Wireless access point seek mode for wireless access clients

A computer system comprising:

• a processor;
• a main memory array coupled to the processor;
• a radio module that scans for available wireless access points;
• a power supply coupled to the radio module and the processor;
• an electrical switch mounted on an external surface of the computer system;
• and
• a seek logic coupled to the electrical switch and the power supply;
• wherein the seek logic commands the power supply to power the radio module responsive to the actuation of the electrical switch, the command only when the computer is powered-off, and the command for the same amount of time that the electrical switch is activated, thus requiring the user to hold electrical switch in the actuated position during a seek period of the radio module;
• and
• wherein, while the computer system is powered-off, the radio module scans for available wireless access points, and indicates the availability of a wireless access point.

A method of finding wireless access points with a computing device, the method comprising:

• requesting a wireless access seek with the computing device powered-off;
• scanning for available wireless access points which support two-way data communication, the scanning with a wireless communication module of the portable computing device while remaining portions of the computing device are powered-off;
• and
• indicating the availability of wireless access points while the remaining portions of the computing device are powered-off.

A computer comprising:

• a main system processor;
• a main memory array coupled to the processor;
• a seek request button mounted on an outer surface of the computer;
• a seek logic coupled to the seek request button;
• a first power supply coupled to the seek logic, and wherein the seek logic enables substantially only the first power supply responsive to assertion of the seek request button;
• a wireless communication module coupled to the seek logic and the first power supply, wherein the first power supply powers the wireless communication module and wherein the seek logic enables the wireless communication module to perform seeking for wireless access points for network data communications, and the seeking responsive to assertion of the seek request button;
• and
• a notification device coupled to the wireless communication module, wherein the notification device indicates the unavailability of a wireless access point;
• wherein the seek logic refrains from enabling the wireless communication module to perform seeking for wireless access clients if the computer is powered-on.

A computer system comprising:

• a means for executing programs and instructions;
• a means for storing programs and data coupled to the means for executing;
• a means for activating a seek for a wireless access point mounted on an outer surface of the computer;
• a first means for powering the means for wireless access and the means for executing;
• a means for controlling the means for wireless access coupled to the means for wireless network access, the means for activating, and the means for powering;
• wherein the first means for powering powers substantially only the means for wireless network access;
• and wherein the means for controlling enables the means for wireless network access to perform a seek for wireless access points responsive to assertion means for activating;
• and
• a means for notification of the unavailability of a wireless access point coupled to the means for wireless communication;
• wherein the means for controlling refrains from enabling the means for wireless network access to perform seeking for wireless access points if the computer system is powered-on.

A system comprising:

• a mobile computing system in a powered-off state;
• a wireless communication module which supports two-way data communication, the wireless communication module coupled to the mobile computing system;
• and
• a seek enabled button mounted on an exterior surface of one of the mobile computing device or the wireless communication module;
• wherein the wireless communication module, when commanded by a user actuating the seek enable button and while the mobile computing system is powered-off, scans for availability of wireless access to a network;
• and
• wherein the wireless communication module informs the user of availability of wireless access while the mobile computing system is powered-off.

A method comprising:

• accepting a command from a user of a powered-off mobile computing device to perform a search for wireless network availability;
• and thereafter
• performing a search for wireless access availability which supports two-way data communication, the performing by a wireless communication module of the mobile computing device, and the performing while the mobile computing device is powered-off;
• and
• informing the user of an outcome of the performing, the informing while the computing system is powered-off.

A computer system comprising:

• a radio module that scans for available wireless access points that support two-way data communications;
• a power supply coupled to the radio module;
• an electrical switch mounted on an external surface of the computer system;
• and
• a seek logic module coupled to the electrical switch and the power supply;
• wherein the seek logic commands the power supply to power the radio module responsive to the actuation of the electrical switch;
• and
• wherein the radio module scans for available wireless access-points, and indicates the availability of a wireless access point, both before an operating system of the computer system is booted.