Abstract:
Various novel electronic devices and systems are described, including novel keyboards, remote control devices, and computer systems.

Description:
[0001]     The invention relates to electronic systems, and more particularly to novel personal electronic devices and systems including keyboards, remote control devices, and computer systems. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0002]     Various features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.  
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a computer system in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  
         [0004]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of a computer system in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  
         [0005]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a keyboard in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  
         [0006]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a keyboard in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  
         [0007]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a keyboard in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  
         [0008]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a remote control device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a remote control device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0010]     In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular structures, architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the various aspects of the invention may be practiced in other examples that depart from these specific details. In certain instances, descriptions of well known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.  
         [0011]     With reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , an all-in-one electronic system  10  includes a flat panel display  12  mounted in an enclosure  14 . The enclosure  14  further includes speakers  16  positioned on either side of the display  12 . The enclosure  14  is mounted on and may be integral with a pedestal base  18 . Behind the display  12 , the pedestal base is adapted to receive a housing  20  which may, for example, enclose a processor-based system.  
         [0012]     Either the base  18  or the housing  20  may further include a subwoofer so that the system  10  may provide 2.1 audio output. The system  10  may further cooperate with satellite speakers to provide 5.1 audio output. Preferably, the system  10  including the housing  20  operates quietly to enhance the audio experience.  
         [0013]     For example, the system  10  may provide platform having a high degree of convergence that incorporates various entertainment media with a personal computer. For example, the system  10  may be adapted to incorporate one or more of a television, a personal video recorder, a DVD player, a CD player, a DVD burner, a CD burner, a stereo, and an FM radio, among other electronic entertainment devices. For example, the system  10  provides a highly integrated electronic entertainment device which may be well suited for a smaller living space such as a bedroom, a kitchen, a dormitory room or an apartment.  
         [0014]     Preferably, the system  10  is adapted for easy set-up. For example, the system  10  may be virtually wire-free. If battery powered, no cord may be required. Otherwise, only the power cord may be required for the initial set-up. The system  10  may support a number of communication devices, including, for example, connection to the internet through any of a wired or wireless broadband connection and broadcast through a cable or satellite connection. The system  10  may be further adapted to control a satellite or cable box. Preferably, the system  10  is further adapted to operate with a wireless keyboard and/or mouse (e.g. for a 2 foot PC experience) and/or a wireless remote control (e.g. to enable a true 10′ media experience).  
         [0015]     With reference to  FIGS. 3-4 , a wireless keyboard  30  includes a housing  31  with QWERTY keys  32 , together with a numeric keypad  34 , arrow keys  36 , and various function keys  38  accessible through an outer surface of the housing. The keyboard  30  includes a first set of keys  39  associated with common computer operations such as, for example, one key access to e-mail. The keyboard  30  further includes a second set of keys  40  for operating media devices including a play key, a stop key, a pause key, a rewind key, and a forward key. The keyboard  30  and/or the system  10  may be adapted to respond to the keys  40  in the context of a current media operation. For example, if the user is listening to a CD, the keys  40  would operate on the tracks of the CD. However, if the user is watching a video tape or DVD, the keys  40  would affect the playback of the video. The keyboard  30  further includes a third set of keys  42  associated with common broadcast television operations. For example, the keyboard may includes a key for a channel up operation, a key for a channel down operation, a key for a volume up operation, and a key for a volume down operation. The volume keys may be dedicated to changing the volume of the broadcast audio or may be generally associated with the volume of whatever media is playing. The keyboard  30  further includes a battery compartment  52  adapted to house batteries  54  which provide power for the keyboard  30 . Advantageously, incorporating media playback control keys  40  and broadcast associated keys  42  improves the convergence of the various media. Preferably, the keyboard  30  may be adapted to operate with an all-in-one system such as the system  10  described above.  
         [0016]     With reference to  FIGS. 6-7 . a remote control device  60  includes a housing  61  with a first set of keys  62  associated with various media playback controls accessible through an outer surface of the housing  61 . For example, keys  62  may be associated with playback of a CD, a video tape, and/or a DVD. Preferably the remote  60  further includes a second set of keys  64  associated with common computer operations. For example, the keys  64  may be associated with opening a file folder which contains various computer media files (e.g. a My Music folder). The remote  60  may be adapted to operate media devices which are integrated with the system  10  as well as external devices (e.g. a separate stereo system). The remote  60  may further include a third set of keys  66  associated with common broadcast television operations (e.g. channel up/down). Advantageously, by including conventional media playback control keys  62 , and keys  64  associated with computer operations, and keys  66  associated with broadcast television operations, the remote  60  improves the convergence of the various media. Preferably, the remote  60  may be adapted to operate with an all-in-one system such as the system  10  described above.  
         [0017]     The foregoing and other aspects of the invention are achieved individually and in combination. The invention should not be construed as requiring two or more of the such aspects unless expressly required by a particular claim. Moreover, while the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the preferred examples, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and the scope of the invention.