Paging receiver system for receiving a paging communication signal

A communication device for use in a multi-function electronic card device adapted for insertion into a computing device, the communication device comprising:

• (a) data modem means, for communicating modem data between a first computing device and a second computing device over a first communication channel;
• (b) transceiver means, operatively coupled to the data modem means, for communicating other information other than modem data over a second communication channel;
• and
• (c) switching means, operatively coupled to the data modem means, the transceiver means, and an interface connector on the electronic card device to the first computing device, for selectably providing modem data from the data modem means or other information from the transceiver means to the interface connector based upon control signals between the data modem means and the transceiver means, such that the first computing device requires only a driver interface for the data modem means in order to receive both modem data from the first communication channel and other information from the second communication channel.

A paging receiver caddie for receiving an electronic card device, the electronic card device being adapted for insertion into a separate portable computing device, the paging receiver caddie comprising:

• a hand-held body of a size slightly larger than the electronic card device and capable of being held in the palm of a single hand, including:
• structure defining an aperture into which the electronic card device is inserted;
• display means on a surface of the body for displaying paging information;
• and
• connector means in the aperture for making electrical connection with the electronic card device when the electronic card device is inserted;
• battery means contained within the body and connected to the connector means for providing electrical power to the electronic card device when the electronic card device is inserted;
• and
• controller means contained within the body and operably connected to the connector means and the display means for receiving paging information from the electronic card device and for displaying the paging information on the display means,
• such that paging information from the electronic card device can be accessed when the electronic card device is not inserted into the portable computing device.