Thermally efficient portable computer incorporating deploying CPU module

A portable computer comprising in combination:

• a base containing components associated with a portable computer,
• a display module containing a flat-panel display
• a heat-spreader positioned to the rear of said display module,
• an insulating rear cover on the opposite side of said heat-spreader from said display module and serving at least in part as the rear outer surface of said portable computer for maintaining cool temperatures on the rear outer surface of said portable computer,
• means for moving said heat-spreader and said insulating rear cover close to said display module when the portable computer is not being used, and for moving said heat-spreader and insulating rear cover a distance away from said display module when the portable computer is being used, and
• gap-covering means preventing touch access to said heat-spreader.

A portable computer comprising, in combination,

• a base containing components associated with a portable computer,
• a display module containing a flat-panel display,
• a heat-spreader located immediately to the rear of said display module,
• an insulating rear cover on the opposite side of said heat-spreader from said display module and serving at least in part as the rear outer surface of said portable computer for maintaining cool temperature on the rear surface of the computer, and
• a means for moving said heat-spreader substantially adjacent to said display module when the computer is not being used, and for moving said heat-spreader a distance away from said display module when the computer is being used, said distance providing adequate insulation to prevent damaging temperatures on said flat-panel display and prohibiting touch access to said heat-spreader.