Portable data entry device with a detachable host PDA

A portable computing device including a selectively removable communication apparatus provided in conjunction therewith comprising:

• a portable computing device having a housing having at least one selectable docking port associated therewith, a selectively removable communication apparatus having at least two selectable docking ports such that the communication apparatus is capable of mechanically docking and interfacing to the portable computing device in at least two operable configurations relative to the portable computing device;
• wherein the communication apparatus includes a first side having at least a first interface keypad, a display and a first docking connector, and a back side having at least a second docking connector for mating with a connector associated with the portable computing device;
• and
• wherein the back side of the communication apparatus further comprises a second keypad for data entry, wherein the communication apparatus may be docked with its front side or back side facing the portable computing device.

A portable computing device, including a selectively removable user input/output apparatus having at least one of a wired connection and a wireless connection to the portable computing device for data exchange therewith, comprising:

• the portable computing device having a display and at least one selectable docking port, the selectively removable user input/output apparatus having a keyboard and at least one selectable docking port, such that the user input/output apparatus is capable of mechanically docking to the portable computing device in multiple configurations relative to the portable computing device;
• wherein a first of the said configurations the display of the portable computing device and the keyboard of the user input/output apparatus face outward, and in the same general direction, enabling alpha-numeric data entry on the keyboard and display of related data on the display;
• and
• wherein a second of the said configurations the user input/output apparatus and the portable computing device are attached together to allow one unit to be carried behind the other unit.