Patent Publication Number: US-10317955-B2

Title: Portable computing device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/156,178, filed May 16, 2016 and titled “Portable Computing Device,” which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/593,930, filed Jan. 9, 2015 and titled “Portable Computing Device,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,829,932, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/613,253, filed Sep. 13, 2012 and titled “Portable Computing Device,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,995,115, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/339,325, filed Dec. 28, 2011 and titled “Portable Computing Device,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,339,775, which is a continuation-in-part patent application of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US11/47796, filed Aug. 15, 2011, which is a national phase patent application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/894,437, filed Sep. 3, 2010 and titled “High-Speed Card Connector,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,542, and PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US11/47796 is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/276,015, filed Oct. 18, 2011, now abandoned, which is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims priority to: 
     (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/394,037, filed Oct. 18, 2010 and titled “Portable Computing Systems;” and 
     (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/275,724 filed Oct. 19, 2010 and titled “Portable Computing System.” 
    
    
     This patent application is also related to and incorporates by reference in their entireties and for all purposes the following patent applications:
         (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/714,737 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,518,569) entitled “INTEGRATED FRAME BATTERY CELL” by Murphy et al., and filed Mar. 1, 2010;   (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/552,857 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,380) entitled “CENTRIFUGUAL BLOWER WITH NON-UNIFORM BLADE SPACING” by Duke, and filed Sep. 2, 2009;   (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/620,299 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,305,761) entitled “HEAT REMOVAL IN COMPACT COMPUTING SYSTEMS” by Degner et al., and filed Nov. 17, 2009;   (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/580,922 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,111,505) entitled “COMPUTER HOUSING” by Raff et al., and filed Oct. 16, 2009; and   (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/712,102 entitled “STACKED METAL AND ELASTOMERIC DOME FOR KEY SWITCH” by Niu et al., and filed Feb. 24, 2010.       

     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to portable computing devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to enclosures of portable computing systems and methods of assembling portable computing devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The outward appearance of a portable computing system, including its design and its heft, is important to a user of the portable computing system, as the outward appearance contributes to the overall impression that the user has of the portable computing system. At the same time, the assembly of the portable computing system is also important to the user, as a durable assembly will help extend the overall life of the portable computing system and will increase its value to the user. 
     One design challenge associated with the manufacture of portable computing systems is the design of the outer enclosures used to house the various internal computing components. This design challenge generally arises from a number conflicting design goals that include the desirability of making the outer enclosure or housing lighter and thinner, of making the enclosure stronger, and of making the enclosure aesthetically pleasing, among other possible goals. Lighter housings or enclosures tend to be more flexible and therefore have a greater propensity to buckle and bow, while stronger and more rigid enclosures tend to be thicker and carry more weight. Unfortunately, increased weight may lead to user dissatisfaction with respect to reduced portability, while bowing may damage internal parts or lead to other failures. Further, few consumers desire to own or use a device that is perceived to be ugly or unsightly. Due to such considerations, portable computing system enclosure materials are typically selected to provide sufficient structural rigidity while also meeting weight constraints, with any aesthetic appeal being worked into materials that meet these initial criteria. 
     As such, outer enclosures or housings for portable computing systems are often made from aluminum, steel and other inexpensive yet sturdy metals having a suitable thickness to achieve both goals of low weight and high structural rigidity. The uses of metal enclosures is also convenient from the standpoint of providing a ready electrical ground and/or a ready radio frequency (“RF”) or electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shield for the processor and other electrical components of the computing device, since a metal enclosure or outer housing can readily be used for such functions. 
     Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide portable computing system that is aesthetically pleasing and lightweight, and durable. It would also be beneficial to provide methods for assembling the portable computing system. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a wedge shaped profile and an associated high speed memory card and card connector. This can be accomplished at least in part through the use of a wedge shaped outer housing and specially designed inner components arranged to fit and operate within this housing. Such components include a high speed memory card and associated card connector that utilizes contacts having short signal paths, as well as a ground plane split into multiple portions. In one aspect of the provided embodiments, the computing device takes the form of a laptop computer. 
     In various embodiments, a portable computing device can include a base portion formed from a lightweight material and including a wedge shaped top case coupled to a bottom case to form a complete housing for at least a portion of the portable computing device, the complete housing enclosing at least a plurality of operational components and a plurality of structural components. The portable computing device can also include a lid portion pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge assembly, the lid portion having a display in communication with one or more of the components in the base portion. 
     The hinge assembly can have one or more electrical conductors that electrically couple the lid portion to the base portion, and can also include a hollow clutch having an annular outer region and a central bore region surrounded by the annular outer region. The central bore region permits the passage of and provides support for the one or more electrical conductors. The hinge assembly can also include a first fastening component that facilitates the coupling of the hollow clutch to the base portion, and also a second fastening component that facilitates the coupling of the hollow clutch to the lid portion, wherein at least one of the first and second fastening components is integrally formed with the hollow clutch. 
     In various, embodiments, the portable computing device, which can be a laptop computer, can also include one or more user input components located on the base portion, with the base portion defining a wedge shape such that the one or more user input components are presented at an angle to a user of the portable computing device. The user inputs can include a keyboard, a touch pad, or both. 
     In various embodiments, the portable computing device can include as one of the operational components a laterally configured, small Z stack solid state memory device or module. In some embodiments, the memory module can be a standalone device. The memory device or module can include a substrate, a plurality of memory devices arranged linearly on the substrate, and a controller linearly arranged in accordance with the plurality of the memory devices and arranged to provide control signals to the memory devices. This solid state memory device can include a set of eighteen contacts located along one edge of the substrate, the contacts being adapted to interface with a respective connector coupled to a motherboard of the portable computing device. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed inventive apparatuses and methods for providing portable computing devices. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIGS. 1-6  show representative views of a portable computing system in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows an external view of a bottom case in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows an internal view of the bottom case shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    show an exterior view of top case illustrating various openings used to accommodate a keyboard and a touchpad in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10 a  through 10 c    show a top case and feature plate assembly in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b    show an embodiment of a tamper resistant fastener that can be used to secure the top case and the bottom case of the portable computing device in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 12A , shows a portable computing system with a bottom case and the battery removed to reveal various internal components and structures and  FIG. 12B  shows a cross section of a rear portion of the portable computing system shown in  FIG. 12A  in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 13 a  through 13 d    show a representative compact thermal module in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 14 a  and 14 b    show board to board connectors with anti-angulation devices in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates openings used to aid in promoting good cable dress in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  shows an expanded view of region of a keyboard/track pad circuit that can include various keyboards and touch pad processing components in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 17 a  and 17 b    show cable straps used to secure cables in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  shows representative cable secured by cable straps of  FIG. 17   a.    
         FIG. 19  shows an exploded view of a battery assembly in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  shows specific mirror image configuration of a framed battery arrangement in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 21 a  through 21 d    show an SSD memory module in perspective, side, bottom and top views respectively in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 22 a    shows in side view an alternative SSD memory module having memory chips on both sides thereof in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 22 b    shows in close up view the contacts of an SSD memory module in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 23  shows in top perspective view a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 24  shows in bottom perspective view a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 25  shows a daughter or optional card inserted into a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 26  shows in top view a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 27  shows in cross-sectional view a connector receptacle in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 28  shows a detail of a portion of a top of a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 29  shows in front view a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 30  shows in side view a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 31  shows a detail of a side view in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 32  shows a bottom view of a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 33  shows a flowchart detailing a process in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective drawing of a touch pad in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 35  is a side view of a touch pad and its orientation relative to the body portion of the housing in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 36  is a cross-sectional view of the touch pad in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 37 a  and 37 b    are cross sectional views of a dome switch associated with the touch pad prior to and after a force input to the touch pad in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 38  shows an exploded view of a touch pad In accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 39  shows an exemplary outer housing for a portion of a portable computing system is illustrated in side cross-sectional view. 
         FIG. 40  shows m exemplary alternative outer housing for a portion of a portable computing system according to one embodiment of the present Invention is similarly shown in side cross-sectional view. 
         FIG. 41  illustrates in close-up side cross-sectional view an exemplary shoulder to trough interface region of the dousing components of  FIG. 13  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 42A through 42C , on exemplary way of forming a trough in a housing component interface region are provided according to one embodiment of the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 43  shows a flowchart detailing a process in accordance with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary applications of apparatuses and methods according to the present invention are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the invention. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     The following relates to a portable computing system such as a laptop computer, net book computer, tablet computer, etc. The portable computing system can include a multi-part housing having a top case and a bottom case joining at a reveal to form a base portion. The portable computing system can have an upper portion (or lid) that can house a display screen and other related components whereas the base portion can house various processors, drives, ports, battery, keyboard, touchpad and the like. The base portion can be formed of a multipart housing that can include top and bottom outer housing components each of which can be formed in a particular manner at an interlace region such that the gap and offset between these outer housing components are not only reduced, but are also more consistent from device to device during the mass production of devices. These general subjects are set forth in greater detail below. 
     In a particular embodiment, the lid and base portion can be pivotally connected with each other by way of what can be referred to as a hollow clutch assembly. The hollow clutch assembly can be arranged to pivotally couple the base portion to the lid. The hollow clutch assembly can include at least a hollow cylindrical portion that in turn includes an annular outer region, and a central bore region surrounded by the annular outer region, the central bore suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base portion and electrical components in the lid. The hollow clutch assembly can also include a plurality of fastening regions that couple the hollow clutch to the base portion and the lid of the portable computing system with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the hollow cylindrical portion such that space, size/and part count are minimized. 
     The multipart housing can be formed of a strong and durable yet lightweight material. Such materials can include composite materials and or metals such as aluminum. Aluminum has a number of characteristics that make it a good choice for the multipart housing. For example, aluminum is a good electrical conductor that can provide good electrical ground and it can be easily machined and has well known metallurgical characteristics. Furthermore, aluminum is not highly reactive and non-magnetic which can be an essential requirement if the portable computing system has RF capabilities, such as WiFi, AM/FM, etc. In order to both protect the multipart housing and provide an aesthetically appealing finish (both visual and tactile), a protective layer can be placed or formed on an external surface of the multipart housing. The protective layer can be applied in such a way to both enhance the aesthetic appeal of the housing and to protect the appearance of the portable computing system. In one embodiment, when the multipart housing is formed of aluminum, at least an exterior surface of the aluminum, can be anodized to form the protective layer. 
     The top case can include a cavity, or lumen, into which a plurality of operational components can be inserted during an assembly operation. In the described embodiment, the operational components can inserted into the lumen and attached to the top case in an “top-bottom” assembly operation in which top most components are inserted first followed by components in a top down arrangement. For example, the top case can be provided and shaped to accommodate a keyboard module. The keyboard module can include a keyboard assembly formed of a plurality of keycap assemblies and associated circuitry, such as a flexible membrane on which can be incorporated a switching matrix. In one embodiment, the keycap assemblies can take the form of low profile keycaps such as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/712,102 entitled “STACKED METAL AND ELASTOMERIC DOME FOR KEY SWITCH” by Niu et al. which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     In one embodiment, a keycap assembly can be used to replace a power switch. For example, in a conventional keyboard each of a top row of keycaps can be assigned at least one function. However, by re-deploying one of the keycaps as a power button, the number of operational components can be reduced by at least eliminating the switch mechanism associated with the conventional power button and replacing it with the already available keycap assembly and associated circuitry. 
     In addition to the keyboard, the portable computing system can include a touch sensitive device along the lines of a touch pad, touch screen, etc. In those embodiments where the portable computing device includes a touch pad the touch pad can be formed from a glass material. The glass material provides a cosmetic surface and is the primary source of structural rigidity for the touchpad. The use of the glass material in this way significantly reduces the overall thickness of the touchpad compared to previous designs. The touchpad can include circuitry for processing signals from both a sensor associated with the touchpad and a keyboard membrane associated with the keyboard. Thus, separate circuitry previously used to process the signals from the keyboard membrane is eliminated. 
     The touchpad includes a dome switch for detecting an actuation of the touch pad that is covered with a sealing mechanism. The dome switch can include an electrical switch. The sealing mechanism can protect the electrical switch from dirt and moisture intrusion and hence, improve the robustness of the electrical switch. The sealing mechanism can include expansion gaps into which the dome switch can expand when it is compressed. During actuation, the use of the expansion gaps improves the force feedback response associated with the dome switch and the overall aesthetic feel of the touch pad. 
     In the embodiments where at least one of the top case and bottom case are formed of conductive material, such as aluminum, a good electrical ground plane or electrical ground can be provided. The ability to provide a good ground plane can be particularly advantageous due to the close proximity of the operational components to one another in the portable computing system. Due to this close proximity, it is desirable to isolate sources of significant RF radiation (such as a main logic board, or MLB) from those circuits, such as wireless circuits, that are sensitive to RF interference. In this way, at least the conductive top and/or bottom case be used to provide a good chassis ground that, in turn, can be used to electromagnetically isolate the circuits that produce RF energy from those components that am sensitive to RF energy. Moreover, by forming both top and bottom case with conductive material, the top and bottom case can be joined to form a base portion that can act as a Faraday cage that can effectively shield the external environment from EMI generated by the portable computing system. The Faraday cage like attributes of the base portion can also protect RF sensitive components from externally generated EMI. 
     In order to provide a pleasing aesthetic to the user, the shape of the portable computing system can have a profile that is pleasing to the eye and to the touch. In the described embodiments, the multipart housing can have a wedge shape. The wedge shape can be such that when the bottom surface of the portable computing system is placed upon a flat supporting surface, such as a table or desk, the angle presented by the wedge shaped housing (in particular the wedge shaped upper portion of the multipart housing) can present an easy to use keyboard arrangement and touchpad. In contrast to conventional portable computing systems such as laptop computers having a uniformly shaped housing with little or no angularity, the wedge shape of the portable computing system can improve user interaction with the touch pad and keyboard by presenting the touch pad surface and the keycaps in a more natural alignment with a user&#39;s fingers. In this way, improved ergonomics can help reduce an amount of stress and strain placed upon the user&#39;s wrists. 
     Due at least to the strong and resilient nature of the material used to form the multipart housing; the multipart housing can include a number of openings having wide spans that do not require additional support structures. Such openings can take the form of ports that can be used to provide access to internal circuits. The ports can include, for example, data ports suitable for accommodating cables (USB, Ethernet, FireWire, etc.) connecting external circuits. The openings can also provide access to an audio circuit, video display circuit, power input, etc. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-43 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
     Portable Computing Device 
       FIGS. 1-6  show various views of portable computing system  100  in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of portable computing system  100  in an open (lid) state whereas  FIG. 2  shows portable computing system  100  in a close (lid) state. Portable computing system  100  can include base portion  102  formed of bottom case  104  fastened to top case  106 . Base portion  102  can be pivotally connected to lid portion  108  by way of hollow clutch assembly  110  hidden from view by a cosmetic wall. Base portion  102  can have an overall wedge shape having a first end sized to accommodate hollow clutch assembly  110 . Base portion  102  can taper down to a more narrowly configured end arranged to accommodate inset portion  112  suitable for assisting a user in lifting lid portion  108  by, for example, a finger. In the described embodiment, the overall wedge shaped appearance of base portion  102  can be created by the overall wedge shape of top case  106 . Alternatively, a wedge shaped bottom case could provide a similar result. Top case  106  can be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as keyboard  114  and touchpad  116 . Keyboard  114  can include a plurality of low profile keycap assemblies each having an associated key pad  118 . 
     Each of the plurality of key pads  118  can have a symbol imprinted thereon for identifying the key input associated with the particular key pad. Keyboard  114  can be arranged to receive a discrete input at each keypad using a finger motion referred to as a keystroke. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each key pad can be laser etched thereby creating an extremely clean and durable imprint that will not fade under the constant application of keystrokes over the life of portable computing system  100 . Touch pad  116  can be configured to receive a user&#39;s finger gesturing. A finger gesture can include touch events from more than one finger applied in unison. The gesture can also include a single ringer touch event such as a swipe or a tap. In order to reduce component count, a keycap assembly can be re-provisioned as a power button. For example, key pad  118 - 1  can be used as power button  118 - 1 . In this way, the overall number of components in portable computing system  100  can be commensurably reduced. 
     Lid portion  108  can include display  120  and rear cover  122  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 2 ) that can add a cosmetic finish to lid portion  108  and also provide structural support to at least display  120 . In the described embodiment, lid portion  108  can include display trim  124  that surrounds display  120 . Lid portion  108  can be moved with the aid of hollow clutch assembly  110  from the closed position to remain in the open position and back again. Display  120  can display visual content such as a graphical user interface, still images such as photos as well as video media items such as movies. Display  120  can display images using any appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), OLED, etc. Portable computing system  100  can also include image capture device  126  located on display trim  124 . Image capture device  126  can be configured to capture both still and video images. Display trim  124  can be supported by structural components (not shown) within lid portion  108  but attached to rear cover  122 . Display trim  124  can enhance the overall appearance of display  120  by hiding operational and structural components as well as focusing attention onto the active area of display  120 . Data ports  128  and  130  can be used to transfer data and/or power between an external circuit(s) and portable computing system  100 . Lid portion  108  can be formed to have unibody construction that can provide additional strength and resiliency to lid portion  108  which is particularly important due to the stresses caused by repeated opening and closing. In addition to the increase in strength and resiliency, the unibody construction of lid portion  108  can reduce overall part count by eliminating separate support features. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3-6  showing side views of portable computing system  100 . More specifically,  FIG. 3  shows a rear view of portable computing system  100  showing cosmetic wall  111  used to conceal hollow clutch assembly  110  and at least two support feet  132  that can be used to provide support to portable computing system  100 . Support feet  132  can be formed of wear resistant and resilient material such as plastic.  FIG. 4  shows representative front view of portable computing system  100  illustrating the relative position of insert  112  between top case  106  and lid portion  108 . As shown in  FIG. 5  illustrating a representative left side view of portable computing system  100  showing left aide wall  134  of top case  106  having openings that can be used to accommodate various data and power ports. For example, opening  136  formed in left side wall  134  can be used to accommodate an Ethernet cable whereas opening  138  can be used to accommodate Magsafe™ receptacle  140 . It should be noted that opening  138  must have a high aspect ratio in order to accommodate receptacle  140  due in part to a relatively large platform  142 , or mesa that allows an appropriately configured power plug to more easily align to receptacle  140 . In the particular embodiments described herein, audio receptacle  144  and side firing microphone  146  can be positioned on side wall  134 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , right side wall  148  of top case  106  can include openings  150  and  152  used to accommodate data ports  128  (such as a USB data port) and  130  that can take the form of, respectively, a video port such a DisplayPort™ type video port. 
       FIG. 7  shows an external view of bottom case  104  showing relative positioning of support feet  132 , insert  112 , exterior of hollow clutch assembly  110  and fasteners  154  used to secure bottom case  104  and top case  106  together. In the particular implementation described, fasteners  154  can take the form of tamper resistant fasteners described in more detail below. FIG.  8  shows an internal view of bottom case  104  showing openings  156  used to accommodate fasteners  154 . Moreover, fasteners  158  can be used to secure device feet  132  to bottom case  104 . Standoff  160  can be used to provide support for bottom case  104  when attached to top case  106 . 
       FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    show representative embodiments of top case  106 . For example,  FIG. 9 a   . shows an exterior view of top case  106  illustrating various openings used to accommodate keyboard  114  and touch pad  116 . More specifically, openings  161  can each have a size and shape in accordance with a specific key cap assembly. For example, opening  161 - 1  can be sized to accommodate power button  118 - 1  whereas opening  161 - 2  can be sized to accommodate a space bar. In addition to openings  161 , opening  162  can accommodate touch pad  116 . For example, opening  162  can include attachment feature  164  that can be used to secure the touchpad  116  to top case  106 . Moreover, as seen in  FIG. 9 b    showing the interior of top case  106 , several additional attachment features can be seen that can be used to secure both touch pad  116  and keyboard  114 . In a particular embodiment, keyboard  114  and touch pad  116  can share circuitry that can at least reduce an overall component count. In addition, notch  166  can be used in conjunction with hollow clutch assembly  110  to provide a more unified and integrated appearance to portable computing system  100 . Attachment features  168  can be used to with opening  156  to secure bottom case  104  and top case  106 . 
       FIGS. 10 a  through 10 c    show a top case and feature plate assembly  180 .  FIG. 10 a    shows the entire assembly  180  in obverse perspective view, while  FIG. 10 b    is a close up view of a corner of the assembly. As shown in  FIG. 10 b   , a feature plate  182  is fastened to top case  106  by way of numerous rivets  184 . Numerous components can be disposed between the feature plate  182  and the top case  106 , as will be readily appreciated.  FIG. 10 c    depicts a partial cross section of one rivet location of feature plate assembly  180 , which riveting is accomplished in a composite beam type manner. Feature plate  182 , which can be a thin steel plate, for example, can be riveted at location  188  to an aluminum webbing  186  that is situated between various keycaps (not shown). Webbing  186  can in turn be coupled to top case  106 , or can be integrally formed with the top case in some embodiments. Location  188  is preferably sized and shaped in order to accommodate a rivet that goes through a proximately placed location in feature plate  182 . 
     Numerous advantages can be realized by way of having a feature plate  182  that is riveted to a top case  106  by way of multiple rivets  184  to enclose various internal components therein. For example, the combination of the top case  106  and a steel feature plate  182  can result in the creation of an effective EMI shield, and even a Faraday cage type shield in some embodiments. This EMI shielding effect is enhanced by the use of numerous fastening points held together by rivets, which tends to seal off the internal components of the keyboard better than when fewer fastening points are used, such as in a screw or bolt type arrangement. This EMI shield then effectively isolates the keyboard in an EMI sense from various other components in the computing device, such as the processor located directly below the keyboard or any antenna that may be at the device. 
     As another benefit, using a rivet rather than other types of fastening components, such as screws, bolts and the like results in no need for the fastening component to extend through the top case  106  or even the aluminum webbing  186  in order to affect a strong fastening of components. This is advantageous where a smooth and unbroken surface may be desired on the outside of the top case or aluminum webbing. This is also advantageous in that manufacturing riveting processes can be significantly faster than similar screwing or bolting processes, in that the obverse side of the components being riveted does not need to be accessed in some cases, such as that which is disclosed above. Another benefit that can be realized by using rivets instead of screws is that the overall assembly can be thinner, particularly since there is no longer a need to accommodate threaded structures or components, which can take up space. 
     While using rivets rather than screws or bolts tends to result in the need for a greater quantity of fastening components (i.e., rivets), since each rivet location tends to be weaker than each screw location in a similar assembly, this can be countered by using a composite beam type riveting arrangement for increased strength, and also a rapid riveting process to obtain the benefit of a smooth and unbroken obverse surface on one side of the assembly being riveted. The use of rivets rather than screws can lead to simpler manufacturing processes that tend to save costs, are faster, and can also result in the use of more fastening points, which in turn leads to greater integrity in components that are fastened together more reliably. The overall feel of a riveted together top case, keyboard and feature plate assembly is also improved by using rivets rather than screws, as the combination of components tends to be suffer, more stable, and more affixed together as an overall assembly. 
       FIG. 11 a    shows an embodiment of fastener  154  in the form of tamper resistant fastener  170  that can be used to secure bottom case  104  and top case  106 . In the described embodiments, tamper resistant fastener  170  can be formed to have head portion  172  that includes shaped recesses  174 . The number and shape of recesses  174  can be widely varied. In this way, the only authorized mechanism by which tamper resistant fastener  170  can be engaged for insertion or removal is driver  176  shown in  FIG. 11 b   . Driver  176  includes driver portion  178  shaped to correspond to shaped recesses  174 . In the particular implementation shown in  FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b   , tamper resistant fastener  170  can include five shaped recesses  174  (also referred to as lobes) such that tamper resistant fastener  170  can be referred to as pentalobe fastener  170 . Therefore, in order to properly engage pentalobe listener  170 , driver portion  178  of driver  176  must have a shape that conforms to that of pentalobes  174 . In other words, driver portion  178  must be shaped and sized to coincide with the shape and size of pentalobes  174 . Accordingly, only those individuals having access to authorize pentalobe driver  176  are capable of properly engaging pentalobe fastener  170 . In this way, the use of an inappropriately shaped driver can be readily detected by way of the likely damage caused to pentalobe fastener  170 . 
       FIG. 12A  shows portable computing system  100  with bottom case  104  and the battery removed to reveal various internal components and structures. For example, fan assembly  602  can be used to exhaust waste heat provided by heat transfer module  604 . Heat transfer or thermal module  604  can include stages  603  and  605 . Stages  603  and  605  can thermally and mechanically couple beat pipe  606  with heat generating components such as central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics controller (GPU), respectively. In the embodiment shown, waste heat can be transferred to coolant material (such as water) in heat pipe  606  and transported to fin stack  608 . Fan assembly  602  can then force comparatively cooler air through fin slack  608  causing heat to transfer from the coolant material in heat pipes  606  to the cooler air that can then be exhausted by way of rear vent  607 .  FIG. 12B  shows a cross sectional view of fan assembly  602  and associated components. 
       FIGS. 13 a -13 d    show an implementation of thermal module  604  in further detailed views in accordance with the described embodiments. Thermal module  604  can include stage  603  and stage  605  (that can also take the form of spring stages) that can contact a top portion of integrated circuits CPU and GPU, respectively. Stages  603  and  605  can have a substantially uniform thickness and can act as a stage as well as beam and spring. Stages  603  and  605  can provide an efficient thermal heat transfer path between the CPU and the GPU and heat pipe  606 . Thermal module  604  can have a low Z stack and therefore is well suited for compact computer systems. In order to provide the efficient thermal path, stages  603  and  604  can be formed of a material having superior thermal and mechanical properties. The superior thermal properties can facilitate the transfer of heat from the CPU and the GPU to heat pipe  606 . The superior mechanical properties can assure a good mechanical coupling between stages  603  and  605  and the CPU and the GPU, respectively. In particular, the application of sufficient pressure to form a good mechanical/thermal interface can substantially improve the overall heat transfer characteristics of thermal module  604 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 12 , audio circuits  616  and  618  can be attached to an interior surface of top case  106  that can in one embodiment, port audio from portable computing device  100  through keyboard  114 . Touch pad/keyboard circuit  620  can be connected by way of flex  622  to MLB  612 . Antenna cable  624  can be secured to top case  106  using cable ties  626  whereas openings  628  and  630  (referred to as hammerhead openings shown in  FIG. 15 ) can aid in routing cables  632  and  634 , respectively. Board to board connector  638  can include stabilizers to prevent pin to pin shorting when pins on board to board connector  638  are inserted into corresponding openings. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 14 a  and 14 b   , board to board connector  638  can have a number of pins  650  can be inserted into corresponding openings  652  on connector  654  as a mated pair. In order to prevent angular displacement when pins  650  are inserted into openings  652 , plastic frame  656  can be provided. Plastic frame  656  can prevent angular misalignments. Specifically, proud feature  658  on either end of plastic frame  656  can be placed into corresponding slots  660  on connector  654  creating in essence half a piston on connector  638  forcing pins  650  to be properly aligned with openings  652  prior to insertion. In this way, by combining plastic frame  656  with a pre-existing component, a potentially damaging event can be prevented. 
       FIG. 15  shows a specific implementation of openings  628  and  630  used to route cables  632  and  634 . Openings  628  and  630  can provide a deterministic way of assembling cables and ensuring proper spatial placement and retention without adding parts. In the described embodiment, openings  628  and  630  can be shaped to resemble a hammer head to accommodate cables  632  and  634 . It should be noted, however, than any appropriate shape can be suitable. In this way, without resorting to adding components, cable, dress (i.e., the efficient layout and aesthetic appearance) of cables can be enhanced. For example, openings  628  and  630  in MLB  612  can assist in cable routing by providing a well-defined path for cable placement that can assist in reducing unnecessary cable routing reducing both time and expense in assembly. 
       FIG. 16  shows an expanded view of region  700  of IPD circuit  640  (also shown in  FIG. 12 ) that can include various key boards and touch pad processing components. Region  700  also shows keyboard tail  642 . The processing components can be configured to receive signals generated from an actuation of a sensor, such as a membrane associated with the keyboard and an actuation of one or more sensors associated with touch pad  116  such as a dome switch that can be configured to detect a position and/or change in position of one or more objects on the top surface of the touch pad, such as the tips of one or more user&#39;s fingers. In one embodiment, the sensor can be constructed from a PET material. The processing components can also include a keyboard interface that can be configured to receive keyboard connector that can be configured to communicate signals generated from user inputs received at the keyboard, such as signals generated via actuation of a membrane sensor associated with the keyboard. After processing, the signals from the touch pad and/or the keyboard can be sent to the main logic board MLB  612  by way of flex  622 . 
       FIGS. 17 a  and 17 b    show representative cable straps  626  used to secure cables such as antenna cable  624  as shown in  FIG. 18 . In particular, since certain cables can be difficult to route due to their size and resistance to bending, providing good cable dress for these types of cables can be difficult and time consuming especially in the small working areas available in portable computing system  100 . Therefore, cable straps  626  can provide an easy and efficient mechanism for quickly routing and securing cables such as antenna cable  624 . The cable straps can take many forms as appropriate for the particular cable and location. For example,  FIG. 17 a    shows a particular implementation of a cable strap in the form of cable strap  626  having base portion  627 A, body portion  627 B and “tongue” portion  627 C that can be used to route and secure antenna cable  624 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , in order to secure antenna cable  624 , base portion  627 A of cable strap  626  is first attached to top case  106  and antenna cable  624 . With base portion  627 A securely attached to top case  106  and securing antenna cable  624 , body portion  627 B of cable strap  626  wrapped around antenna cable  624  such that tongue portion  627 C is secured to top case  106  using, for example, adhesive. In this way, antenna cable  624  can be easily routed and secured in a simple and efficient operation that lends itself to an overall neat and clean appearance resulting in good cable dress.  FIG. 17 b    shows another embodiment of cable strap  626 . 
       FIG. 19  shows an exploded view of battery assembly  800  in accordance with the described embodiment. Battery assembly  800  can include a number of asymmetrically arranged individual battery cells  802  enclosed in a frame shown in more detail in  FIG. 20  and described in more detail in U.S. patent application INTEGRATED FRAME BATTERY CELL having Ser. No. 12/714,737 that is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Battery cells  802  can be configured in a mirror image arrangement. For example, battery cells  802   a ,  802   b , and  802   c  on side  804  can have corresponding battery cells  802   a ,  802   b , and  802   c  placed in a mirror arrangement on side  806  of battery assembly  800 . In the described embodiment, battery cells  802   a  can have different properties than  802   b  or  802   c , and vice versa. Battery  800  can have a distributed battery management unit (BMU). In any case, by varying the size and properties of battery cells  802 , battery  800  can be arranged to have a low Z stack that can conform to an overall size and shape of portable computing device  100 . 
     High Speed Memory Card and Connector 
     Referring back again to  FIG. 12 , memory device  610  can be used to store data as system main memory. Memory device  610  can be a high speed memory card, and can take the form of a solid state memory device such as FLASH memory that can be connected to other internal circuits such as for example, main logic board, or MLB  612  by way of a high speed connector  614 . In the described embodiment, memory device  610  can take the form of a single layer of FLASH memory chips which in the described embodiment can number four. However, it should be noted that any suitable number of memory chips can be used. In addition to memory chips, one or more controller chips can be included. Memory device  610  can be mounted to connector  614  by sliding contacts or pins  615  shown in  FIGS. 21 a -21 d    into place into connector  614  and then securing memory device  610  using a fastener through opening  617 . In this way, the reduced Z stack of memory device  610  can be improve overall system integration by being able to use space would otherwise not be useable with a conventionally configured solid state memory device. For example, the lateral stack arrangement of memory device  610  can be fitted in the space above system memory (not shown). It should be noted that in some embodiments, memory device  610  can have a dual sided configuration in which the memory chips can be mounted to both sides of memory device  610 . This arrangement can be well suited by computing systems having somewhat more available space than the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     In particular,  FIGS. 21 a  through 21 d    show SSD memory module  610  in perspective, side, bottom and top views respectively in accordance with the described embodiments. As noted above, SSD memory module  610  can include memory chips  611  on one side whereas in other embodiments, the memory chips can be located on both sides of SSD memory module  610 . Again, one or more controller chips  613  can also be used, and the card  610  can also include one or more insulator regions  619 . In the embodiments shown, SSD memory module  610  can be arranged in a “stick of gum” arrangement wherein active components of SSD memory module  610  are arranged in a lateral fashion. In this way, SSD memory module  610  can have a low Z stack and can therefore be placed-within portable computing device  100  in areas that would unavailable to conventionally configured solid state memories. In particular, minimizing the number of components and placing the components in a space efficient manner, SSD memory module  610  can be accommodated in a region directly above CPU memory creating a region of high component packing density. 
     Although a wide variety of shapes, sizes and dimensions can be used for such a high speed SSD memory module  610 , various specific dimensions can provide context with respect to the particular examples set forth in  FIGS. 12 and 21   a  through  21   d . For example, memory module or card  610  can have an overall length (including the contacts/pins) of about 108-110 mm, a width of about 23-25 mm, and a board thickness of about 0.6-0.8 mm. More specifically, memory module or card  610  can have an overall length of about 108.9 mm, a width of about 24 mm, and a board thickness of about 0.7 mm. The maximum thickness for memory chips or other components located on the board can be about 1.4 mm at most locations on the card, although reduced maximum thicknesses may apply near the board edges. The maximum combined thickness of the module at all locations than is about 2.2 mm. Opening  617  can be in the shape of a semicircle having a diameter of about 6 mm. 
     Moving next to  FIG. 22 a   , an alternative SSD memory module having memory chips on both sides thereof is shown in side view. SSD memory module or card  610  a can be substantially similar to card  610  above, except that memory chips  611  can be included on both sides of the card. Such memory chips on both sides of the module can all feed to the set of contacts or pins  615  located on one edge of the SSD memory module. 
       FIG. 22 b    shows in close up view the contacts of an SSD memory module in accordance with the described embodiments. Again, SSD memory module or card  610  can include one or more insulator regions  619 , as well as a set of contacts  615  located at one edge of side of the card. In some embodiments, exactly eighteen contacts  615  can be used, although it will be readily appreciated that more or less contacts might be used for a given application. In the specific embodiment shown, the eighteen contacts are separated into a first portion of six contacts and a second portion of twelve contacts. These first and second/portions or groups of contacts can be separated by a physical gap  615 - 0 , which can be used to help facilitate the proper insertion of the module into a respective connector. For example, gap  615 - 0  can be arranged to fit around a post or other physical stop inside the connector arrangement, such that an attempt to insert the memory module  610  backward will not succeed. 
     In the specific embodiment shown, each of the contacts or pins  615  can have a specific purpose or function. For example, starting from the first contact at the bottom of the second portion of twelve contacts, each of the contacts can have the following specific functionality: 
                                             PIN NUMBER   SIGNAL                          615-1   RESERVED           615-2   GND           615-3   SATA_HDD_D2R_P           615-4   SATA_HDD_D2R_N           615-5   GND           615-6   GND           615-7   SATA_HDD_R2D_N           615-8   SATA_HDD_R2D_P           615-9   GND           615-10   TUTX           615-11   TURX           615-12   GND           615-13   DAS/DSS           615-14   PRESENCE           615-15   Vcc           615-16   Vcc           615-17   Vcc           615-18   Vcc                        
Although other contact arrangements and functionalities are certainly possible, the foregoing specific configuration is thought to work well for the particular portable computing device disclosed herein.
 
     Turning now to  FIG. 23 , various details regarding a high speed connector for use with the foregoing SSD memory module are provided in the illustration as shown in top perspective view. This figure, as with the other included figures, is shown for illustrative purposes and does not limit either the possible embodiments of the present invention or the claims. 
     Connector  1100 , which can be identical or substantially similar to connector  614  noted above generally, may include insulative housing  1110 , a plurality of contacts  1120 , and shield  1130 . This connector may be mounted on a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may be a motherboard, main board, multilayer board, or other type of board. Connector  1100  may be adapted to receive a card or board, such as a daughter or optional card or board. 
     Insulative housing  1110  may include front side opening  1112  for receiving a daughter or optional card. Insulative housing  1110  may also include one or more openings  1114 , shown in this example on a top side of insulative housing  1110 . These one or more openings  1114  may be used to visually or otherwise determine that a card is properly inserted into connector  1100 . 
     In this example, each of the plurality of contacts  1120  may include a first portion  1122  and a second portion  1124 . First portion  1122  may extend away from a front of housing  1110 . First portion  1122  may be used to make contact with a contact or pad located on a printed circuit board. Second portion  1124  may be approximately in line with first portion  1122 . Second portion  1124  may make contact with a contact on a card when the card is inserted into connector  1100 . Each of the contacts  1120  may also include a third portion (not shown) for mechanical stability, as will be discussed below. 
     Shield  1130  may cover at least a top portion and a back portion of connector  1100 . Shield  1130  may be used as a ground plane, where it connects to one or more ground contacts on a card and one or more ground contacts on the printed circuit board. Shield  1130  may be split into two or more portions. In this specific example, shield  1130  may be split into three portions. Splitting shield  1130  into portions may improve the grounding provided by shield  1130  by ensuring that shield  1130  comes into contact with ground contacts on a card at three or more points when the card is inserted into connector  1100 . In this specific example, one or more portions  1132  of shield  1130  may be folded back under a top portion of shield  1130 . With this arrangement, when a card is inserted into opening  1112  of connector  1100 , shield portion  1132  may press down on a top surface of the card, thereby engaging one or more ground contacts. This action may also push contacts on the card into second portions  1124  of contacts  1120  to form electrical pathways. Tabs  1134  may be located on shield  1130  and may be used to connect shield  1130  to grounds on a printed circuit board. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may provide connectors having high-speed paths between a daughter or optional card and a printed circuit board. Specifically, first portions  1122  and second portions  1124  of contacts  1120  may form short and direct paths over which one or more signals and power supplies may travel. Also, these paths may be shielded by shield  1130 , which may improve signal quality and allows for faster data rates. By splitting shield  1130  into multiple portions, ground connections between ground on a card and a shield may be improved. 
     Moreover, the short and direct paths provided by contacts  1120  may allow connector  1100  to have a low profile. A third portion of contacts  1120  may be used to provide mechanical stability. This third portion may be approximately in line with first portions  1122 , and parallel to a bottom of the connector  1100 . 
     Embodiments of the present invention may provide connectors that improve the reliability of the manufacturing process. Specifically, first portions  1122  may be surface mounted contacts. These first portions  1122  may be soldered to pads or contacts on the printed circuit board. This may allow for easy inspection of solder connections of contacts  1120  the printed circuit board. Also, openings  1114  may allow for inspection to ensure that a card is properly inserted into connector  1100 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a bottom perspective view of a connector  1100  in accordance with the described embodiments. This figure includes insulative housing  1110 , a plurality of contacts  1120 , and shield  1130 . Insulative housing  1110  may include tabs  1140 . These tabs may be used to provide mechanical support for connector  1100  on a printed circuit board. Tab  1134  may be used to form an electrical connection between shield  1130  and ground lines or planes on a printed circuit board. In various embodiments, housing  1110  may be plastic or other insulative material. Contacts  1120  may be stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, or other conductive material. Similarly, shield  1130  may be stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, or other conductive material. 
     While eighteen contacts are shown in this specific example, again other numbers of contacts may be used. Also, while first portions  1122  are shown as extending from the front of contacts  1100 , in other embodiments of the present invention they may extend in other directions. For example, they may extend in a downward direction, or they may extend towards the back of connector  1100 . In other embodiments of the present invention, first portions  1122  and second portions  1124  of contacts  1120  may be the same portion. Moreover, while shield  1130  is shown as having a particular configuration, other configurations may be possible. For example, shield  1130  may not be split into multiple portions, while in other embodiments of the present invention; shield  1130  may be split into two or more portions. Also, while one or more openings  1114  are shown in top of insulative housing  1110 , in other embodiments, these openings may be omitted, there may be more or fewer than two openings  1140  and the openings may be provided elsewhere. Again, connector  1100  may accept or receive a daughter or optional card, with one example being shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a daughter or optional card inserted into a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. This example includes a connector  1300  receiving a daughter or optional card  1360 . Card  1360  can be identical or substantially similar to SSD memory module  610  or  610   a  set forth in greater detail above. When card  1360  is inserted into connector  1300 , contacts on a top of card  1360  may form electrical connections with portion  1332  of shield  1330 . Contacts on a bottom portion of card  1360  may form electrical connections with second portions  1324  of contacts  1320 . Again, various embodiments may provide a very short signal path from card  1310  to a printed circuit board on which connector  1300  resides. Specifically, the signal path may include first portion  1322  and second portion  1324  of contacts  1320 . Contacts  1320  may also provide mechanical stability by including third portion  1326 . Specifically, third portion  1326  may extend into insulative housing  1310 . In this example, second portion  1324  and third portion  1326  may extend into insulative housing  1310 , while first portion  1322  may extend away from the front of connector  1300 . Second portion  1324  and third portion  1326  of contact  1320  may be approximately in line with first portion  1322 . Third portion  1326  may extend approximately parallel to a bottom of connector  1300 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a top view of a connector, while  FIG. 27  illustrates a cross-sectional view along the line F-F of the connector receptacle of  FIG. 26 . Shown is a cross-sectional view of contact  1322  and shield  1332  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 28  shows a detail region G from  FIG. 26  of a portion of a top of a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. As shown, physical stop  1350  can be used to separate the contacts into multiple groups. As noted above, physical stop  1350  can also be arranged to mate with the gap  615 - 0  in an associated memory card, such that the memory card cannot be inserted backwards into the connector. 
       FIG. 29  shows in front view a connector in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 30  shows in side view a connector in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 31  shows a detail region E from  FIG. 30  of a side view in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 32  shows a bottom view of a connector in accordance with the described embodiments. 
     Again, in these examples, illustrative examples of embodiment of the present invention have been shown. It should be noted that variations on portions of these connectors, such as insulative housings  1110 , contacts  1120 , and shields  1130 , and portions thereof, may be made consistent with embodiments of the present invention, and none of these are required to have the particular shape, size, arrangement, or other characteristics shown in the figures in order for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention to function properly. 
       FIG. 33  shows a flowchart detailing a process in accordance with the described embodiments. Process  3300  can start at  3302  by providing a bottom case and top case, at least one of which has a wedge shape. At  3304 , the bottom case is coupled to the top case to form a complete housing for a base portion of the portable computing device for enclosing at least a plurality of operational components and a plurality of structural components. The base portion defines a wedge shape such that the one or more user input components are presented at an angle to a user of the portable computing device, and this wedge shape is a result of the top case or bottom case being wedge shaped. At  3306 , the base portion is pivotally connected to a lid portion by a hinge assembly. In the described embodiments, the lid portion has at a plurality of components at least one of which is a display. At  3308 , at least some of the components in the lid portion are electrically connected to operational components in the based portion by way of one or more electrical conductors that run through the hinge assembly. 
     Touch Pad 
     With respect to the following figures a number of features of the touch pad assembly are described. The touch pad assembly interfaces with a front of the body portion of the housing. The body portion of the housing can be wedge shaped, where the tip of the wedge is in a front edge of the body portion. As the tip of the wedge is approached, the volume that is available for packaging the components that are installed in this region of the body portion of the housing can be decreased. To accommodate the decreased volume available for packaging device components near the tip of the wedge and to improve overall the packing efficiency of the body portion of the housing, the touch pad can be designed with a number of features that decrease the volume that it and nearby components occupy. 
     As examples, to provide a thinner profile, the touch pad can be constructed from a material (such as glass) that serves as 1) cosmetic surface for the touch pad and 2) a load bearing structure. Further, the signal processing for the touch pad and the keyboard can be combined on the touch pad. The combined signal processing can eliminate a separate processing component and a connector to the MLB associated with the keyboard signal processing. The elimination of these components can improve the packing efficiency of the body portion of the housing. 
     Besides packing efficiency, the touch pad can be designed to produce a desired aesthetic performance. The aesthetic performance can include a “feel” provided to the user as the touch pad is utilized. The touch pad can be configured to 1) detect a change in position of an object, such as a user&#39;s finger over the top surface, and 2) detect a deflection of the touch pad resulting from a downward force exerted by the object. The touch pad can include a dome switch mounted on its bottom surface that is activated in response to a downward force provided by a user on a top surface of the touch pad. The dome switch can be sealed to prevent moisture ingress that can damage the dome switch. A sealing mechanism is described that can prevent moisture ingress and provide a desired aesthetic feel when the touch pad is operated. 
     In particular, the sealing mechanism can be configured with pathways that allow a volume associated with the dome switch to remain somewhat constant when the sensor is compressed during actuation of the touch pad. If the sealing mechanism was designed without these pathways, then the volume associated with the dome switch would be decreased during actuation. The resulting compression of the volume can result in force feedback response during actuation that is aesthetically undesirable. 
     To illustrate the features described above, a perspective drawing of a touch pad viewed from a bottom surface is described with respect to  FIG. 34 . With respect to  FIG. 35 , a proximate positioning of the touch pad within the body portion of the housing is discussed. In  FIG. 36 , a cross section of the touch pad at one location is shown and components associated with the cross section including a design configuration that can help provide an overall thinner cross section are discussed. With respect to  FIGS. 37 a  and 37 b   , a sealing mechanism for the dome switch and the affect of the sealing mechanism on the internal volume of the dome switch during actuation of the touch pad are described. These figures are described with respect to the following paragraphs. 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective drawing of an embodiment of touch pad  116  in the form of a touch pad  201  viewed from the bottom. A top portion of the touch pad  201  is flat and is configured to receive user inputs. The touch pad  201  can be approximately rectangular shaped, although other alternative shapes are certainly possible. The touch pad can include a front edge  221   a  and back edge  221   b.    
     As is shown in  FIG. 35 , when installed in the body portion of the housing, the front edge  221   a  can be installed near a front  225  of the top case  106 . The touch pad  201  can be installed underneath a lip portion  223   a  of the top case  106  such that is proximately aligned in a parallel manner with the lip portion. A top portion of the touch pad  201  can form a portion of the outer surface of the body portion of the housing. As described above, user inputs can be detected via the top portion of the touch pad  201 . 
     A second portion  223   b  of the casing can extend at an angle from the front  225  to provide the wedge shape of the body portion of the housing. A portion of a battery  195  can be aligned proximately with the second portion  223   b  of the top case  106 . Thus, the portion of the battery  195  and the touch pad  201  can be orientated at angle relative to one another in their installed position within the top case  106 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 34 , key board and touch pad processing components  210  can be located near the back edge  221   b  of the bottom surface of the touch pad  201  between corner brackets  211 . The processing components can be configured to receive signals generated from 1) an actuation of a sensor, such as a membrane associated with the keyboard and 2) an actuation of one or more sensors associated with the touch pad  201 , such as sensor  224  and the dome switch  220 . The sensor  224  can be configured to detect a position and/or change in position of one or more objects on the top surface of the touch pad, such as the tips of one or more user&#39;s fingers. In one embodiment, the sensor can be constructed from a PET material. 
     The processing components  210  can include a keyboard interface  208 . The keyboard interface  208  can be configured to receive a tail  204  (also in another embodiment above as keyboard tail  642 ) from a keyboard. The tail  204  can be configured to communicate signals generated from user inputs received at the keyboard, such as signals generated via actuation of a membrane sensor associated with the keyboard. In other embodiments, the processing components associated with the keyboard can be provided separately from the touch pad  201  in which case the touch pad may not include keyboard interface  208 . 
     After processing, the signals from the touch pad and/or the keyboard can be sent to the main logic board (MLB) after appropriate processing by processing components  210 . Moreover, processing components  210  can include an MLB interface  206  that can be used to allow a connector, such as a flex connector, to be attached between processing components  210  and the MLB. In one embodiment, the connector can be configured to support a USB communication protocol. 
     The touch pad  201  can include a tactile sensor (shown in  FIG. 36  in cross section as sensor  224 ) for detecting inputs. The sensor  224  can be configured such that it does not extend all the way to front edge  221   a  of the touch pad  201 , which can reduce the thickness of the touch pad near the front edge. An advantage of reducing the thickness of the touch pad  201  in this area is that it can be help the packaging design in the limited volume near the front  225  of top case  106 . 
     In one embodiment, to further reduce the thickness of the touch pad, a portion of the touch pad top layer  216  (that can be formed of, for example, glass) can be removed near the front edge  221   a . The touch pad top layer  216  can provide structural support for the touch pad  201 . Thus, an amount of touch pad top layer  216  that can be removed may be limited so as to not to compromise the overall structural integrity of the touch pad  201 . 
     The touch pad  201  can include wings  214   a  and  214   b . The wings  214   a  and  214   b  are located on the sides of the touch pad  201 . The wings  214   a  and  214   b  can be located on the sides as opposed to near the front edge  221   a  of the touch pad to allow the touch pad to fit closer to the front  225  of the top case  106  and allow the length of the lip portion  223   a  to be shortened. If the wings were located on the front of the touch pad, then the front edge  221   a  would be extended away from the front of the front  225  and a longer lip portion  223   a  of the top case  106  might be required. 
     The wings can be used to keep the touch pad  201  in the body portion of the top case  106 . An aperture can be provided in the body portion of the top case  106  to expose the top surface of the touch pad  201  for user inputs. The wings can extend beneath structure in the top case  106  that surrounds the aperture. The wings can help prevent the touch pad from extending through the aperture and possibly opening up a gap that exposes an interior of the body portion. 
     In one embodiment, the touch pad  201  can include a stiffener bar  212 . The stiffener bar can be used to increase the rigidity of the touch pad  201 . In one embodiment, the stiffener can be positioned across a bottom surface of the touch pad  201  proximate to the wing locations  214   a  and  214   b . In other embodiments, the stiffener can be positioned at another position. Further, touch pad is not limited to use of a single stiffener and multiple stiffeners can be used. In yet other embodiments, the touch pad can be provided without a stiffener. 
     In one embodiment, a dome switch  220  is located near the front edge  221   a  of the touch pad  201 . The dome switch  220  can be configured to detect a press actuation of the touch pad  201  towards an interior portion of the top case  106 . As described above, after passing through processing  210 , a signal generated by the dome switch can be sent to the MLB via MLB interface  206 . 
     In one embodiment, the dome switch  220  can be located near the center portion of the lower surface of the touch pad  201 . In other embodiments, the dome switch  220  can be located in an off center position. In yet other embodiments, the touch pad  201  can include multiple dome switches. For example, the touch pad  201  can include two dome switches that are located near the front edge corners. 
     A sealing mechanism  218  can be provided over the dome switch  220 . The sealing mechanism  218  can be used to prevent moisture and other contaminants from penetrating into the dome switch. In one embodiment, the sealing mechanism  218  can be designed to allow a volume associated with the dome switch to remain relatively constant during its actuation. As described above, the aesthetic feel of the dome switch  220  can be affected if the volume of the dome switch  220  is decreased too much during its actuation. Further details of the sealing mechanism  218  and its interaction with the dome switch  220  are described with respect to  FIGS. 37 a    and  37   b.    
     Next, a stacked configuration of the touch pad  201  is described in view of a cross-section taken at line  222  in  FIG. 34 .  FIG. 36  is a cross-sectional view of the touch pad  201  proximate to line  222 . The top surface  230  of touch pad top layer  216  can be configured to receive inputs, such as an input generated when a user&#39;s finger comes into a contact with the top surface  230 . In one embodiment, the top layer  216  can be about 1.1 mm in thickness. 
     A cosmetic layer  234 , such as an ink layer, can be located beneath the top layer  216 . In one embodiment, the ink layer can be about 0.01 mm in thickness. The cosmetic layer  234  can be used to affect the overall appearance of the top layer. For instance, the top layer can be silver colored to give the top layer a metallic appearance. In one embodiment, the pigments for the cosmetic layer  234  can be selected to match another portion of the housing. For instance, the pigments can be selected to match a metallic portion of the housing if the housing is comprised of a metallic material. In another embodiment, the pigments can be selected to match a color of the keys in the keyboard, which can be a different color than other portions of the housing. 
     A sensor layer  224  can be located below the top layer  230  and the cosmetic layer  234 . As described above, the sensor layer  224  can detect inputs received via the top surface  230  of the touch pad. In one embodiment, the sensor layer can be formed from a plastic material, such as PET. The sensor layer  224  may be about 0.2 mm thick. The sensor layer can be bonded to the cosmetic layer  234  using a bonding agent, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The PSA can be about 0.05 mm in thickness. 
     As described above, a stiffener bar  212  can be optionally provided to increase the structural rigidity of the touch pad. In particular embodiments, the stiffener bar  212  can be formed from a metallic or plastic material. The stiffener bar  212  can be coupled to the back of the sensor layer  224  using a bonding agent. In one embodiment, the bonding agent can be a PSA. 
     As described with respect to  FIG. 34 , processing components  210  can be located near a back edge of the bottom surface of the touch pad. The processing component  210  can be used to process signals from components, such as a key board sensor and/or the touch pad sensor. In a particular embodiment, the processing components  210  can be formed on a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB can be about 0.4 mm in thickness. In one embodiment, the PCB can be mounted to the bottom of the touch pad, such as to a bottom of the sensor layer  224  using a bonding agent. 
     Next, a sealing mechanism  218  for the dome switch  220  shown in  FIG. 37 a    is described. The dome switch  220  can be configured to detect an inward deflection of the touch pad toward an interior of the body portion of the housing. The inward deflection can be generated as a result of a force input  250 . The force input  250  can be generated as a result of user input, such as an input generated when a user presses down on the touch pad.  FIG. 37 a    is a cross sectional view of a dome switch  220  associated with the touch pad prior to a force input  250  and  FIG. 37 b    is a cross sectional view of the touch pad after a force  250 . 
     In  FIG. 37 a   , the dome switch  220  is shown embedded in a recessed surface of the track pad  201 . For example, the dome switch can be recessed into a removed portion of the sensor layer and/or the top layer  216 . In other embodiments, the dome switch  220  can be mounted beneath the sensor layer and the top layer  216  so that it is not recessed. The dome switch  220  can be mounted using a bonding agent, such as a PSA. The bottom of the dome switch  220  can be orientated toward a bottom of the touch pad  201 . 
     A portion of the dome switch  220  can be constructed from a flexible material. The flexible material can partially enclose a volume of gas within the dome switch. For example, a bottom surface portion  252  can be constructed from a flexible material that partially encloses a gas volume within the dome switch  220 . A portion of the dome switch  220  can be covered with a sealing mechanism  218 . The sealing mechanism  218  can be formed from a material that is bonded to the bottom surface of the touch pad  201  and a bottom surface of the dome switch  220  via a bonding agent. The sealing mechanism  218  can surround the dome switch  220 . In particular embodiments, the sealing mechanism  218  can include one or more apertures. A portion of the bottom surface of dome button can be exposed below the apertures  254  in the sealing mechanism  218 . 
     During actuation of the touch pad, a portion of the sealing mechanism  218  can be in contact with another surface. For instance, when the touch pad  201  is actuated in an inward manner towards an interior of the body portion of the housing, a portion of the sealing mechanism  218  can be pressed against another surface such that the sealing mechanism  218  and the underlying dome switch  220  are compressed. As the dome switch  220  is compressed, the portions  256  of the dome switch  220  below the apertures in the sealing mechanism can expand. For instances, areas  256  of the dome switch  220  can expand. The expanded area can allow the volume of gas contained in the dome switch to remain relatively constant during compression of the dome switch  220 . During compression, the volume of the dome switch  220  would decrease and the pressure of the gas inside the sensor would increase. 
     The additional force that can be needed to compress a fully sealed dome switch can be undesirable from a user perspective, i.e., it can generate an undesirable aesthetic feel to the device. The apertures in the sealing mechanism can  218  allow the volume and hence the pressure within the dome switches  220  to remain relatively constant under compression. Thus, the force to further actuate the touch pad may remain relatively constant during actuation of the touch pad, which can provide a more desirable aesthetic feel to a user of the touch pad. 
       FIG. 38  shows an exploded view of touch pad  201  in accordance with the described embodiments. 
     Reveal Region 
     Turning next to  FIG. 39 , an exemplary outer housing for a portion of a portable computing system is illustrated in side cross-sectional view. Base portion  102  can include a top housing component  310  and a bottom housing component  320  that are assembled together to form an internal cavity or region  330  that contains various internal computing components. The top and bottom housing components  310 ,  320  can contact each other around an outer circumference of the device at an interface or “reveal” region  302 . The general form of the top and bottom housing components  310 ,  320  at such a reveal region  302  can be substantially similar all along the outer circumference where the top housing meets the bottom housing, although various customizations or anomalies can arise at certain points for certain features or reasons. 
     As shown in the close-up of reveal region  302 , the top housing  310  abuts against the bottom housing  320  along contact area  342 . Although it appears as just a line in  FIG. 39 , it will be readily appreciated that contact area  342  actually represents a region of surface area to surface area contact between the top and bottom housing components  310 ,  320 . The actual location of contact area  342  can shift along the respective full surface of top component  310  and can vary from device to device, depending upon the actual dimensions of each individual component and device. A gap or “reveal”  340  can exist between the top housing component  310  and bottom housing component  320 , with the size of this gap and the offset between the top and bottom housing components potentially varying from device to device or production run to production run in the mass manufacture of device components. As will be readily appreciated, the maximum and minimum dimensions of reveal  340  and any offset between the top and bottom housing components  310 ,  320  will depend upon various factors, particularly the dimensions and tolerances for the top and bottom housing components themselves. 
     Continuing now with  FIG. 40 , an exemplary alternative outer housing for a portion of a portable computing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is similarly shown in side cross-sectional view. Portable computing system lower portion  400  can similarly include a top housing component  410  and a bottom housing component  420  that are assembled together to form an internal cavity or region  430  that contains various internal computing components. In general, lower portion  400  is part of a portable computing system or electronic device that can process data, and more particularly media data such as audio, video, images, and the like. By way of example, the respective portable computing system can generally correspond to a device that can perform as a music player, game player, video player, media center, laptop computer, tablet computer, handheld electronic device and/or the like. Internal cavity or region  430  can be configured to enclose any suitable number of internal components, such as, for example, integrated circuits that can take the form of chips, chip sets, or modules, any of which can be surface mounted to a printed circuit board or other support structure. Internal components can include a microprocessor, memory, battery, and various support circuits and so on. 
     The top and bottom housing components  410 ,  420  can contact each other around an outer circumference of the device at an interface or reveal region  402 , the details of which are somewhat different than the reveal region  302  set forth above. As in the above reveal region  302 , however, the general form of the top and bottom housing components  410 ,  420  at reveal region  342  can be substantially similar all along the outer circumference of the device where the top housing meets the bottom housing, although various customizations or anomalies can arise at certain points along the interface region for certain features or reasons. 
     As shown in the close-up of reveal region  402 , top housing  410  similarly abuts against the bottom housing  420  along a contact area  442 . Again, it will be readily appreciated that contact area  442  represents a region of surface area to surface area contact between the top and bottom housing components  410 ,  420 , despite its representation in the cross-sectional illustration as just a line. Unlike the former and simpler interface region, contact area  442  generally defines a plane is at a non-zero angle with respect to a horizontal plane generally defined by the lower portion  400  or overall portable computing device. 
     In addition, the interfacing or contacting regions of top housing component  410  and bottom housing component  420  are a bit more complex, which results in a gap or reveal  440  that tends to be smaller and more consistent than the gap  340  in the foregoing version with respect to the mass production of portable computing systems. In particular, top housing component  410  has a trough  412  that is formed along its interfacing edge, with a shoulder  422  that rises along a back portion of the trough. As shown, the shoulder  422  has at its top surface an interfacing edge or first contact surface that contacts an upper surface or second contact surface of the bottom housing component  420  at contact area  442 . 
     The design of both reveal regions  302 ,  402  generally allow for variances in the actual dimensions from component to component and device to device in a mass production or interchangeable parts setting without unduly compromising the aesthetic integrity and appeal of the overall product. The design of the trough  412  and shoulder  422  to bottom housing component interface  442  between the top and bottom housing components  410 ,  420  of reveal region  402  is superior, however, in that both the overall maximum size of and the variances in gap  440  and any resulting offset between housing components are reduced. That is, while some amount of gap or reveal  440  can generally be expected when different parts having varying dimension tolerances are assembled in a mass production environment, the trough  412  and shoulder  422  to bottom housing interfacing design disclosed herein reduces the overall size and variances in the gap without requiring any tightening in the dimensional tolerances of top and bottom housings  410 ,  420 . 
       FIG. 41  illustrates in close-up side cross-sectional view an exemplary shoulder to trough interface region of the housing components of  FIG. 40  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Again, reveal region  402  depicts a top housing component  410  having a trough and a shoulder, as well as a bottom housing component  420  having an upper surface that interfaces with the top surface of the shoulder. Actual contact between the top and bottom housing components  410 ,  420  is along contact area  442 . As will be readily appreciated, the actual location of the leading/visible edge  424  of bottom housing  420  depends on the actual size and dimensions (e.g., length, height, thickness, etc.) of the top and bottom housing components  410 ,  420 . In some part combinations, leading edge  424  will be located right in the middle of a tolerance spectrum resulting in gap or reveal  440 . 
     Other part combinations with different parts may have slightly different dimensions that still remain within manufacturing tolerances. Such combinations that still include parts that are in tolerance could result in a leading edge placement that is advanced as far as leading edge profile  424 A, or alternatively could result in a leading edge placement that is recessed as far as leading edge profile  424 B. As will be understood, advanced leading edge profile  424 A results in a smaller reveal  440  and an offset where the outer surface of bottom housing component  420  is raised above the surface of top housing component  410 , while recessed leading edge profile  424 B results in a greater reveal  440  and an offset where the outer surface of the bottom housing is sunk below the outer surface of the top housing. As will also be readily appreciated, varying one or more dimensions in the size of the top housing component or bottom housing component can result in a different portion of the upper contact surface of the bottom case contacting the contact surface of the shoulder along contact area  422 . 
     Given the design of the trough and shoulder arrangement, however, the maximum, minimum and consistency values for the gap or reveal  440  and offset are improved without any change in the part or component tolerances. Again, the reduction in the maximum and minimum gap and offset sizes results in a final product that is more consistent from device to device and between production runs, which results in improved aesthetic qualities and perceptions. 
     Moving next to  FIGS. 42A through 42C , on exemplary way of forming a trough and shoulder in a housing component interface region is provided according to one embodiment of the present invention. Beginning with  FIG. 42A , an exemplary initial tooling arrangement designed to initiate the formation of a trough in a top housing component is shown in side cross-sectional view. Initial tooling arrangement  500  includes a partially formed top housing component  410  and a suitable cutting or shaping tool  510 . Cutting tool  510  can be any of a number of tools, such as a saw, drill, router or the like. As shown, cutting tool  510  can be used to form a general trough or trough in a region of the top housing component  410 . 
     After the initial trough is formed,  FIG. 42B  illustrates an exemplary secondary tooling arrangement designed to finish the trough and shoulder formation. Subsequent tooling formation  502  includes the top housing component  410  with the initially formed trough and a suitable secondary cutting or shaping tool  520 . Secondary tool  520  can be used to shave, cut or otherwise remove an extended portion on the shoulder, such that a suitable interfacing surface is formed at the top surface of the shoulder. This interfacing surface is important, in that this is the surface that will eventually form the contact area  442  with the bottom housing component. Similar to the foregoing, secondary tool  520  can be any of a number of tools, such as a saw, drill, router, plane, blade or the like. 
     Lastly,  FIG. 42C  illustrates in side cross-sectional view the trough and shoulder of the top housing component of  FIG. 42B  as contacting the surface of a suitably formed bottom housing component. Formation  504  includes a top housing component  410  and a bottom housing component  420  having suitable interfacing regions. In particular, top housing  410  has finished trough and shoulder regions and is configured to contact bottom housing component  420  at contact area  442 . As noted above, this results in a gap or reveals  440  that are smaller and more consistent in size from device to device. 
       FIG. 43  shows a flowchart detailing a process in accordance with the described embodiments. Process  1600  can start at  1602  by providing a base portion that includes at least a wedge shaped top case having a trough formed at an interfacing edge thereof, wherein the trough includes a raised shoulder portion having a first contact surface, and a bottom case. At  1604 , the bottom case is coupled to the top case to form a complete housing for at least a portion of the portable computing device for enclosing at least a plurality of operational components and a plurality of structural components. At  1606 , the base portion is pivotally connected to a lid portion by a hinge assembly. In the described embodiments, the lid portion has at a plurality of components at least one of which is a display. At  1608 , at least some of the components in the lid portion are electrically connected to operational components in the based portion by way of or more electrical conductors that run through the hinge assembly. 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.