Abstract:
A charging apparatus for a portable rechargeable electronic device is described. The charging apparatus contains a substantially flat conductive surface for receiving the electronic device placed thereon. Small conducting nodules of the device mate with the conductive surface to charge a rechargeable battery of the device. Charging may commence upon placement of the device. The surface may contain a positive and a negative electrode. The surface may have lips placed around the perimeter to form a tray like structure. Synchronization with a host system and the device may occur wirelessly.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the charging of rechargeable portable electronic devices, such as a handheld computer system. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a novel apparatus and system for charging a portable computer device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Continuing advances in technology have enabled miniaturization of the components required to build computer systems. New categories of computer systems have been created. One category of computer systems developed has been the portable or hand held computer system, referred to as a personal digital assistant or PDA. Other examples of handheld computer systems include electronic address books, electronic day planners, electronic schedulers, cellular phones, pages, and the like. 
     A handheld computer system is a computer that is small enough to be held in the user&#39;s hand and as such is “hand-holdable.” As a result, a handheld computer system is readily carried about in a user&#39;s briefcase, purse, and in some instances, in a user&#39;s pocket. By virtue of its size, the handheld computer, being inherently lightweight, is therefore exceptionally portable and convenient. Various hand-held computers provide a multitude of functions in a nearly endless variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. One common link between the products is that each of the handheld computer systems typically needs an internal power supply. Numerous versions of handhelds are powered by user replaceable batteries. 
     Many other handhelds are configured with rechargeable power supplies. In handhelds configured with rechargeable batteries, nearly all handhelds are accompanied by some sort of charging cradle or cable. Because it is quite common for each handheld type or models thereof to have a particular form factor and cradle connection, it is also quite common for each charging cradle to be custom designed for a specific handheld type or model. 
     Conventionally, charging of a handheld required a user to specifically insert the handheld in a cradle in a correct alignment position to electrically couple the handheld to the charging cradle, ensuring proper charging of the handheld. In  FIG. 1 , an illustrated rear view of an exemplary handheld computer system  1 a is shown. Toward the bottom of handheld  1 a, is an electrical connector  3 a. Electrical connector  3 a is adapted to contact a reciprocating electrical connector disposed within a cradle, e.g., electrical connector  3 b of FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 2  is an illustrated front view of an exemplary cradle  2 . Cradle  2  includes an electrical connector  3 b, and a back mechanical support portion  4 , for supporting a handheld, as indicated by dotted line  1 a, when inserted. Cradle  2  is also shown to have a synchronizing button  5  which, when pressed, initiates a data/program synchronization of the handheld with a host or base computer. It is common for cradle  2  to be communicatively coupled a host or base computer via hard-wired connection, e.g., serial cable  6 . Furthermore, because the length of serial cable  6  is somewhat limited, cradle  2  must be disposed within close proximity to the host computer. 
     Thus, when a user wants to recharge or synchronize their handheld, they must go to the area where a host computer and cradle, coupled thereto, are located. While this is acceptable for some, it is inconvenient for other users. Further, there are many users who have more than one handheld computer system. For those users, trying to determine which handheld is associated with which cradle can be aggravating and lime consuming. 
     Additionally, many of the mechanical slots are adapted to receive the connector of the handheld at only tight alignments. This means the user must slowly, gently, and with considerable skill drop the handheld into the recharging cradle. Considering that this event may take place each day, such alignment becomes a tedious process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Thus exists a need for an apparatus that provides charging of a handheld computer system. An additional need exists for an apparatus that provides the above, and which provides a convenient and simple mating mechanism between the handheld computer and the charging cradle. A further need exists for an apparatus that meets the above and which also complies with the many form factors of the various types and models of handheld computers. Another need exists for an apparatus that enables synchronization without requiring hard wiring of the cradle to the host computer. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and system that allows charging of a portable electronic device, such as a handheld computer system. Embodiments of the present invention further provide an apparatus that achieves the above, and which provides a convenient and simple mating mechanism between the handheld computer and the charging cradle. Embodiments of the present invention also comply with the many form factors of the various types and models of handheld computers. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention provide for synchronization of data and programs without requiring hard wiring of the cradle to the host computer. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a conductive region that is coupled to a charging apparatus. The conductive region comprises a contactable exposed surface. A charge controller is electronically coupled to the conductive portion. The charge controller is for polarity sensing and controlling the charging of a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device is configured to be charged by said charging apparatus. The charging apparatus is adapted to have the portable electronic device placed upon the contactable exposed surface of the charging apparatus, and when the portable electronic device is so placed, the charging thereof is enabled. 
     In one implementation, the present invention includes a cradle having a relatively large surface area and flat electrodes, e.g., the charging surface. The flat electrodes may resemble a base or tray for receiving a portable device. The device may contain pads or feet which are designed to rest on the flat surfaces of the electrodes when the device is placed into the tray. Advantageously, communication with a host computer may take place using a wireless technique between the device and the host system. Advantageously, the device may be leisurely placed into the tray at a number of various alignments while still being properly aligned for adequate recharging. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are illustrated in the various drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrated rear-view of an exemplary handheld computer system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustrated front-facing view of an exemplary charging cradle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustrated front-facing view of a charging apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustrated profile view of a charging apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is an illustrated front-facing view of a charging apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is an illustrated front-facing view of a charging apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is an illustrated front-facing view of a handheld computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is an illustrated rear-facing view of a handheld computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6C  is an illustrated side/profile view of a handheld computer system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is an illustrated view of a portable electronic device placed in a charging apparatus in a first alignment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is an illustrated view of a portable electronic device placed in a charging apparatus in a second alignment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is an illustrated front facing view of a charging apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is an illustrated profile view of charging apparatus of  FIG. 8A , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an illustrated view of a portable electronic device placed upon a charging apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of electronic circuitry and components integrated within a portable electronic device charging apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of electronic circuitry and components integrated within a portable electronic device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates one embodiment of a network of devices coupled using wireless connections, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a wireless transceiver in accordance with one embodiment the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An apparatus and system for charging a portable electronic device is described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     The present invention is discussed primarily in the context of a charging apparatus and system for a portable electronic device, such as a handheld computer system or personal digital assistant. However, it is noted that the present invention can be used with nearly any other type of portable electronic device, e.g., an electronic address book, an electronic scheduler, a cellular phone, a pager, etc., that is rechargeable and which has the capability to access some type of central device or central site, including but not limited to handheld computer systems. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustrated rear-view of a charging apparatus  300  for charging a portable electronic device, e.g., handheld computer system  100  of  FIG. 6A , in one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  shows charging apparatus  300 , in one embodiment, comprising a conductive contact region  301  “electrode” and a conductive contact region  302  “electrode.” Conductive contact regions  301  and  302  can be manufactured using nearly any conductive material, e.g., aluminum, copper, gold, etc., or an alloy of conductive materials. Conductive contact regions  301  and  302  have, in one embodiment, their exposed contact regions isolated from one another, via isolator strip  309 , so as to prevent shorting. Lipped side edges  303 l and  303 r (left side and right side, respectively) which curve upward from the side edges of charging apparatus  300  are also shown in FIG.  3 . Lipped side edges  303 l and  303 r form a tray with the electrode surfaces and thereby provide for an easy, simple and correct insertion of a portable electronic device, e.g., portable electronic device  100  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , to have the proper alignment with the electrodes when disposed upon charging apparatus  300 . Electrical outlet plug  310 , electrically coupled with charging apparatus  300 , is for connecting to a current source, such as current provided from a common wall outlet. Although  FIG. 3  depicts electrical outlet plug  310  as disposed along an end edge of charging apparatus  300 , it is noted that electrical outlet plug  310  can be disposed in nearly any other location upon charging apparatus  300 , in another embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, charging apparatus  300  has the ability to transmit and receive data and information over a wireless communication interface, e.g., Bluetooth wireless interface (Bluetooth transceiver (interface)  308  of FIG.  10 ), and a Bluetooth environment as described in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In one embodiment, charging apparatus  300  is configured with a Bluetooth interface and implemented in Bluetooth environment such as the Bluetooth interface and environment as described in currently pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09,676,270, filed Sep. 28, 2000 and entitled “Efficient Discovery of Device in Bluetooth Environment,” by Kammer, D, et al., which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , conductive contact regions  301  and  302  are adapted to enable charging a portable electronic device, e.g., portable electronic device  100  of FIG.  6 A and  FIG. 6B , when portable electronic device  100  is placed in charging apparatus  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . By virtue of lipped side edges  303 l and  303 r preventing misalignment, conductive contact nodules  110 a and  110 b of portable electronic device  100  ( FIG. 6B ) are in contact with conductive contact regions  301  and  302  of charging apparatus  300 , in one embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, current obtained through a plugged in electrical outlet plug  310  can flow through charging apparatus  300  and provide the necessary power to recharge placed portable electronic device  100 . 
     Still with reference to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment of the present invention, charging apparatus  300  has a charging controller  325  integrated therein, as shown in  FIG. 10 , to prevent and guard against electrical shorts. Because of charging controller  325 , it is irrelevant as to whether portable electronic device  100  is placed on charging apparatus  300  with the display screen oriented right side up or upside down, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Regardless of the orientation, when conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b are in contact with conductive contact regions  301  and  302 , respectively, or when conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b are in contact with conductive contact regions  301  and  301 , respectively, charging of a placed portable electronic device is enabled. 
       FIG. 4  is a profile view of charging apparatus  300 , in one embodiment of the present invention. Lipped edge sides  303 l and  303 r are shown and, as described above, provide an easy, simple, and proper orientation of portable electronic device  100  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ) when placed thereon. By virtue of lipped edge sides  303 l and  303 r, when portable electronic device  100  is placed thereon, conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b ( FIG. 6B ) inherently are in contact with conductive contact regions  301  and  302 , respectively (as shown in FIG.  7 A), or nodules  110 a and  110 b are inherently in contact with regions  302  and  301 , respectively, when portable electronic device  100  is placed in charging apparatus  300  upside down (as shown in FIG.  7 B), completing the charging circuit, thus enabling charging of the placed computer system. 
       FIG. 5A  is a front facing illustration of a charging apparatus  300 , in one embodiment of the present invention. Charging apparatus  300  of  FIG. 5  is analogous to charging apparatus  300  of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , with one addition. A lipped edge end  304 , similar to either lipped edge side  303 l or  303 r is disposed at one end of charging apparatus  300 , in one embodiment of the present invention. Lipped edge end  304  is for preventing slide through of a portable electronic device  100  that is placed on charging apparatus  300 . An electrical outlet plug  310  is also present, although nut shown in  FIG. 5A , as shown in FIG.  3 . In another embodiment, there can be a lipped edge end  304  at both ends of charging apparatus  300 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a front facing illustration of a charging apparatus  300 , in one embodiment of the present invention. Charging apparatus  300  of  FIG. 5B  is analogous to charging apparatus  300  of  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 A, with one addition. A flip down stand  305  is coupled to the underside of charging apparatus  300  and is adapted to support charging apparatus  300  in a more vertical position when compared to charging apparatus  300  of  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 A. Flip down stand  305  utilizes lipped edge end  304  to stop a portable electronic device from sliding off of charging apparatus  300 , when flip down stand  305  is in the open position, as shown in FIG.  5 B. 
       FIG. 6A  is an illustrated front-facing view of a portable electronic device  100 , in one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, portable electronic device  100  has the ability to transmit and receive data and information over a wireless communication interface, e.g., a Bluetooth wireless interface, such as Bluetooth communication transceiver  1108  of  FIG. 11 , and as described in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In one embodiment, portable electronic device  100  is configured with a Bluetooth interface and implemented in Bluetooth environment such as the Bluetooth interface and environment as described in currently pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/676,270, filed Sep. 28, 2000 and entitled “Efficient Discovery of Device in Bluetooth Environment,” by Kammer, D, et al., which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     A display area  105  and programmable/dedicated buttons  104  are shown. Integrated within portable electronic device is a renewable energy source (e.g., renewable energy source  1111  of  FIG. 11 ) 
       FIG. 6B  is an illustrated rear-facing view of a portable electronic device  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b are shown as disposed within rear surface area  109 . Conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b, in one embodiment, are adapted to be in contact with a conductive contact region, e.g., conductive contact region  301  and  302  of charging apparatus  300  of  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 A,  5 B, and as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Although conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b are shown as having a circular shape, other shapes, e.g., rectangular, ovoid, triangular, and the like, are equally well suited to be implemented as conductive nodules. Additionally, while one embodiment describes conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b as disposed toward the top of rear surface area  109  of portable electronic device  100 , in other embodiments, conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b can be disposed in nearly any location on rear surface area  109 , provided that each conductive nodule can contact a conductive contact region of a charging apparatus  300 . 
       FIG. 6C  is an illustrated side-view of a portable electronic device  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Conductive nodules  110  (a and b) are shown protruding from rear surface area  109 , and contact conductive contact regions  301  and  302  of charging apparatus  300  when placed thereon. 
       FIG. 7A  is an illustrated front-facing view of a charging apparatus  300  with a portable electronic device  100  placed thereon and in a charging position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Portable electronic device  100  is shown as having been placed “right side up” on charging apparatus  300 . Conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b, as indicated by dotted lines, are shown to be in contact with conductive contact regions  302  and  301 , respectively, thus enabling charging of portable electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 7B  is an illustrated front-facing view of a charging apparatus  300  with a portable electronic device  100  placed thereon and in a charging position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Portable electronic device  100  is shown as having been placed “upside down” on charging apparatus  300 . Conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b, as indicated by dotted lines, are shown to be in contact with conductive contact regions  301  and  302 , respectively, thus enabling charging of portable electronic device  100 . 
     It is noted that, in one embodiment, placing portable electronic device  100  upon charging apparatus  300  can initiate synchronization of data contained within portable electronic device  100 , via the Bluetooth wireless interface of charging apparatus  300  of  FIG. 3 , also shown in  FIG. 10 , and as described in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     It is noted that, in one embodiment, placing portable electronic device  100  upon charging apparatus  300  can initiate synchronization of data contained within portable electronic device  100 , via the Bluetooth wireless interface of portable electronic device  100  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , also shown in  FIG. 11 , and as described in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     It is further noted that charge controller  325  of  FIG. 10 , enabled to sense the polarity of nodules  110 a and  110 b, controls the charging of portable electronic device  100  when placed on charging apparatus  300 , regardless of whether portable electronic device  100  is placed right side up as shown in  FIG. 7A , or placed upside down as shown in FIG.  7 B. 
       FIG. 8A  is an illustrated lop view of a charging apparatus  340 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, charging apparatus  340  is circular with a raised rim, similar in shape to a bowl. In another embodiment, charging apparatus  340  may be angular in appearance, e.g., having a triangular appearance, a rectangular appearance, a hexagonal appearance, and the like. Electrical outlet plug  310  is coupled to charging apparatus  340  and is analogous to electrical outlet plug  310  of  FIGS. 3 ,  7 A, and  7 B. Contact region  341  is also shown and is functionally analogous to contact regions  301  and  302  of FIG.  3 . However, in the present embodiment, contact region  341  is configured as a continuous conductive contact area. Thus, a portable electronic device, e.g., portable computer system  100  of  FIG. 6A , as indicated by dotted line  100 d, can be placed within charging apparatus  341  in any position, as indicated by rotational indicator  130 r. A charge controller, e.g., charge controller  325  of  FIG. 10 , controls the charging of the portable electronic device and further guards against shorts. 
       FIG. 8B  is an illustrated side view of a charging apparatus  340  shown with a portable electronic device, e.g., portable computer system  100  of  FIG. 6A  disposed therein, as indicated by dotted line  100 d. Further, by virtue of conductive nodules  110  (a and b, as described in  FIG. 6B ) in contact with contact region  341 , charging of a placed portable electronic device is enabled. 
       FIG. 9  is an illustrated cut-away side view of charging apparatus  350 , in another embodiment of the present invention. Charging apparatus  350  is functionally analogous to charging apparatus&#39;s  300  and  340  and analogous in shape to charging apparatus  340 . In the present embodiment, charging apparatus  350  is shown to include side portions  355 . Side portions  355  extend upward to enable vertical placement of a portable electronic device therein, e.g., portable computer system  100  of  FIG. 7A , as indicated by dotted line  900 d, and as depicted by an additional portable electronic device, e.g., portable computer system  100  of  FIG. 7B , as indicated by dotted line  901 d. The polarity sensing functionality and charge controlling capabilities of charge controller  325  ( FIG. 10 ) further enable charging of multiple portable electronic devices. 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram of components and circuitry integrated with a charging apparatus, e.g., charging apparatus  300 , charging apparatus  340 , or charging apparatus  350 , of  FIGS. 3 ,  5 A,  5 B,  8 A, and  9 . Shown is charge controller  325  coupled to bus  380 . Charge controller  325  senses polarity of conductive nodules, e.g., conductive nodules  110  (a, b) of  FIG. 6B , and controls the charging of a portable electronic device  100  when placed upon charging apparatus  300 . Placement of a portable electronic device  100  upon charging apparatus  300  initiates the charging thereof. Bus  380  is an address/data/electrical bus for communicating information and energy transference to a placed portable electronic device  100 . 
     With reference still to  FIG. 10 , charging apparatus  300  also includes a wireless signal transmitter/receiver device  308 , which is coupled to bus  380  for providing a wireless communication link between charging apparatus  300  and a network environment (e.g., Bluetooth piconets  11  and  12  of FIG.  12 ). As such, wireless signal transmitter/receiver device  308  enables charging apparatus  300  to communicate wirelessly with other electronic systems coupled to the network. It should be appreciated that within the present embodiment, signal transmitter/receiver device  308  is coupled to antenna  1305  ( FIG. 13 ) and provides the functionality to transmit and receive information over a wireless communication interface. It should be further appreciated that the present embodiment of signal transmitter/receiver device  308  is well suited to be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, signal transmitter/receiver device  308  could be implemented as a modem. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 10 , transceiver  308  can be coupled to charging apparatus  300  using any of a variety of physical bus interfaces (e.g., host interface  391 ), including but not limited to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, Personal Computer (PC) Card interface, CardBus or Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) interface, Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) interface, or RS-232 interface. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates, in one embodiment, circuitry integrated in a portable computer system  100 , e.g., portable electronic device  100  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Portable electronic device  100  includes an address/data bus  1100  for communicating information, a central processor  1101  coupled with the bus for processing information and instructions, a volatile memory  1102  (e.g., random access memory, RAM) coupled with the bus  1100  for storing information and instructions for the central processor  1101  and a non-volatile memory  1103  (e.g., read only memory, ROM) coupled with the bus  1100  for storing static information and instructions for the processor  1101 . Electronic device  100  also includes an optional data storage device  1104  (e.g., compact flash, MMC, or memory stick) coupled with the bus  1100  for storing information and instructions. Device  1104  can be removable. As described above, portable electronic device  100  also contains a display device  105  coupled to the bus  1100  for displaying information to the computer user. 
     With reference still to  FIG. 11 , computer system  100  also includes a wireless signal transmitter/receiver device  1108 , which is coupled to bus  1100  for providing a wireless communication link between computer system  100 , and a network environment (e.g., Bluetooth piconets  11  and  12  of FIGS.  12 ). As such, wireless signal transmitter/receiver device  1108  enables central processor unit  1101  to communicate wirelessly with other electronic systems coupled to the network. It should be appreciated that within the present embodiment, signal transmitter/receiver device  1108  is coupled to antenna  1305  ( FIG. 13 ) and provides the functionality to transmit and receive information over a wireless communication interface. It should be further appreciated that the present embodiment of signal transmitter/receiver device  1108  is well suited to be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, signal transmitter/receiver device  1108  could be implemented as a modem. Transceiver  1108  can be coupled to electronic device  100  using any of a variety of physical bus interfaces (e.g., host interface  1110 ), including but not limited to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, Personal Computer (PC) Card interface, CardBus or Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) interface, Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) interface, or RS-232 interface. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention, a charging apparatus  300  is communicatively and electronically coupleable with a portable electronic device, e.g., portable computer  100  via conductive nodules  110 a and  110 b (FIG.  6 B). 
     Also included in computer system  100  of  FIG. 11  is an optional alphanumeric input device  1106  that in one implementation is a handwriting recognition pad. Alphanumeric input device  1106  can communicate information and command selections to processor  1101 . Electronic device  100  also includes an optional cursor control or directing device (on-screen cursor control  1107 ) coupled to bus  1100  for communicating user input information and command selections to processor  1101 . In one implementation, on-screen cursor control device  1107  is a touch screen device incorporated with display device  1105 . On-screen cursor control device  1107  is capable of registering a position on display device  1105  where the stylus makes contact. The display device  1105  utilized with electronic device  100  may be a liquid crystal display device, a field emission display device (also called a flat panel CRT) or other display device suitable for generating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to the user. In the preferred embodiment, display device  1105  is a flat panel display. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the topology of a network of devices coupled using wireless connections in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the parlance of Bluetooth, a collection of devices connected in a Bluetooth system are referred to as a “piconet” or a “subnet.” A piconet starts with two connected devices, such as a computer system and a portable electronic device, and may grow to eight connected devices. All Bluetooth devices are peer units; however, when establishing a piconet, one unit will act as a master and the other(s) as slave(s) for the duration of the piconet connection. 
     A Bluetooth system supports both point-to-point and point-to-multi-point connections. Several piconets can be established and linked together in a “scatternet,” where each piconet is identified by a different frequency hopping sequence. All devices participating on the same piconet are synchronized to their respective hopping sequence. 
     Accordingly, devices  10 ,  20 ,  30  and  40  are coupled in piconet  11  using wireless  12  using wireless connections  80 a-f. Piconet  11  and piconet  12  are coupled using wireless connection  80 d. Devices  10 - 70  can be printers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), e.g., portable electronic device  100  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , desktop computer systems, laptop computer systems, cell phones, charging devices, e.g., charging apparatus  300  of  FIGS. 3 ,  5 A,  5 B,  8 A,  8 B and  9 , fax machines, keyboards, joysticks and virtually any other digital device. In the present embodiment, devices  10 - 70  are Bluetooth devices; that is, they are equipped with a Bluetooth radio transceiver, or they are adapted to communicate with Bluetooth devices (“Bluetooth-enabled”). That is, the Bluetooth radio transceiver may be integrated into a device, or it may be coupled to a device. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a transceiver  1308  in accordance with the present invention. In a preferred embodiment (the “Bluetooth embodiment”), transceiver  1308  is a Bluetooth device comprising a digital component (e.g., a Bluetooth controller) and an analog component (e.g., a Bluetooth radio). 
     In the present embodiment, transceiver  1308  comprises an antenna  1305  for receiving or transmitting radio signals, a radio frequency (RF) module  1310 , a link controller  13213 , a microcontroller (or central processing unit)  1330 , and an external interface  240 . In the present embodiment, transceiver  1308  is coupled by a system bus  100  to an external device  1390  (e.g., a host device such as a computer system or similar intelligent electronic device, a PDA, a printer, a fax machine, etc.). However, it is appreciated that in another embodiment, transceiver  1308  may be integrated into external device  1390 . 
     In the Bluetooth embodiment, RF module  1310  is a Bluetooth radio. The Bluetooth radio can provide: a bridge to existing data networks, a peripheral interface, and a mechanism to form piconets of connected devices away from fixed network infrastructures (see FIG.  12 ). 
     In the present embodiment, link controller  1320  is a hardware digital signal processor for performing baseband processing as well as other functions such as Quality-of-Service, asynchronous transfers, synchronous transfers, audio coding, and encryption. 
     In one embodiment, microcontroller  1330  is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the Bluetooth embodiment, microcontroller  1330  is a separate central processing unit (CPU) core for managing transceiver  1308  and for handling some inquiries and requests without having to involve the host device. In the Bluetooth embodiment, microcontroller  1330  runs software that discovers and communicates with other Bluetooth devices via the Link Manager Protocol (LMP). 
     With reference still to  FIG. 13 , in the present embodiment, interface  1340  is for coupling transceiver  1308  to external device  1390  in a suitable format (e.g., USB, PCMCIA, PCI, CardBus, PC Card, etc.). In the present embodiment, interface  1340  runs software that allows transceiver  1308  to interface with the operating system of external device  1390 . 
     In conclusion, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and system that allows charging of a portable electronic device, such as a handheld computer system. Further provided is a convenient and simple mating mechanism between the handheld computer and the charging apparatus. Advantageously, a portable electronic device may be leisurely placed into the charging apparatus at a number of various alignments while still being properly aligned for adequate recharging. Other advantages of embodiments of the present invention include complying with the many form factors of the various types and models of handheld computers. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention provide for synchronization of data and programs without requiring hard wiring of the cradle to the host computer. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.