Combined modular keyboard and tablet PC protective cover

A tablet personal computer having an integrated base unit and modular keyboard and stand unit, comprising:

• a base unit comprising a personal computer;
• and
• a modular keyboard and stand for the base unit, comprising:
• a cover comprising an outer side for covering a tablet personal computer base unit and an inner side;
• a key array for key-based data entry into the base unit, said key array mounting integrally to said inner side;
• a back support for supporting said base unit in a raised position relative to said key array and presenting said base unit for monitoring data entry from said key array, said back support retractably associated with said inner side to retract into a recess that is substantially parallel to the inner side;
• a side support mechanism for cooperating with said back support for supporting said base unit and holding base unit securely relative to said back support, said side support mechanism retractably associated with said inner side for retracting into a recessed position substantially parallel to the inner side;
• and
• data input means for communicating key-based data between said key array and said base unit.

A method for protecting and providing key-based data entry into a tablet personal computer, comprising the steps of:

• covering the tablet personal computer for protecting a base unit of the tablet personal computer when the tablet personal computer is in a stowed configuration using a cover comprising an outer side for shielding the base unit and an inner side;
• and
• entering key-based data using a key array when the tablet personal computer is in an operating configuration, said key array mounting integrally to said inner side;
• supporting said base unit in a raised position relative to said key array and presenting said base unit for monitoring data entry from said key array using a back support when the tablet personal computer is in a operating configuration, said back support retractably associated with said inner side to retract into a recess that is substantially parallel to the inner side when the tablet personal computer is in a stowed configuration;
• supporting said base unit and holding base unit securely relative to said back support using a side support mechanism when the tablet personal computer is in a operating configuration, said side support mechanism retractably associated with said inner side for retracting into a recessed position substantially parallel to the inner side when the tablet personal computer is in a stowed configuration;
• and
• communicating key-based data between said key array and said base unit using a data input means when the tablet personal computer is in an operating configuration.