Modular computer system having self contained workslate unit detachably coupled to base unit including keyboard

Claim 1

An improved modular computer system, comprising: a self contained workslate unit including a first housing, said housing containing a display unit visible through said first housing; a digitizer disposed in cooperative engagement with said display unit; a computer system having a data and address bus, serial and parallel ports and a keyboard interface, said computer system capable of outputting display data to said display unit, receiving input data from said digitizer, and providing computer functions to a user; and a mass data storage device coupled to said computer system; said workslate unit further including first connector means, said first connector means providing a first set of connections to said data and address bus, said serial and parallel ports and said keyboard interface; and a base unit including a second housing said base unit detachably connected to said self contained workslate unit, said second housing containing a keyboard; an expansion area for supporting one or more peripheral devices, and interlock means to detachably engage said workslate unit, said interlock means including second connector means for coupling to said first connector means to detachably provide electrical connections for said keyboard and said one or more peripheral devices to said first set of connections, said interlock means further including means for mechanically attaching said workslate unit to said desktop base unit and for supporting said workslate unit at a specific display viewing angle relative to said base unit and simultaneously connecting said first and second connector means.