Patent ID: RE42079

Claim:
A handheld computer comprising: a rechargeable battery module to output a source voltage; a power management module coupled to the battery module to regulate the source voltage from the battery module; a plurality of internal components including a processor and a memory component that draw power from the source voltage; and wherein in response to the source voltage falling below a first threshold, the power management module signals a lockout that reduces the number of internal components that are powered by the source voltage; wherein in response to the number of internal components that are powered by the source voltage being reduced, —the battery module is configured to regain a charge for an interval after the lockout is signaled, wherein no external charge is applied to the battery module during the interval; and wherein during the interval, the battery module applies the charge to maintain the source voltage at a level that is sufficient to sustain a designated one or more, but not all, of the plurality of internal components.