Portable computer system incorporating a rear projection display

A portable computer system, comprising:

• a base portion having a top surface;
• and
• a projection display coupled to the base portion and movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the base portion, the projection display comprising:
• an image generator for generating images;
• a projection surface for displaying images generated by the image generator;
• and
• an optical system disposed between the image generator and the projection surface the optical system configured to discernably focus images generated by the image generator onto the projection surface, wherein the projection surface is formed of a plurality of rigid panels, and wherein the rigid panels comprise a main display panel and two ancillary display panels, the two ancillary display panels coupled to the main display panel and movable with respect to the main display panel between a folded position and a substantially coplanar position.

A portable computer system, comprising:

• a base portion having a top surface;
• a projection display coupled to the base portion and movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the base portion, the projection display comprising:
• an image generator for generating images;
• a projection surface for displaying images generated by the image generator;
• and
• an optical system disposed between the image generator and the projection surface, the optical system configured to discernably focus images generated by the image generator onto the projection surface;
• and
• means for collapsing the projection surface when the projection display is moved to a closed position, wherein the means for collapsing the projection surface comprises retractable hooking members.

A projection display for attachment to a base portion of a portable computer system, the projection display comprising:

• an image generator for generating images;
• a projection surface for displaying images generated by the image generator, wherein the projection surface is formed of a pliable material, the pliable material, when taut, having a surface area greater than the display area of the image generator;
• and
• an optical system disposed between the image generator and the projection surface, the optical system configured to discernably focus images generated by the image generator onto the projection surface.

A projection display for attachment to a base portion of a portable computer system, the projection display comprising:

• an image generator for generating images;
• a projection surface for displaying images generated by the image generator, wherein the projection surface is formed of a plurality of rigid panels, and wherein the rigid panels comprise a main display panel and two ancilliary display panels, the two ancilliary display panels coupled to the main display panel and movable with respect to the main display panel between a folded position and a substantially coplanar position;
• and
• an optical system disposed between the image generator and the projection surface, the optical system configured to discernably focus images generated by the image generator onto the projection surface.