Modular information processing system

A hand-held computer for use in a modular information processing system, the hand-held computer comprising:

• an interface for coupling the hand-held computer to an expansion device in a removable manner;
• embedded control circuitry including a plurality of controllers for at least one internal peripheral and/or at least one port for connecting an external peripheral, the internal peripheral or port being embedded in the expansion device;
• and
• processing circuitry coupled to the control circuitry,
• wherein in a mobile operating condition in which the hand-held computer is not coupled to the expansion device, the processing circuitry controls the hand-held computer, and
• in an expanded operating condition in which the hand-held computer is coupled to the expansion device, the processing circuitry controls a personal computer formed by the hand-held computer and the expansion device.

An expansion device for use in a modular information processing system, the expansion device comprising:

• at least one internal peripheral without a controller and/or at least one port for connecting an external peripheral;
• and
• an interface for coupling the expansion device to a hand-held computer in a removable manner,
• wherein in an expanded operating condition in which the hand-held computer is coupled to the expansion device, the processing circuitry of the hand-held computer controls a personal computer formed by the hand-held computer and the expansion device.