An electronic device, comprising: electronic components; a first housing of a single piece of material, the first housing defining a length, a width, and a height that is less than both the length and the width, the first housing having at least five side walls (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) defining an internal cavity and an open end to the cavity that spans the width and height of the first housing, the electronic components being contained within the cavity; and a cover removably affixed over the open end of the first housing, the cover contacting at least one of the electronic components therein; wherein, when the cover is affixed over the open end of the first housing, the electronic components are in continuous contact between the cover and one of the five side walls opposite the cover to help retain at least some of the electronic components in predetermined positions within the housing; wherein the first housing is a base housing for a base assembly of a portable computer, and wherein the cover is a first portion of a hinge assembly, the electronic device further including a lid assembly operatively connected to the base housing by the hinge assembly; wherein the electronic components are further configured such that they engage with each other and with base housing such that the positions of the electronic components are maintained once assembled in a particular manner; and wherein one or more wedge elements are assembled within base housing adjacent one or more of the electronic components such that the use of such wedge elements 102 further helps to retain the desired positions of the internal electronic components within base housing. electronic components; a first housing of a single piece of material, the first housing defining a length, a width, and a height that is less than both the length and the width, the first housing having at least five side walls (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) defining an internal cavity and an open end to the cavity that spans the width and height of the first housing, the electronic components being contained within the cavity; and a cover removably affixed over the open end of the first housing, the cover contacting at least one of the electronic components therein; wherein, when the cover is affixed over the open end of the first housing, the electronic components are in continuous contact between the cover and one of the five side walls opposite the cover to help retain at least some of the electronic components in predetermined positions within the housing; wherein the first housing is a base housing for a base assembly of a portable computer, and wherein the cover is a first portion of a hinge assembly, the electronic device further including a lid assembly operatively connected to the base housing by the hinge assembly; wherein the electronic components are further configured such that they engage with each other and with base housing such that the positions of the electronic components are maintained once assembled in a particular manner; and wherein one or more wedge elements are assembled within base housing adjacent one or more of the electronic components such that the use of such wedge elements 102 further helps to retain the desired positions of the internal electronic components within base housing.