Method for operating an input device and a laptop computer

A method for operating a detachable input device of a laptop computer, the laptop computer having a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between a stowed position in which the computer is configured to be transported and an unstowed position in which the computer is configured to be operated, the input device being detachably attached to at least one of the first and second portions, the method comprising:

• moving at least part of the second portion away from the first portion to position the second portion in the unstowed position;
• accessing the input device after moving the second portion into the unstowed position and before moving the input device relative to the one of the first and second portions to which the input device is attached;
• moving the second portion toward the first portion to position the second portion in the stowed position;
• and
• securing the second portion to the input device while the input device is attached to the first portion.

A method for operating an input device and a laptop computer having a base portion and a display portion movably coupled to the base portion, the method comprising:

• detaching the input device from the computer;
• stably positioning the input device on a substantially flat work surface;
• generating a signal at one of the input device and the computer;
• transmitting the signal to the other of the input device and the computer;
• attaching the input device to the computer;
• and
• securing one of the base portion and the display portion to the input device while the input device is attached to the computer.

A method for removably attaching an input device to a laptop computer having a base with an aperture therein and a display housing pivotally coupled to the base and movable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position, the method comprising:

• positioning the input device adjacent to the aperture in the base of the laptop computer;
• moving a substantial portion of the input device into the aperture of the laptop computer;
• and
• securing the display housing to the input device in the closed position when a substantial portion of the input device is positioned in the aperture.

A method for operating a detachable input device and a laptop computer, the laptop computer having a base housing with a keyboard and a display housing with a display, the display housing being coupled to the base housing to move between a closed position and an open position, the input device having a joystick projecting from a surface of the input device, the method comprising:

• removably positioning the detachable input device in an aperture of one of the base housing and the display housing to place the input device in an attached position in which the input device is at least substantially housed in the aperture;
• folding the joystick into a depression configured to receive the joystick when the input device is in the attached position;
• and
• moving the display housing to the closed position by positioning the display housing adjacent to the keyboard while the input device is in the attached position so that the input device is protected by the base housing and the display housing.