first warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the warning condition. 
         [0011]    In this aspect, the portable computing device may include means for determining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a critical condition and means for transmitting a second warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the critical condition. Further, the portable computing device may include means for determining whether an external power source is connected to the PCD docking station, means for charging the PCD docking station battery when the external power source is connected, means for switching the power supply to the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery to the PCD battery, and means for powering the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD battery. 
         [0012]    The portable computing device may also include means for monitoring the PCD battery power and means for determining whether the PCD battery power equals a power down condition. Moreover, the portable computing device may include means for transmitting a third warning when the PCD battery power equals the power down condition and means for powering down the PCD and the PCD docking station when the PCD battery power equals the power down condition. 
         [0013]    In another aspect, a portable computing device is disclosed and may include a processor. The processor may be operable to determine that the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, to switch a power supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking station battery, and to power the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery. Further, the processor may be operable to determine whether a PCD battery power equals a charge condition and to charge the PCD battery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition. The processor may also be operable to monitor a PCD docking station battery power, to determine whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a warning condition, and to transmit a first warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the warning condition. 
         [0014]    In this aspect, the processor may be operable to determine whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a critical condition and to transmit a second warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the critical condition. Also, the processor may be operable to determine whether an external power source is connected to the PCD docking station, to charge the PCD docking station battery when the external power source is connected, to switch the power supply to the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery to the PCD battery, and to power the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD battery. 
         [0015]    The processor may be operable to monitor the PCD battery power, to determine whether the PCD battery power equals a power down condition, to transmit a third warning when the PCD battery power equals the power down condition, and to power down the PCD and the PCD docking station when the PCD battery power equals the power down condition. 
         [0016]    In another aspect, a computer program product is disclosed and may include a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for determining that the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, at least one instruction for switching a power supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking station battery, and at least one instruction for powering the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery. Moreover, the computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for determining whether a PCD battery power equals a charge condition and at least one instruction for charging the PCD battery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition. 
         [0017]    In this aspect, the computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for monitoring a PCD docking station battery power, at least one instruction for determining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a warning condition, and at least one instruction for transmitting a first warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the warning condition. Also, the computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for determining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a critical condition and at least one instruction for transmitting a second warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the critical condition. 
         [0018]    The computer-readable medium may further include at least one instruction for determining whether an external power source is connected to the PCD docking station, at least one instruction for charging the PCD docking station battery when the external power source is connected, at least one instruction for switching the power supply to the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery to the PCD battery, and at least one instruction for powering the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD battery. 
         [0019]    Additionally, the computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for monitoring the PCD battery power and at least one instruction for determining whether the PCD battery power equals a power down condition. The computer-readable medium may include at least one instruction for transmitting a third warning when the PCD battery power equals the power down condition and at least one instruction for powering down the PCD and the PCD docking station when the PCD battery power equals the power down condition. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front plan view of a portable computing device (PCD) in a closed position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a front plan view of a PCD in an open position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of a PCD; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a side plan view of a PCD; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a first aspect of a PCD; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a rear plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a first side plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a second side plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docked therewith; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a side plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD partially docked therewith; 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docked therewith; 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a side plan view of a third aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration; 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a front plan view of a third aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD partially docked therewith; 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is a side plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration; 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position; 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 21  is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position and with a PCD docked therewith; 
           [0042]      FIG. 22  is a side plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position and with a PCD docked therewith; 
           [0043]      FIG. 23  is a side plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration; 
           [0044]      FIG. 24  is a front plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position; 
           [0045]      FIG. 25  is a front plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position and with a PCD docked therewith; 
           [0046]      FIG. 26  is a front plan view of a sixth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration; 
           [0047]      FIG. 27  is a front plan view of a sixth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docked therewith; 
           [0048]      FIG. 28  is a block diagram of a first aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system; 
           [0049]      FIG. 29  is a block diagram of a second aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system; 
           [0050]      FIG. 30  is a block diagram of a third aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system; 
           [0051]      FIG. 31  is a block diagram of a fourth aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system; 
           [0052]      FIG. 32  is a block diagram of a second aspect of a PCD; 
           [0053]      FIG. 33  is a first portion of a flowchart illustrating a method of managing power at a PCD and a PCD docking station; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 34  is a second portion of a flowchart illustrating a method of managing power at a PCD and a PCD docking station. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0055]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. 
         [0056]    In this description, the term “application” may also include files having executable content, such as: object code, scripts, byte code, markup language files, and patches. In addition, an “application” referred to herein, may also include files that are not executable in nature, such as documents that may need to be opened or other data files that need to be accessed. 
         [0057]    The term “content” may also include files having executable content, such as: object code, scripts, byte code, markup language files, and patches. In addition, “content” referred to herein, may also include files that are not executable in nature, such as documents that may need to be opened or other data files that need to be accessed. 
         [0058]    As used in this description, the terms “component,” “database,” “module,” “system,” and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device may be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components may execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal). 
         [0059]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , an exemplary portable computing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated  100 . As shown, the PCD  100  may include a housing  102 . The housing  102  may include an upper housing portion  104  and a lower housing portion  106 .  FIG. 1  shows that the upper housing portion  104  may include a display  108 . In a particular aspect, the display  108  may be a touchscreen display. The upper housing portion  104  may also include a trackball input device  110 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the upper housing portion  104  may include a power on button  112  and a power off button  114 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the upper housing portion  104  of the PCD  100  may include a plurality of indicator lights  116  and a speaker  118 . Each indicator light  116  may be a light emitting diode (LED). 
         [0060]    In a particular aspect, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the upper housing portion  104  is movable relative to the lower housing portion  106 . Specifically, the upper housing portion  104  may be slidable relative to the lower housing portion  106 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the lower housing portion  106  may include a multi-button keyboard  120 . In a particular aspect, the multi-button keyboard  120  may be a QWERTY keyboard. The multi-button keyboard  120  may be revealed when the upper housing portion  104  is moved relative to the lower housing portion  106 .  FIG. 2  further illustrates that the PCD  100  may include a reset button  122  on the lower housing portion  106 . 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the PCD  100  may include a multi-pin connector array  130  established, or otherwise disposed, in a short end of the PCD  100 , e.g., a bottom of the PCD  100 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the PCD  100  may include a multi-pin connector array  132  established, or otherwise disposed, in a long end of the PCD  100 , e.g., a left side of the PCD  100  or a right side of the PCD  100 . In a particular aspect, the multi-pin connector array  130 ,  132  may provide connectivity between the PCD  100  and an aspect of a PCD docking station, described in detail below. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an exemplary, non-limiting aspect of a portable computing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated  520 . As shown, the PCD  520  includes an on-chip system  522  that includes a digital signal processor  524  and an analog signal processor  526  that are coupled together. The on-chip system  522  may include more than two processors. For example, the on-chip system  522  may include four core processors and an ARM  11  processor, i.e., as described below in conjunction with  FIG. 32 . It may be appreciated that the on-chip system  522  may include other types of processors, e.g., a CPU, a multi-core CPU, a multi-core DSP, a GPU, a multi-core GPU, or any combination thereof. 
         [0063]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a display controller  528  and a touchscreen controller  530  are coupled to the digital signal processor  524 . In turn, a touchscreen display  532  external to the on-chip system  522  is coupled to the display controller  528  and the touchscreen controller  530 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 5  further indicates that a video encoder  534 , e.g., a phase alternating line (PAL) encoder, a sequential couleur a memoire (SECAM) encoder, or a national television system(s) committee (NTSC) encoder, is coupled to the digital signal processor  524 . Further, a video amplifier  536  is coupled to the video encoder  534  and the touchscreen display  532 . Also, a video port  538  is coupled to the video amplifier  536 . As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a universal serial bus (USB) controller  540  is coupled to the digital signal processor  524 . Also, a USB port  542  is coupled to the USB controller  540 . A memory  544  and a subscriber identity module (SIM) card  546  may also be coupled to the digital signal processor  524 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a digital camera  548  may be coupled to the digital signal processor  524 . In an exemplary aspect, the digital camera  548  is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera. 
         [0065]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a stereo audio CODEC  550  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  526 . Moreover, an audio amplifier  552  may coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  550 . In an exemplary aspect, a first stereo speaker  554  and a second stereo speaker  556  are coupled to the audio amplifier  552 .  FIG. 5  shows that a microphone amplifier  558  may be also coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  550 . Additionally, a microphone  560  may be coupled to the microphone amplifier  558 . In a particular aspect, a frequency modulation (FM) radio tuner  562  may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  550 . Also, an FM antenna  564  is coupled to the FM radio tuner  562 . Further, stereo headphones  566  may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  550 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 5  further indicates that a radio frequency (RF) transceiver  568  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  526 . An RF switch  570  may be coupled to the RF transceiver  568  and an RF antenna  572 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , a keypad  574  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  526 . Also, a mono headset with a microphone  576  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  526 . Further, a vibrator device  578  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  526 .  FIG. 5  also shows that a power supply  580  may be coupled to the on-chip system  522 . In a particular aspect, the power supply  580  is a direct current (DC) power supply that provides power to the various components of the PCD  520  that require power. Further, in a particular aspect, the power supply is a rechargeable DC battery or a DC power supply that is derived from an alternating current (AC) to DC transformer that is connected to an AC power source. 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the PCD  520  may also include a global positioning system (GPS) module  582 . The GPS module  582  may be used to determine the location of the PCD  520 . Further, the GPS module  582  may be used to determine whether the PCD  520  is in motion by determining successive location information. Also, based on the successive location information the rate at which the PCD  520  is moving may be determined 
         [0068]      FIG. 5  indicates that the PCD  520  may include a management module  584 , e.g., within the memory  544 . The management module  584  may be used to manage the power of the PCD, the power of a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. 
         [0069]    Further, in another aspect, the management module  584  may be used to manage the memory  544  within the PCD  520 , a memory within a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the management module  584  may be used to manage one or more applications stored within the PCD  520 , one or more content items stored within the PCD  520 , one or more applications stored within a PCD docking station, one or more content items stored within a PCD docking station, one or more application download requests received from a PCD  520 , one or more content item download requests received from a PCD  520 , one or more application download requests received from a PCD docking station, one or more content item download requests received from a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. 
         [0070]    In yet another aspect, the management module  584  may also be used to manage security between the PCD  520  and a PCD docking station, e.g., a mated PCD docking station, an unmated PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Further, the management module  584  may also be used to manage the display  532  within the PCD  520 , a display within a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the management module  584  may be used to manage calls received at the PCD  520 , e.g., while the PCD  520  is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. The management module  584  may be used to manage calls transmitted from the PCD  520 , e.g., while the PCD  520  is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. The management module  584  may also be used to manage other data transmission to and from the PCD  520  while the PCD  520  is docked or undocked, e.g., via a Wi-Fi network, a WPAN, a cellular network, or any other wireless data network. 
         [0071]    In still another aspect, the management module  584  may be used to manage processors within the PCD  520 , e.g., when the PCD  520  is docked with a PCD docking station, when the PCD  520  is undocked with a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. The management module  584  may also be used to manage the execution of applications within the PCD  520  when the PCD is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. For example, the management module  584  may manage the execution of primary application versions, secondary application versions, standard application versions, enhanced application versions, or a combination thereof. 
         [0072]      FIG. 5  indicates that the PCD  520  may further include a sensor  586  connected to the DSP  524 . The sensor  586  may be a motion sensor, a tilt sensor, a proximity sensor, a shock sensor, or a combination thereof. The sensor  586  may be used for situational awareness applications. For example, the sensor  586  may be used to detect the motion of a user lifting the PCD  520  to his or her ear and at the apex of the motion automatically connecting an incoming call. Further, the sensor  586  may detect a prolonged lack of motion of the PCD  520  whereas the PCD  520  may be automatically powered down, or placed in a sleep mode. The sensor  586  may remain powered so that when motion is once again detected, the PCD  520  may be switched from the sleep mode, or an off mode, into an active mode. 
         [0073]    The sensor  586  may be used with tilt sensing applications. For example, the sensor  586  may be used for user interface applications in which movement is relevant. The sensor  586  may be used to sense picture, or screen, orientation. Further, the sensor  586  may be used to navigate, scroll, browse, zoom, pan, or a combination thereof based on tilt sensing. The sensor  586  may also be used in conjunction with gaming applications. In another application, the sensor  586  may be used for shock detection in order to protect a hard disk drive within the PCD  520  or a hard disk drive within a PCD docking station in which the PCD  520  is docked, or otherwise, engaged. Further, the sensor  586  may be used for tap detection. 
         [0074]      FIG. 5  further indicates that the PCD  520  may also include a network card  588  that may be used to access a data network, e.g., a local area network, a personal area network, or any other network. The network card  588  may be a Bluetooth network card, a WiFi network card, a personal area network (PAN) card, a personal area network ultra-low-power technology (PeANUT) network card, or any other network card well known in the art. Further, the network card  588  may be incorporated into a chip, i.e., the network card  588  may be a full solution in a chip, and may not be a separate network card  588 . 
         [0075]    As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the touchscreen display  532 , the video port  538 , the USB port  542 , the camera  548 , the first stereo speaker  554 , the second stereo speaker  556 , the microphone  560 , the FM antenna  564 , the stereo headphones  566 , the RF switch  570 , the RF antenna  572 , the keypad  574 , the mono headset  576 , the vibrator  578 , and the power supply  580  are external to the on-chip system  522 . 
         [0076]    In a particular aspect, one or more of the method steps described herein may be stored in the memory  544  as computer program instructions. These instructions may be executed by a processor  524 ,  526  in order to perform the methods described herein. Further, the processors,  524 ,  526 , the display controller  528 , the touchscreen controller  530 , the memory  544 , the management module  584 , the network card  588 , or a combination thereof may serve as a means for performing one or more of the method steps described herein. 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 11 , a first aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated  600 . As shown, the PCD docking station  600  may include a housing  602  having a generally flat, boxed shaped lower housing portion  604  and a generally flat, boxed shaped upper housing portion  606 . In a particular aspect, the upper housing portion  606  may be connected to the lower housing portion  604  by a first hinge  608  and a second hinge  610 . The upper housing portion  606  of the housing  602  may rotate around the hinges  608 ,  610  with respect to the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602 . Accordingly, the upper housing portion  606  may be rotated, or otherwise moved, relative to the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602  between a closed position, or closed configuration, shown in  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 9 , and an open position, or open configuration, shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 . It may be appreciated that the open position may include a plurality of open positions in which the upper housing portion  606  of the housing  602  is rotated away from the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602  and disposed at a plurality of angles with respect to the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602 . 
         [0078]    Although, the PCD docking station  600  is shown with hinges  608 ,  610  coupling the upper housing portion  606  to the lower housing portion  604 . It may be appreciated that the upper housing portion  606  may be coupled, or otherwise connected, to the lower housing portion  604  via a slide assembly (not shown). The upper housing portion  606  may slide relative to the lower housing portion  604  in order to reveal one or more components within the lower housing portion  604 , the upper housing portion  606 , or a combination thereof. Further, the upper housing portion  606  and the lower housing portion  604  may snap together or be coupled, or otherwise connected, via various other coupling mechanisms well known in the art. 
         [0079]    As shown in  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 9 , the PCD docking station  600  may include a first front foot  612  and a second front foot  614 . Further, the PCD docking station  600  may also include a first rear foot  616  and a second rear foot  618 . Each foot  612 ,  614 ,  616 ,  618  may be made from a polymer, rubber, or other similar type of material to support the PCD docking station  600  when placed on a desk or table and to prevent the PCD docking station  600  from slipping with respect to the desk or table. 
         [0080]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 10 , and  FIG. 11 , the PCD docking station  600  may include a latch assembly  620 . The latch assembly  620  may include a first hook  622  and a second hook  624  extending from the upper housing portion  606  of the housing  602 . The first hook  622  and the second hook  624  may be connected to each other and a slider  626 . The latch assembly  620  may also include a first hook pocket  628  and a second hook pocket  630  formed within the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602 . The first hook pocket  628  and the second hook pocket  630  may be sized and shaped to receive and engage the first hook  622  and the second hook  624 . The slider  626  may be moved, or otherwise slid, relative to the upper housing portion  606  of the housing  602  in order to release the hooks  622 ,  624  from the hook pockets  628 ,  630  and unlock the PCD docking station  600  in order to allow the upper housing portion  606  of the housing  602  to be rotated with respect to the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 9  illustrates that the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602  may include a plurality of external device connections  640 . For example, the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602  may include an IEEE 1284 connection  642 , a first universal serial bus (USB) connection  644 , a second USB connection  646 , a registered jack (RJ)  11  connection  648 , an RJ-45 connection  650 , a microphone jack  652 , and a headphone/speaker jack  654 . Further, the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602  may include an S-video connection  656 , a video graphics array (VGA) connection  658 , and an alternating current (AC) power adapter connection  660 . The lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602  may include other connections, described elsewhere herein. 
         [0082]    Referring now to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , the upper housing portion  606  of the PCD docking station  600  may include a display  670  incorporated therein. For example, the display  670  may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a backlit-LED display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or any other type of display. The lower housing portion  604  of the PCD docking station  600  may include a keyboard  672  incorporated therein. The keyboard  672  may be a fully QWERTY keyboard. The lower housing portion  604  of the PCD docking station  600  may include a touch pad mouse  674  incorporated therein. Further, the lower housing portion  604  of the PCD docking station  600  may include a first mouse button  676  and a second mouse button  678  incorporated therein. The mouse buttons  676 ,  678  may be proximal to the touch pad mouse  674 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602  may include a first speaker  680  and a second speaker  682  incorporated therein. The lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602  may also include a fingerprint reader  684  incorporated therein. 
         [0083]    As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602  may include an open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  formed in the surface thereof. In this aspect, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., the PCD  100  shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 . The open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  may be a depression or hole formed in the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602 . As shown, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  may be an open space, or a volume, formed within a left side wall  692 , a right side wall  694 , a rear side wall  696 , a front side wall  698 , and a bottom surface  700 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 10  indicates that the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  may include a multi-pin connector array  702 . The multi-pin connector array  702  may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of the side walls  692 ,  694 ,  696 ,  698 . In the aspect as shown in  FIG. 10 , the multi-pin connector  702  may extend from the left side wall  692  of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690 . The multi-pin connector array  702  may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., the multi-pin connector array  130  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the multi-pin connector array  132  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art. 
         [0085]    As shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  may also include a latch assembly  704  that extends over an edge of one of the side walls  692 ,  694 ,  696 ,  698 . In the aspect as shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , the latch assembly  704  may extend over the edge of the right side wall  694  of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  opposite the left side wall  692  of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690 . The latch assembly  704  may be spring loaded and slidably disposed in the surface of the lower housing portion  604  of the housing  602 . In the aspect as shown, the latch assembly  704  may be moved in a direction, e.g., to the right, in order to allow a PCD, e.g., the PCD  100  shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , to be inserted into the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690 . Thereafter, when released, the latch assembly  704  may move in the opposite direction, e.g., to the left. The latch assembly  704  may then engage an upper surface of the PCD  100  in order to maintain the PCD  100  within the PCD docking pocket  690 .  FIG. 11  illustrates the PCD  100  engaged with the PCD docking station  600 . 
         [0086]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the PCD  100  may be installed within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  690  as described herein. Depending on the orientation of the multi-pin connector array  702 , the PCD  100  may be installed face up or face down within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  690 . When the PCD  100  is installed within the docking pocket  690 , the multi-pin connector array  130  of the PCD  100  may be engaged with the multi-pin connector array  702  formed in the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  690 . Further, when the PCD  100  is installed face up within the docking pocket  690 , the display  670  within the PCD docking station  600  may operate as a primary display and the PCD  100  may operate as a secondary display. 
         [0087]    For example, an executing application may be displayed on the primary display and one or more commands may be displayed on the secondary display. In another aspect, in a video mode, video may be displayed on the primary display and a video list and one or more video controls may be displayed on the secondary display. In yet another aspect, in an audio player mode, album art may be displayed on the primary display and one or more audio controls may be displayed in the secondary display. 
         [0088]    In a phone mode, a contacts list, a call history, a caller photo, a call number, or a combination thereof may be displayed on the primary display and a numeric keypad may be displayed on the secondary display. When a call occurs, an application manager, e.g., within the PCD  100  may switch from the current application displayed on the secondary display to a phone application displayed on the secondary display. The call may be answered through the PCD  100  by undocking the PCD  100 . Alternatively, the call may be answered through the PCD docking station  600 , e.g., through the speakers  680 ,  682  and a microphone connected to the PCD docking station. Moreover, the call may be answered through a headset, e.g., a Bluetooth headset coupled to the PCD  100 . 
         [0089]    In yet another aspect, in an email application, a current email may be displayed on the primary display and a list of other emails may be displayed on the secondary display. In a game application, the executing game may be displayed on the primary display and the game controls may be displayed on the secondary display. 
         [0090]    It may be appreciated that when the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  600  the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD  100  and the PCD docking station  600  is portable and the housing  602  of the PCD docking station  600  may be closed while the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  600 . Also, the PCD docking station  600  may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  690 . When the PCD  100  is installed within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  690 , the PCD  100  can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station  600  to be powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD  100  is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  690 , the PCD docking station  600  may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging the PCD  100  with the multi-pin connector array  702  may cause the PCD docking station  600  to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD  100  from the multi-pin connector array  702  may cause the PCD docking station  600  to be powered off. 
         [0091]    Referring now to  FIG. 12  through  FIG. 15 , a second aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated  1200 . In general, the PCD docking station  1200  shown in  FIG. 12  through  FIG. 15  is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station  600  described in conjunction with  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 11 . However, the PCD docking station  1200  shown in  FIG. 12  through  FIG. 15  does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  ( FIG. 10 ). 
         [0092]    As illustrated in  FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13 , and  FIG. 14 , the PCD docking station  1200  may include a housing  1202  having a lower housing portion  1204  and an upper housing portion  1206 . In this aspect, the lower housing portion  1204  may include an open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210  formed therein. The open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210  may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., the PCD  100  shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 . The open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210  may be a depression or hole formed in the lower housing portion  1204  of the housing  1202 . As shown, the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210  may be an open space, or a volume, formed within a left side wall  1212 , a rear side wall  1214 , a front side wall  1216 , and a bottom surface  1218 . Further, the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210  is open on one side, e.g., the right side, in order to allow a PCD to be slid, or otherwise moved, into the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 12  through  FIG. 14  indicate that the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210  may include a multi-pin connector array  1222 . The multi-pin connector array  1222  may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of the side walls  1212 ,  1214 ,  1216 . In the aspect as shown in  FIG. 12  through  FIG. 14 , the multi-pin connector  1222  may extend from the left side wall  1212  of the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210 . The multi-pin connector array  1222  may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., the multi-pin connector array  130  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the multi-pin connector array  132  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art. 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , a PCD, e.g., the PCD  100  shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , may be slid into the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210  from the open, right side of the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210 . The PCD may be moved to the left until a multi-pin connector array on the PCD engages the multi-pin connector array  1222  that extends into the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210 . When fully engaged with the open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1210 , as depicted in  FIG. 15 , a touchscreen display within the PCD may be accessible to the user. 
         [0095]    Depending on the orientation of the multi-pin connector array  1222 , the PCD  100  may be installed face up or face down within the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket  1210 . When the PCD  100  is installed face up within the docking pocket  1210 , the display within the PCD docking station  1200  may operate as a primary display and the PCD  100  may operate as a secondary display. 
         [0096]    It may be appreciated that when the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  1200  the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD  100  and the PCD docking station  1200  is portable and the housing  1202  of the PCD docking station  1200  may be closed while the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  1200 . Also, the PCD docking station  1200  may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket  1210 . When the PCD  100  is installed within the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket  1210 , the PCD  100  can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station  1200  to be powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD  100  is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket  1210 , the PCD docking station  1200  may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging the PCD  100  with the multi-pin connector array  1222  may cause the PCD docking station  1200  to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD  100  from the multi-pin connector array  1222  may cause the PCD docking station  1200  to be powered off. 
         [0097]      FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 , illustrate a third aspect of a PCD docking station, generally designated  1600 . In general, the PCD docking station  1600  shown in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17  is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station  600  described in conjunction with  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 11 . However, the PCD docking station  1600  shown in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17  does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  ( FIG. 10 ). 
         [0098]    As illustrated in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 , the PCD docking station  1600  may include a housing  1602  having a lower housing portion  1604  and an upper housing portion  1606 . In this aspect, the lower housing portion  1604  may include a closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610  formed therein. The closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610  may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., the PCD  100  shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 . The closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610  may be a depression or hole formed in the lower housing portion  1604  of the housing  1602 . As shown, the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610  may be an open space, or a volume, formed within a left side wall  1612 , a rear side wall  1614 , a front side wall  1616 , a bottom surface  1618 , and a top surface  1620 . Further, the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610  may be open on one side, e.g., the right side, in order to allow a PCD to be slid, or otherwise moved, into the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17  indicate that the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610  may include a multi-pin connector array  1622 . The multi-pin connector array  1622  may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of the side walls  1612 ,  1614 ,  1616 . In the aspect as shown in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 , the multi-pin connector  1622  may extend from the left side wall  1612  of the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610 . The multi-pin connector array  1622  may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., the multi-pin connector array  130  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the multi-pin connector array  132  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art. 
         [0100]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , a PCD, e.g., the PCD  100  shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , may be slid into the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610  from the open, right side of the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610 . The PCD  100  may be moved to the left until a multi-pin connector array on the PCD  100  engages the multi-pin connector array  1622  that extends into the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610 . When fully engaged with the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket  1610 , the PCD  100  may not be accessible to the user. 
         [0101]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , the PCD docking station  1600  may further include an eject button  1624 . When the eject button  1624  is pressed, the PCD  100  may be ejected from the PCD docking pocket  1610  and the PCD docking station  1600  for retrieval by a user. Depending on the orientation of the multi-pin connector array  1622 , the PCD  100  may be installed face up or face down within the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket  1610 . When the PCD  100  is installed within the docking pocket  1610 , the multi-pin connector array  130  of the PCD  100  may be engaged with the multi-pin connector array  1622  formed in the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket  1610 . 
         [0102]    It may be appreciated that when the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  1600  the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD  100  and the PCD docking station  1600  is portable and the housing  1602  of the PCD docking station  1600  may be closed while the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  1600 . Also, the PCD docking station  1600  may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket  1610 . When the PCD  100  is installed within the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket  1610 , the PCD  100  can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station  1600  to be powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD  100  is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket  1610 , the PCD docking station  1600  may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging the PCD  100  with the multi-pin connector array  1622  may cause the PCD docking station  1600  to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD  100  from the multi-pin connector array  1622  may cause the PCD docking station  1600  to be powered off. 
         [0103]    Referring to  FIG. 18  through  FIG. 22 , a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated  1800 . In general, the PCD docking station  1800  shown in  FIG. 18  through  FIG. 22  is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station  600  described in conjunction with  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 11 . However, the PCD docking station  1800  shown in  FIG. 18  through  FIG. 22  does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  ( FIG. 10 ). 
         [0104]    As illustrated in  FIG. 18  through  FIG. 22 , the PCD docking station  1800  may include a housing  1802  having a lower housing portion  1804  and an upper housing portion  1806 . In this aspect, the lower housing portion  1804  may include a PCD docking tray  1810  extending therefrom. In particular, the PCD docking tray  1810  may be slidably engaged with the lower housing portion  1804  of the PCD docking station  1800 . The PCD docking tray  1810  may extend from a side of the lower housing portion  1804 , e.g., a left side, a right side, or a front side. In a particular aspect, as shown, the PCD docking tray  1810  may extend outwardly from the right side of the lower housing portion  1804  of the PCD docking station  1800 . Further, the PCD docking tray  1810  may be movable between an open position, or extended position, in which the PCD docking tray  1810  is extended from the PCD docking station  1800  and a closed position, or retracted position, in which the PCD is retracted into the PCD docking station  1800 . 
         [0105]    The PCD docking tray  1810  may include a generally flat, generally rectangular support plate  1812  having a proximal end  1814  and a distal end  1816 . A face plate  1818  may be attached to, or formed with, the distal end  1816  of the support plate  1812 . As shown, in a particular aspect, the face plate  1818  may be perpendicular to the support plate  1812 .  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 20  further show that the PCD docking tray  1810  may be formed with a central opening  1820 . In a particular aspect, the central opening  1820  may be generally rectangular and may be oriented so that a long axis of the central opening  1820  is substantially parallel to the proximal end  1814  and the distal end  1816  of the support plate  1812 . 
         [0106]    As shown, the PCD docking tray  1810  may also include a support arm  1822  that is sized and shaped to fit into the central opening  1820  formed in the support plate  1812 . The support arm  1822  may be generally rectangular and may include a proximal end  1824  and a distal end  1826 . The proximal end  1824  of the support arm  1822  may be connected to the support plate  1812  via a rod or pin (not shown) that passes through the proximal end  1824  of the support arm  1822  and into the support plate  1812  on each side of the central opening  1820  flanking the support arm  1822 . 
         [0107]    Further, as depicted, the support plate  1812  may include a multi-pin connector array  1828  adjacent to the central opening  1820  and the support arm  1822 . In a particular aspect, the multi-pin connector array  1828  may be located adjacent to the proximal end  1824  of the support arm  1822 . The multi-pin connector array  1828  may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array on a PCD, e.g., the multi-pin connector array  130  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the multi-pin connector array  132  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art. 
         [0108]    In a particular aspect, the PCD docking tray  1810  is movable between an open position, shown in  FIG. 19 , in which the PCD docking tray  1810  extends fully from within the housing  1802 , and a closed position in which the PCD docking tray  1810  is retracted into the housing  1802 . In the closed position, the face plate  1818  of the PCD docking tray  1810  may be flush with the side of the housing  1802 . 
         [0109]    Moreover, in a particular aspect, the support arm  1822  may pivot within the central opening  1820  of the support plate  1812  between a first position and a second position. In the first position, shown in  FIG. 19 , in which the support arm  1822  fits into the central opening  1820  of the support plate  1812  and the support arm  1822  is flush with the support plate  1812 , i.e., an upper surface of the support arm  1822  is even with an upper surface of the support plate  1812 , a lower surface of the support arm  1822  is even with a lower surface of the support plate  1812 , or a combination thereof. 
         [0110]    In the second position, the support arm  1822  may form an angle with respect to the support plate  1812 . In a particular aspect, the support arm  1822 , the support plate  1812 , or a combination thereof may include a detent (not shown), spring (not shown), or other similar mechanism to hold the support arm  1822  in the second position. By applying pressure on the distal end  1826  of the support arm  1822  the force of detent, or spring, may be overcome and the support arm  1822  may be returned to the first position. 
         [0111]    As shown in  FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22 , in the second position, a PCD, e.g., the PCD  100  shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4  may rest on the support arm  1822  and a multi-pin connector array on the PCD  100  may engage the multi-pin connector array  1828  on the PCD docking tray  1810 . The support arm  1822  may support the PCD  100  at an angle to facilitate viewing of the PCD  100  during operation of the PCD  100  and the PCD docking station  1800 . 
         [0112]    In a particular aspect, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the PCD docking station  1800  may further include an eject button  1830 . The eject button  1830  may be incorporated into the PCD docking tray  1810 . Alternatively, the eject button  1830  may be incorporated into the PCD docking station  1800  adjacent to the PCD docking tray  1810 . When the eject button  1830  is pressed, the PCD docking tray  1810  may be moved from the closed position to the open position. In the open position, the PCD  100  may be docked with and supported by the PCD docking tray  1810 . 
         [0113]    When the PCD  100  is engaged within the PCD docking tray  1810 , the display within the PCD docking station  1800  may operate as a primary display and the PCD  100  may operate as a secondary display. 
         [0114]    It may be appreciated that when the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  1800  the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD  100  and the PCD docking station  1800  is portable. 
         [0115]    Referring to  FIG. 23  through  FIG. 25 , a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated  2300 . In general, the PCD docking station  2300  shown in  FIG. 23  through  FIG. 25  is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station  600  described in conjunction with  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 11 . However, the PCD docking station  2300  shown in  FIG. 23  through  FIG. 25  does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  690  ( FIG. 10 ). 
         [0116]    As illustrated in  FIG. 23  through  FIG. 25 , the PCD docking station  2300  may include a housing  2302  having a lower housing portion  2304  and an upper housing portion  2306 . In this aspect, the upper housing portion  2306  may include a PCD docking tray  2310  extending therefrom. In particular, the PCD docking tray  2310  may be slidably engaged with the upper housing portion  2306  of the PCD docking station  2300 . The PCD docking tray  2310  may extend from a side of the upper housing portion  2306 , e.g., a left side, a right side, or a front side (i.e., a top side when the upper housing portion  2306  is open). In a particular aspect, as shown, the PCD docking tray  2310  may extend outwardly from the right side of the upper housing portion  2306  of the PCD docking station  2300 . 
         [0117]    The PCD docking tray  2310  may include a generally flat, generally rectangular support plate  2312  having a proximal end  2314  and a distal end  2316 . A face plate  2318  may be attached to, or formed with, the distal end  2316  of the support plate  2312 . In a particular aspect, the face plate  2318  may be perpendicular to the support plate  2312 .  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25  further show that the PCD docking tray  2310  may include a support lip  2320  formed along a bottom edge of the support plate  2312 . In a particular aspect, the support lip  2320  may be generally “L” shaped and provide a pocket between the support lip  2320  and the support plate  2312  in which an end of a PCD may fit and rest during use. 
         [0118]    Further, as depicted in  FIG. 23 , the upper housing portion  2306  of the PCD docking station  2302  may include a multi-pin connector array  2328  adjacent to the PCD docking tray  2310 . In a particular aspect, the multi-pin connector array  2328  may be located adjacent to the proximal end  2314  of the support plate  2312 . The multi-pin connector array  2328  may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array on a PCD, e.g., the multi-pin connector array  130  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the multi-pin connector array  132  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art. 
         [0119]    In a particular aspect, the PCD docking tray  2310  is movable between a open position, or extended position, shown in  FIG. 24 , in which the PCD docking tray  2310  extends fully from within the housing  2302 , e.g., the upper housing portion  2306 , and a closed position, or retracted position, in which the PCD docking tray  2310  is retracted into the housing  2302 , e.g., the upper housing portion  2306 . In the retracted position, the face plate  2318  of the PCD docking tray  2310  may be flush with the side of the upper housing portion  2306 . 
         [0120]    In the extended position, as shown in  FIG. 25 , the PCD  100  may rest on the PCD docking tray  2310  and a multi-pin connector array on the PCD  100  may engage the multi-pin connector array  2328  on the upper housing portion  2306 . The PCD docking tray  2310  may support the PCD  100  at the same angle as the upper housing portion  2306  is relative to the lower housing portion  2304  to facilitate viewing of the PCD  100  during operation of the PCD  100  and the PCD docking station  2300 . 
         [0121]    In a particular aspect, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the PCD docking station  2300  may further include an eject button  2330 . The eject button  2330  may be incorporated into the PCD docking station  2300  adjacent to the PCD docking tray  2310 . Alternatively, the eject button  2330  may be incorporated into the PCD docking tray  2310 . When the eject button  2330  is pressed, the PCD docking tray  2310  may be moved from the closed position to the open position. In the open position, the PCD  100  may be docked with and supported by the PCD docking tray  2310 . 
         [0122]    When the PCD  100  is engaged within the PCD docking tray  2310 , the display within the PCD docking station  2300  may operate as a primary display and the PCD  100  may operate as a secondary display. 
         [0123]    It may be appreciated that when the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  2300  the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD  100  and the PCD docking station  2300  is portable. 
         [0124]    Referring now to  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 , a sixth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated  2600 . In general, the PCD docking station  2600  shown in  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27  is configured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station  600  described in conjunction with  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 11 . However, the PCD docking station  2600  shown in  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27  does not include a touch pad mouse  674 , a first mouse button  676 , a second mouse button  678 , or a combination thereof. 
         [0125]    As illustrated in  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 , the PCD docking station  2600  may include a housing  2602  having a lower housing portion  2604  and an upper housing portion  2606 . The lower housing portion  2604  of the housing  2602  may include an open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  2610  formed in the surface thereof. In this aspect, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  2610  may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., the PCD  100  shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 . 
         [0126]    In a particular aspect, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  2610  may be a depression or hole formed in the lower housing portion  2604  of the housing  2602 . As shown, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  2610  may be an open space, or a volume, formed within a left side wall  2612 , a right side wall  2614 , a rear side wall  2616 , a front side wall  2618 , and a bottom surface  2620 . 
         [0127]      FIG. 26  indicates that the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  2610  may include a multi-pin connector array  2622 . The multi-pin connector array  2622  may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of the side walls  2612 ,  2614 ,  2616 ,  2618 . In the aspect as shown in  FIG. 26 , the multi-pin connector  2622  may extend from the left side wall  2612  of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  2610 . The multi-pin connector array  2622  may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., the multi-pin connector array  130  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the multi-pin connector array  132  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art. 
         [0128]    As shown in  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 , the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  2610  may also include a latch assembly  2624  that extends over an edge of one of the side walls  2612 ,  2614 ,  2616 ,  2618 . In the aspect as shown in  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 , the latch assembly  2624  may extend over the edge of the right side wall  2614  of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  2610  opposite the left side wall  2612  of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  2610 . The latch assembly  2624  may be spring loaded and slidably disposed in the surface of the lower housing portion  2604  of the housing  2602 . In the aspect as shown, the latch assembly  2624  may be moved in a direction, e.g., to the right, in order to allow a PCD, e.g., the PCD  100  shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , to be inserted into the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket  2610 . Thereafter, when released, the latch assembly  2624  may move in the opposite direction, e.g., to the left. The latch assembly  2624  may then engage an upper surface of the PCD  100  in order to maintain the PCD  100  within the PCD docking pocket  2610 .  FIG. 27  illustrates the PCD  100  engaged with the PCD docking station  2600 . 
         [0129]    As shown, the PCD  100  may be installed within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  2610  as described herein. When the PCD  100  is installed within the docking pocket  2610 , the multi-pin connector array  130  of the PCD  100  may be engaged with the multi-pin connector array  2622  formed in the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  2610 . 
         [0130]    In a particular aspect, when the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  2600 , the PCD  100  may be used as a supplemental display. Further, the PCD  100  may be used as an input device, e.g., the PCD  100  may be used as a mouse pad and may include a first mouse button and a second mouse button. Also, the PCD  100  may be used as a supplemental display and as a mouse pad with corresponding mouse buttons. 
         [0131]    It may be appreciated that when the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  2600  the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of the PCD  100  and the PCD docking station  2600  is portable and the housing  2602  of the PCD docking station  2600  may be closed while the PCD  100  is docked with the PCD docking station  2600 . Also, the PCD docking station  2600  may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  2610 . When the PCD  100  is installed within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  2610 , the PCD  100  can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station  2600  to be powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD  100  is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket  2610 , the PCD docking station  2600  may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging the PCD  100  with the multi-pin connector array  2622  may cause the PCD docking station  2600  to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD  100  from the multi-pin connector array  2622  may cause the PCD docking station  2600  to be powered off. 
         [0132]      FIG. 28  depicts a first aspect of a PCD system, generally designated  2800 . As shown, the PCD system  2800  may include a PCD  2802  and a PCD docking station  2804 . In a particular aspect, the PCD  2802  may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station  2804  via a dock connector  2806 . The dock connector  2806  may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD  2802  and one or more components within the PCD docking station  2804 . Additionally, the dock connector  2806  may be a multi-pin dock connector  2806 . Further, the dock connector  2806  may be one of the multi-pin connector arrays described herein. 
         [0133]    As shown in  FIG. 28 , the PCD  2802  may include a printed circuit board (PCB)  2808  that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control the PCD  2802 . The PCB  2808  may include one or more of the components described in conjunction with  FIG. 5 . A battery  2810  may be coupled to the PCB  2808 . 
         [0134]      FIG. 28  indicates that the PCD docking station  2804  may include a battery  2820  connected to the dock connector  2806 . A power management module  2822  may be connected to the battery  2820 . Further, an alternating current (AC) power connection  2824  may be connected to the power management module  2822 . The AC power connection  2824  may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). 
         [0135]      FIG. 28  further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS) port  2838  may be connected to the dock connector  2806 . A first USB connector  2840  may be connected to the first USB-HS port  2838 . As depicted in  FIG. 28 , the PCD docking station  2804  may also include a second USB-HS port  2848 . A keyboard  2856  may be connected to the second USB-HS port  2848 . In particular, the keyboard  2856  may be a keyboard/touchpad combination. 
         [0136]      FIG. 28  indicates that the PCD docking station  2804  may also include a display  2860  connected to the dock connector  2806 . As shown, the dock connector  2806  may be further connected to a ground connection  2868 . 
         [0137]    In a particular aspect, the dock connector  2806  may include forty-four (44) pins. For example, the dock connector  2806  may include eight (8) pins for the battery  2820 , four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port  2838 , four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port  2848 , twenty (20) pins for the display  2860 , and eight (8) pins for the ground connection  2868 . 
         [0138]    Referring to  FIG. 29 , a second aspect of a PCD system is shown and is generally designated  2900 . As shown, the PCD system  2900  may include a PCD  2902  and a PCD docking station  2904 . In a particular aspect, the PCD  2902  may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station  2904  via a dock connector  2906 . The dock connector  2906  may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD  2902  and one or more components within the PCD docking station  2904 . 
         [0139]    As shown in  FIG. 29 , the PCD  2902  may include a printed circuit board (PCB)  2908  that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control the PCD  2902 . Further, the PCB  2908  may include one or more of the components described in conjunction with  FIG. 5 . A battery  2910  may be coupled to the PCB  2908 . 
         [0140]      FIG. 29  indicates that the PCD docking station  2904  may include a battery  2920  connected to the dock connector  2906 . A power management module  2922  may be connected to the battery  2920 . Further, an alternating current (AC) power connection  2924  may be connected to the power management module  2922 . The AC power connection  2924  may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)  2926  may be connected to the dock connector  2906  and one or more speakers  2928  may be connected to the audio I/O  2926 . 
         [0141]    As illustrated, a Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GbE MAC)  2934  may also be connected to the dock connector  2906 . An Ethernet port  2936  may be connected to the GbE MAC  2934 . In a particular aspect, the Ethernet port  2936  may be an RJ45 jack. 
         [0142]      FIG. 29  further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS) port  2938  may be connected to the dock connector  2906 . A first USB connector  2940  may be connected to the first USB-HS port  2938 . As depicted in  FIG. 29 , the PCD docking station  2904  may also include a second USB-HS port  2948 . A second USB connector  2950  may be connected to the second USB-HS port  2948 . Moreover, as depicted, a third USB-HS port  2954  may be connected to the dock connector  2906 . A keyboard  2956  may be connected to the third USB-HS port  2954 . In particular, the keyboard  2956  may be a keyboard/touchpad combination. 
         [0143]      FIG. 29  indicates that the PCD docking station  2904  may also include a display  2960 . Additionally, the PCD docking station  2904  may include an RGB(A) connector  2962  coupled to the dock connector  2906 . A D-sub connector  2964  may be connected to the RGB(A) connector  2962 . As shown, the dock connector  2906  may be connected to a ground connection  2968 . 
         [0144]    In a particular aspect, the dock connector  2906  may include one hundred nineteen (119) pins. For example, the dock connector  2906  may include ten (10) pins for the battery  2920 , three (3) pins for the audio I/O  2926 , thirty-six (36) pins for the GbE MAC  2934 , four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port  2938 , four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port  2948 , four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port  2954 , twenty (20) pins for the display  2960 , twenty-eight (28) pins for the RGB(A) connector  2962 , and ten (10) pins for the ground connection  2968 . 
         [0145]      FIG. 30  illustrates a third aspect of a PCD system, generally designated  3000 . As shown, the PCD system  3000  may include a PCD  3002  and a PCD docking station  3004 . In a particular aspect, the PCD  3002  may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station  3004  via a dock connector  3006 . The dock connector  3006  may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD  3002  and one or more components within the PCD docking station  3004 . 
         [0146]    As shown in  FIG. 30 , the PCD  3002  may include a printed circuit board (PCB)  3008  that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic hcomponents may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control the PCD  3002 . Further, the PCB  3008  may include one or more of the components described in conjunction with  FIG. 5 . A battery  3010  may be coupled to the PCB  3008 . 
         [0147]      FIG. 30  indicates that the PCD docking station  3004  may include a battery  3020  connected to the dock connector  3006 . A power management module  3022  may be connected to the battery  3020 . Further, an alternating current (AC) power connection  3024  may be connected to the power management module  3022 . The AC power connection  3024  may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)  3026  may be connected to the dock connector  3006  and one or more speakers  3028  may be connected to the audio I/O  3026 . 
         [0148]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 30 , a mobile display digital interface (MDDI)  3030  may be connected to the dock connector  3006 . A camera  3032  may be connected to the MDDI  3030 . Further, a Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GbE MAC)  3034  may also be connected to the dock connector. An Ethernet port  3036  may be connected to the GbE MAC  3034 . In a particular aspect, the Ethernet port  3036  may be an RJ45 jack. 
         [0149]      FIG. 30  further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS) port  3038  may be connected to the dock connector  3006 . A USB hub  3040  may be connected to the first USB-HS port  3038 . A first USB connector  3042  and a second USB connector  3044  may be connected to the USB hub  3040 . Additionally, a keyboard  3046  may be connected to the USB hub  3040 . In particular, the keyboard  3046  may be a keyboard/touchpad combination. 
         [0150]    As depicted in  FIG. 30 , the PCD docking station  3004  may also include a second USB-HS port  3048 . A first serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) to USB converter  3050  may be connected to the second USB-HS port  3048 . A digital video disk (DVD) drive  3052  may be connected to the first SATA-USB converter  3050 . Further, the PCD docking station  3004  may include a third USB-HS port  3054 . A second SATA-USB converter  3056  may be connected to the third USB-HS port  3054  and a hard disk drive (HDD)  3058  may be connected to the third USB-HS port  3054 . 
         [0151]      FIG. 30  indicates that the PCD docking station  3004  may also include a display  3060 . Additionally, the PCD docking station  3004  may include an RGB(A) connector  3062  coupled to the dock connector  3006 . A D-sub connector  3064  may be connected to the RGB(A) connector  3062 . As shown, the dock connector  3006  may be connected to a ground connection  3068 . 
         [0152]    In a particular aspect, the dock connector  3006  may include one hundred twenty-seven (127) pins. For example, the dock connector  3006  may include ten (10) pins for the battery  3020 , five (5) pins for the audio I/O  3026 , six (6) pins for the MDDI  3030 , thirty-six (36) pins for the GbE MAC  3034 , four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port  3038 , four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port  3048 , four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port  3054 , twenty (20) pins for the display  3060 , twenty-eight (28) pins for the RGB(A) connector  3062 , and ten (10) pins for the ground connection  3068 . The dock connector  3006  may also include an additional three (3) pins for the SATA  3050  connected to the second USB-HS port  3048 . 
         [0153]    Referring now to  FIG. 31 , a fourth aspect of a PCD system is shown and is generally designated  3100 . As shown, the PCD system  3100  may include a PCD  3102  and a PCD docking station  3104 . In a particular aspect, the PCD  3102  may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station  3104  via a dock connector  3106 . The dock connector  3106  may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within the PCD  3102  and one or more components within the PCD docking station  3104 . 
         [0154]    As shown in  FIG. 31 , the PCD  3102  may include a printed circuit board (PCB)  3108  that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control the PCD  3102 . Further, the PCB  3108  may include one or more of the components described in conjunction with  FIG. 5 . A battery  3110  may be coupled to the PCB  3108 . 
         [0155]      FIG. 31  indicates that the PCD docking station  3104  may include a battery  3120  connected to the dock connector  3106 . A power management module  3122  may be connected to the battery  3120 . Further, an alternating current (AC) power connection  3124  may be connected to the power management module  3122 . The AC power connection  3124  may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)  3126  may be connected to the dock connector  3106  and one or more speakers  3128  may be connected to the audio I/O  3126 . 
         [0156]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 31 , a mobile display digital interface (MDDI)  3130  may be connected to the dock connector  3106 . A camera  3132  may be connected to the MDDI  3130 . Further, a Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GbE MAC)  3134  may also be connected to the dock connector. An Ethernet port  3136  may be connected to the GbE MAC  3134 . In a particular aspect, the Ethernet port  3136  may be an RJ45 jack. 
         [0157]      FIG. 31  further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS) port  3138  may be connected to the dock connector  3106 . A USB hub  3140  may be connected to the first USB-HS port  3138 . A first USB connector  3142  and a second USB connector  3144  may be connected to the USB hub  3140 . Additionally, a keyboard  3146  may be connected to the USB hub  3140 . In particular, the keyboard  3146  may be a keyboard/touchpad combination. 
         [0158]    As depicted in  FIG. 31 , the PCD docking station  3104  may also include a second USB-HS port  3148 . A first serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) to USB converter  3150  may be connected to the second USB-HS port  3148 . A digital video disk (DVD) drive  3152  may be connected to the first SATA-USB converter  3150 . Further, the PCD docking station  3104  may include a third USB-HS port  3154 . A second SATA-USB converter  3156  may be connected to the third USB-HS port  3154  and a hard disk drive (HDD)  3158  may be connected to the third USB-HS port  3154 . 
         [0159]      FIG. 31  indicates that the PCD docking station  3104  may also include a display  3160 . Additionally, the PCD docking station  3104  may include an RGB(A) connector  3162  coupled to the dock connector  3106 . A D-sub connector  3164  may be connected to the RGB(A) connector  3162 . A high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)  3166  may also be connected to the dock connector  3106 . As shown, the dock connector  3106  may be connected to a ground connection  3168 . 
         [0160]    In a particular aspect, the dock connector  3106  may include one hundred forty-six (146) pins. For example, the dock connector  3106  may include ten (10) pins for the battery  3120 , five (5) pins for the audio I/O  3126 , six (6) pins for the MDDI  3130 , thirty-six (36) pins for the GbE MAC  3134 , four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port  3138 , four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port  3148 , four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port  3154 , twenty (20) pins for the display  3160 , twenty-eight (28) pins for the RGB(A) connector  3162 , nineteen (19) pins for the HDMI  3166 , and ten (10) pins for the ground connection  3168 . The dock connector  3106  may also include an additional three (3) pins for the SATA  3150  connected to the second USB-HS port  3148 . 
         [0161]    Referring to  FIG. 32 , a PCD processor system is shown and is generally designated  3200 . As shown, the PCD processor system  3200  may include a first core processor  3202 , a second core processor  3204 , a third core processor  3206 , and a fourth core processor  3208 . Further, the PCD processor system  3200  may include a 32-bit processor  3210 , e.g., an ARM  11  processor. 
         [0162]    As shown, one or more hardware peripherals  3212  may be connected to the first core processor  3202 , the second core processor  3204 , the third core processor  3206 , the fourth core processor  3208 , the 32-bit processor  3210 , or a combination thereof. In a particular aspect, a process monitor and load leveler  3214  may be connected to the first core processor  3202 , the second core processor  3204 , the third core processor  3206 , and the fourth core processor  3208 . As described herein, the process monitor and load leveler  3214  may act as a processor manager to turn the core processors  3202 ,  3204 ,  3206 ,  3208  on and off depending on operational requirements, whether a PCD is docked, whether a PCD is undocked or a combination thereof. The process monitor and load leveler  3214  may act as a means for executing one or more of the method steps described herein. 
         [0163]      FIG. 32  further indicates that a first process  3216  and a second process  3218  may be executed by the 32-bit processor  3210 . A third process  3220 , a fourth process  3222 , a fifth process  3224 , a sixth process  3226 , a seventh process  3228 , and an Nth process  3230  may be executed by the first core processor  3202 , the second core processor  3204 , the third core processor  3206 , the fourth core processor  3208 , or a combination thereof via the process monitor and load leveler  3214 . 
         [0164]    The PCD processor system  3200  may further include a modem real-time operating system (RTOS)  3232  that may operate above the first process  3216  and the second process  3218 . An application RTOS  3234  may operate above the third process  3220 , the fourth process  3222 , the fifth process  3224 , the sixth process  3226 , the seventh process  3228 , and the Nth process  3230 . In a particular aspect, the application RTOS may be an RTOS provided by Linux™. A plurality of applications  3236  may be executed by the modem RTOS  3232  and the application RTOS  3234 . 
         [0165]    Referring to  FIG. 33 , a method of managing power distribution between a PCD and a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated  3300 . Commencing at block  3301 , a do loop may be entered in which when the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, the following steps may be performed. At decision  3302 , a power management module may determine whether the PCD is powered on. If so, the method may proceed to block  3303  and the PCD docking station may be turned on, e.g., by the power management module. Otherwise, the method may proceed to block  3304  and the PCD and the PCD docking station may be turned on, e.g., by the power management module. From block  3303  and block  3304 , the method may proceed to block  3305 . 
         [0166]    At block  3305 , the power supply to the PCD may be switched from the PCD battery to the PCD docking station battery. At block  3306 , the PCD docking station and the PCD may be powered from the PCD docking station battery. Further, at block  3308 , the PCD battery power may be determined, e.g., the remaining battery power of the PCD battery may be determined. 
         [0167]    Moving to decision  3310 , a power management module may determine whether the PCD battery power is equal to a charge condition. For example, the power management module may determine whether a remaining battery life is below a predetermined value, e.g., a percentage (%) of total PCD battery life. Also, the power management module may reside in a processor within the PCD. 
         [0168]    Returning to the description of the method  3300 , if the PCD battery power is equal to a charge condition, the method  3300  may proceed to block  3312  and the PCD battery may be charged from the PCD docking station battery. Thereafter, the method may continue to block  3314 . Returning to decision  3310 , if the PCD battery power is not equal to the charge condition, the method may move directly to block  3314 . 
         [0169]    At block  3314 , the PCD docking station battery power may be monitored. Next, at decision  3316 , the power management module may determine whether the docking station battery power is equal to a warning condition. For example, the power management module may determine whether a remaining battery power associated with the PCD docking station battery is below a predetermined value, e.g., a percentage (%) of total PCD docking station battery life. 
         [0170]    If the docking station battery power is not equal to the warning condition, the method may return to block  3314  and continue as described herein. Otherwise, if the docking station battery power is equal to the warning condition, the method  3300  may move to block  3318  and the power management module may transmit a first warning to the user. The first warning may be an audio warning, a visual warning, or a combination thereof. From block  3318 , the method  3300  may move to block  3320  of  FIG. 34 . 
         [0171]    At block  3320 , the power management module may monitor the PCD docking station battery power. Then, the method may move to decision  3322  and the power management module may determine whether the docking station battery power is equal to a critical condition. For example, the power management module may determine whether a remaining battery power associated with the PCD docking station battery is below a predetermined value, e.g., a percentage (%) of total PCD docking station battery life. If the PCD docking station battery power is not equal to the critical condition, the method  3300  may return to block  3320  and continue as described herein. Otherwise, if the PCD docking station battery power is equal to the critical condition, the method  3300  may proceed to block  3324  and the power management module may transmit a second warning to the user. The second warning may be an audio warning, a visual warning, or a combination thereof. 
         [0172]    From block  3324 , the method may continue to decision  3326  and the power management module may determine whether a power source is plugged into the PCD docking station. The power source may be an alternating current (A/C) power source, an external direct current (D/C) power source, or a combination thereof. If a power source is plugged into the PCD docking station, the method  3300  may continue to block  3328  and the power management module may charge the PCD docking station battery from the power source. Thereafter, the method may return to block  3305  of  FIG. 33  and continue as described herein. 
         [0173]    Returning to decision  3326 , if the power management module does not detect that a power source is plugged into the PCD docking station, the method  3300  may proceed to block  3330  and the power management module may switch the power supply to the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery to the PCD battery. Next, at block  3332 , the PCD docking station and the PCD may be powered from the PCD battery. 
         [0174]    Moving to block  3334 , the power management module may monitor the PCD battery power. At decision  3336 , the power management module may determine whether the PCD battery power is equal to a power down condition. For example, the power management module may determine whether a remaining battery power associated with the PCD battery is below a predetermined value, e.g., a percentage (%) of total PCD battery life. If the PCD battery power is not equal to the power down condition, the method  3300  may return to block  3334  and continue as described herein. Conversely, if the PCD battery power is equal to the power down condition, the method  3300  may continue to block  3338  and the power management module may turn off the PCD/PCD docking station combination module. Then, the method  3300  may end. 
         [0175]    With the configuration described herein, the PCD/PCD docking station combination provides feature segmentation between the PCD and the PCD docking station. A PCD may be engaged with a PCD docking station in one of the manners described herein. For example, a PCD may be engaged with a PCD engagement mechanism, e.g., a PCD docking pocket, a PCD docking tray, or a similar mechanism. Further, dual display usage is provided, e.g., by a display in a PCD and a display in a PCD docking station. When engaged with a PCD docking station, a PCD may be charged by the PCD docking station. Moreover, seamless user interface and application transition may be provided as the PCD is docked or undocked. 
         [0176]    In a particular aspect, user interface features may be provided when a PCD is docked or undocked. One such aspect, is a “fish-eye” bubble that may be provided across all applications displayed on the PCD. Additionally, application layer scaling may be provided. For example, a primary application version may be executed when a PCD is docked and a secondary application version may be executed when a PCD is undocked. Alternatively, a standard application version may be executed when a PCD is undocked and an enhanced application version may be executed when a PCD is docked. In an undocked mode, a PCD may execute less computational intensive, smaller footprint applications. In a docked mode, full functionality applications may be executed by the PCD. Whether a PCD is docked or undocked may be automatically detected and the appropriate application versions may be executed when available. 
         [0177]    When a PCD is undocked, two low power processors may be used for small screen applications and the PCD operating system (OS). Further, two high performance processors may be used to execute larger applications when the PCD is docked with a PCD docking station. In another aspect, when the PCD is docked, one processor may be used for mouse controls and graphical user interface controls, i.e., touch screen controls; one processor may be used for shared input/output controls; one processor be used for a PCD OS; and one processor may be used for a desktop OS stored on a PCD docking station. In yet another aspect, each processor may run a different OS and framework. 
         [0178]    A PCD docking station may be connected to a home network and when a PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, the PCD may, in turn, be connected to the home network. Moreover, data, e.g., applications, content, or a combination thereof, may be automatically backed up to a PCD docking station when a PCD is docked with the PCD docking station. A PCD docking station may include a display, a display buffer, a HDD, additional memory, LAN capabilities, WLAN capabilities, one or more USB ports, printer connections, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The PCD docking station may include a large screen application memory. A large screen application and an OS state may be retained in the PCD docking station memory when the PCD is undocked in order to enable instant-on when the PCD is again docked. A large screen application may include a browser application, a word processor application, a spreadsheet application, a presentation application, an email application, a calendar application, a video application, or a combination thereof. A small screen application may include a media player application, a phone application, a control application, or a combination thereof. 
         [0179]    When a PCD is docked with a PCD docking station, a user can take advantage of a relatively larger display incorporated into the PCD docking station. Further, a user may use a full keyboard and mouse to access data stored in the PCD. A PCD docking station may be incorporated into a vehicle, a kiosk, a set top box, etc. and a PCD may be docked therewith. 
         [0180]    It is to be understood that the method steps described herein need not necessarily be performed in the order as described. Further, words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the method steps. 
         [0181]    In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
         [0182]    Although selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.