GB2386979A

GB2386979A - Computing apparatus having two hinged screens

Info

Publication number: GB2386979A
Application number: GB0207136A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Iain Wadie
Original assignee: Accenture Global Services GmbH
Current assignee: Accenture Global Services GmbH
Priority date: 2002-03-26
Filing date: 2002-03-26
Publication date: 2003-10-01
Also published as: WO2003081404A3; GB0207136D0; AU2003226511A1; WO2003081404A2

Abstract

The computing system has a first panel having a first screen, a second panel having a second screen, wherein the first panel is rotationally displaced both from the second panel. Moreover, the first panel is adaptable to display a keyboard wherein a user may provide manual input thereon. The second panel is rotationally displaceable to a first position from the first panel for operating in a laptop mode. The second panel is rotationally displaceable to a second position from the first panel for operating in a book mode. The second panel is rotationally displaceable to a third position from the first panel for operating in a tablet mode. Furthermore, the information displayed on the first screen within the first panel and the second screen within the second panel is adjusted based on the operating mode of the computing system.

Description

SOFT SCREEN WORKBOOK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

1] The present invention relates generally to a computer system and more specifically to a system having a plurality of adaptable screens.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

2] As computing systems develop, these system, become more adaptable. Once such innovation is the development of a mobile computer, such as a laptop computer. Typically, the laptop computer consists of lightweight instrument having two panels being rotationally displaceable from one another. A display port, such as a liquid crystal display, is on the top panel and a keyboard is on the bottom panel. Thereby, a user may manually enter information by depressing the corresponding keys and view the output on the display.

3] Currently, most laptop computers allow a user to connect a second output display to the computer, such as a video monitor, a screen projector, etc. This provides a more adaptive system and allows a user to share the information with other users.

4] As mobile computing systems develop, a greater variety of input and output options are available to the end user. For example, a tablet computer, such as SLIMTOP_ Pen Tablet, manufactured by Sony Corporation, 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, which allows a user to read and edit

information on a device orientated like a standard tablet. This computing device provides a stand-alone tablet display that is used in conjunction with a separate keyboard and a separate hard drive, wherein a user may enter information directly on the tablet using a special writing instrument.

1 ] Another computing device allows a user to read an electronic version of a book, where the computing device resembles a single page of a book. One such example is the BOOKMAN, manufactured by Franklin Electronic Publishers, One Franklin Plaza, Burlington, NJ 08(116-4907. This display device only provides a single page of textual display, and does not provide dual page display. Moreover, this computer device maintains limited processing and interactive capabilities.

[OOOy Another development is the THINKPAD TRANSNOTE (TM) computer, manufactured by IBM Corporation, 1133 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, New York 10604, which allows a user to enter information on a standard keyboard, view the information on a reduced-sized display screen, such as an LCD screen, and further provide a tablet for entering input. This system allows a user to place a standard piece of notebook paper on top of the touch-screen, and the touch-screen records the input by detecting the impressions made by the writing instrument on the paper. The system does not provide the user the ability to adjust orientation of the multiple display devices to operate in a plurality of operating modes and is limited by the actual physical keyboard on the computing device.

[00071 Concurrent with the refinement of a mobile computing device, touchscreen technology has also advanced. As this technology matures, improved touch-screens are being developed for the proper reception of the input. Typically, touch-screens utilize resistive or capacitive technology to determine, based on signal attenuations, where contact has been made with the screen, such as contact with a stylus or other instrument. A common example of touch-screen technology can be found in electronic kiosks or personal digital assistants (PDAs) where a user interacts with the screen by touching illuminating menus or images.

[00081 Currently, a mobile computing system providing a fully interactive touch-screen in combination with a standard laptop computing device for the reception of user input via a standard keyboard and providing an output on a standard display port does not exist. As such, it would be beneficial to provide a computing system that effectively blends the interactive capabilities of touch-

screen technology with the adaptability of a mobile computing system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

9] The present invention provides for an apparatus, which includes a first panel having a first touch-sensitive screen and a second panel having a second touch-sensitive screen. The second panel is rotationally displaceable from the first panel and the first panel is adaptable to visually display a

keyboard on the first touch-sensitive screen for manual input by an end user typing on the keyboard display.

[00010] The second panel is rotationally displaceable to a first position from the first panel for operating in a laptop mode, wherein the second panel is displaced approximately ninety (90) degrees from the from the first panel. The second panel is rotationally displaceable to a second position from the first panel for operating in a book mode, wherein the second panel is displaced approximately one-hundred eighty ( 180) degrees from the first panel. The second panel is further rotationally displaceable to a third position from the first panel for operating a tablet mode, wherein the second panel is displaced approximately three hundred sixty (360) degrees from the first panel.

[00011] Furthermore, the computing device provides for variable orientation of the visible display on the output on the first and second touch-

sensitive screens based on the computing device operating mode. While operating in the laptop mode, the first screen and second screen display information in a first orientation, such as horizontally displaced (i.e., so-called "landscape" orientation) so the text extends lengthwise across the screen on the second panel and the keyboard extends lengthwise across the screen on the first panel. While operating in a book mode, the information is displayed in a second orientation, such as the text vertically displayed (i.e., so-called "portrait" orientation) so the text extends widthwise across the screen. This orientation, in combination with both screens, resembles the orientation of text

within a book. Moreover, the widthwise orientation allows for an accurate representation of a standard page, such as 8 lo by 11 or A4 format, on the display screen. For example, while operating in a tablet mode, the computing device displays information in the second orientation, similar to orientation of a text found in a standard tablet.

[00012] The present invention further provides for the touch-sensitive screens to be adaptable to receive input either through manual entry via a displayed keyboard or through a writing instrument, such as a stylus or a magnetic pen. The user may input information on the touch-screens while the computing device is operating in any of the three modes: laptop mode, book mode, or tablet mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00013] The invention will be more readily understood with reference to the following drawings, wherein: [00014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computing device in a laptop mode, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [00015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a computing device in a book mode, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [00016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a computing device in a tablet mode, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; s

[000171 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing device in accordance with the present invention; 100018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a computing device in a laptop mode, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; [00019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a computing device in a book mode, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; [00020] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a computing device wherein the second panel is being rotationally displaced between a book mode and a tablet mode; [00021] FIG. 7b is a perspective view of a computing device wherein the second panel is being rotationally displaced between a book mode and a tablet mode; 100022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a computing device in a table mode, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and O0023] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operation of a computing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

O0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a computing device 100 of the present invention having a first panel 102 and a second panel 104. The first panel 102 comprises a first touch-sensitive screen 106 and the second panel 104

comprises a second touch-sensitive screen 108. The computing device 100 is illustrated in a laptop mode where the second panel 104 is rotationally displaced at a first position from the first panel 102. As shown, the first position may comprise an angle of approximately ninety (90) degrees about a hinge 110. The first position is preferably defined as approximately ninety (90) degrees to represent the operation of the computing device similar to a standard laptop computer where a screen is displaced from a physical keyboard. The first position may further provide for the second panel to be displaced at variant angles based on user preferences of the display screen position relative to the first panel. For example, a displacement of one-

hundred (100) degrees or any other rotational displacement may be used such that the second touch-sensitive screen is visible to a user entering information on the first touch-sensitive screen.

[00025] In a preferred embodiment, the touch-sensitive screens 106 and 108 are composed of a robust touch-sensitive material using fiber optics to determine the location of physical contact with the screen. In the preferred embodiment, the touch-sensitive screens, 106 and 108, utilize resistive or capacitive technology to receive user input. As recognized by one skilled in the art, any other suitable touch screen technology may be utilized. The first touch-sensitive screen is adaptable to display a keyboard, such as a QWERIY format keyboard, shown generally at 112. The user may physically type on this virtual keyboard 112 displayed on the touch-sensitive screen 106.

Corresponding input information or resulting output information may then be

displayed, as applicable, on the second touch-sensitive screen 108. The properties of the first touch-sensitive screen 106 allow for the manual entry of typed information through a determination of where the user applies pressure to the screen, using a known touch-sensitive recognition technique. A keyboard is displayed on the first touch-sensitive screen 106 while operating in a laptop mode. When the computing device 100 is operating in a different mode, the first touch-sensitive screen is adaptable to be used as a display instead of a keyboard.

[00026] The present invention further provides for a protective cover 114, such as a cotton sheet laminated with plastic/vinyl on one side, extendable over the first screen 106 to protect the integrity of the touch-sensitive screen when the user is typing thereon. The cover 114 may be disposed on a roller (not shown), similar to a window shade, where the cover 114 is unrolled and extended over the top of the first touchsensitive screen 106 and retractable within the first panel 102 when the user finishes typing-or wishes to change operating modes. Moreover, the cover is extendable over the first touch-

sensitive screen and is secured to the opposing side of the first panel 102 using a clip (not shown) or any other suitable latching device. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other mechanisms may be used to implement and secure the cover 114, and the present invention is not limited in this regard. For example, one may place the protective cover on a plurality of rollers such that the cover slides over the first touch-sensitive screen and can

slide inside the first panel when not being used, thus not requiring a latch to secure the cover in place.

[000271 In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the protective cover may also have a plurality of thin plastic keys mounted thereon, whereupon when the cover is extended over the first touch-screen, the touch-screen keyboard is replicated on the protective cover. The embodiment provides further assurance of the accuracy of typing on the first touch-sensitive screen.

[00028] Furthermore, the computing device contains a trackball 116 disposed on the first panel 102. The trackball 116 operates similar to a standard computer mouse, allowing a user to move a pointer, or curser, around the display by application of directional pressure. Furthermore, the computing device 100 may also receive user input through other input devices, such as a stylus, mouse, or any other suitable input device. Moreover, as ... recognized by one skilled in the art, the computing device 100 contains a plurality of input and output ports, not shown, allowing for the system to interact with external devices, such as a disc drive or a modem. The interactivity of the computing device is not illustrated or disclosed herein for clarity purposes only, as the computing device interacts with standard input and output devices in accordance with known computing device operations.

[00029] FIG. 1 further illustrates the orientation of the output display of the first touch-sensitive screen and the second touch-sensitive screen. Both the displayed keyboard and the user information are orientated in a first

orientation, horizontally extending across the touch-sensitive screens 106 and 108. The display extends widthwise across the screen, similar to a standard display on computer monitor, i.e., a so-called landscape" orientation.

100030] FIG. 2 illustrates the computing device 100 of the present invention operating in a book mode. The second panel 104 is rotationally displaced approximately one hundred eighty (180) degrees from the first panel 102 to simulate a book format. While operating in this mode, the information is displayed in a second orientation, i.e. the so-ca1ted "portrait" mode. While operating the computing device in the book mode, the second panel 104 corresponds to the left page of a book and the first panel 106 corresponds to the right page of a book, wherein the trackball 116 is disposed on the outer edge of the left side of the dual page display, i.e. on the first panel.

The present invention may also utilize a wireless trackball which may be either clipped to the side of the computing device 100 or placed on a nearby surface.

[000311 As recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art, the computing device, while operating in book mode, may switch the display of the first touch-sensitive screen 106 and the second touch-sensitive screen 108 such that the first panel corresponds to the left page of the book and the second panel corresponds to the right page of the book. While still displaying information in the second orientation, landscape orientation, the trackball is now disposed on the outer edge of the right side of the dual page display.

tO0032] In conjunction with displaying information similar to a book format' the computing device allows for a user to manually insert information, such as editing changes, notes in the margins, etc. on either the first touch-

sensitive screen 104 or the second touch-sensitive screen 106. Typically, a writing instrument, such as a stylus or a magnetic pen, is used to manually enter the information directly on the touch-sensitive screens The computing system may then update and save the user-entered information relative to the displayed information.

[00033] Moreover, the actual displacement of the second panel from the first panel may vary based on user preference. In the book mode, the first touch-sensitive screen 106 and the second touch-sensitive screen 108 are both used to display information in the second orientation. The user may prefer to operate in the book mode, but have the second screen 108 displaced from the first screen 106 by an angle of approximately ninety (90) degrees due to lack of room to fully extend both panels 102, 104. Moreover, the second screen 108 may be displaced at an angle greater than one-hundred eighty (180) degrees if the user prefers to have another user see the information on the second panel 104 while the user sees information on the first panel 102.

[000341 While operating in a book mode, the orientation of the display information on the first touch-sensitive screen 106 and the second touch-

sensitive screen 108 may be manually adjusted. The information may be orientated in a horizontal alignment, extending width-wise across the screen as

shown in FIG. 1. This adjustment allows a user to more easily work with different shaped documents, such as spreadsheets or tables. The display information orientation may be adjusted by depressing a button disposed on either the first panel or the second panel, accessing a menu on the display program, pressing on an electronic toggle switch visually displayed on the first touch-sensitive screen or the second touchsensitive screen, or any other suitable manner as recognized by one skilled in the art.

[00035] Adjusting the screens further allows the display of:lifferent pages of different documents on different screens, wherein a user may cut and paste text, or other objects, between the two displayed documents. The screens may be set to toggle between screen displays to simulate changing pages in a book, wherein when a user selects the next page, both screens are updated to reflect new pages, similar to changing pages in a book. The screens may also be set to toggle in a reverse direction, such as for documents in a different language, such as Arabic. Moreover, a user may be able to select between multiple open documents or different sections or pages of the same document, such as by using a task-bar or a toggle key, having these documents displayed on the opposing screens. The user may then be able to reference multiple documents on at least one of the screens while reviewing, editing or composing a separate document on one of the screens, either on a separate screen or in conjunction with one of the screens displaying a document.

[00036] FIG. 3 illustrates the computing device 100 of the present invention in a tablet mode. The second panel 104 is rotationally displaced approximately three-hundred sixty (360) degrees from the Blrst panel 102, such that the second panel 104 is flipped under the first panel, exposing only the first touch-sensitive screen 106. While operating in this mode, the display information on the computing device is orientated in the second orientation, providing a user a display similar to a tablet, such as a legal pad, more accurately reflecting original paper formatting. The second touch-sensitive screen is disabled as it will be resting upon a support surface, such as a desk, table, user's lap, etc., allowing the user to enter input on the first touch-

sensitive screen.

1000371 Additionally, in the tablet mode, the user may use a writing instrument, such as a light pen or a magnetic pen or a stylus, to make manual edits and manual entry of information on the first touch-sensitive screen 106^ The user may edit a document being displayed on the first touch-sensitive screen 106 and then provide for these editing changes to be interpreted by the computing device and thereby adjusting the underlying document, using known touch-sensitive data entry techniques. The user may also enter information, such as notes, directly on the tablet screen 106 and have a handwriting recognition engine recognize and display the notes in electronic format using known handwriting recognition techniques.

[000381 Moreover, while in the tablet mode, the information is displayed in a vertical orientation but it is possible to display the information in a horizontal orientation to allow a user to view or edit information in a different format, such as a spreadsheet or table. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the protective cover 114 is retracted back within the case thereby leaving the full first touch-

sensitive screen 106 available for user input. Furthermore, the trackball 116 is available for the user to adjust the location of a cursor on the display 106.

[00039] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a compel sting device in accordance with the present invention. The computing device has an input device 140 such as a trackball mouse, a disk drive, or any other suitable input device. The system further has an output device 142, such as a printer, a disk drive, or any other suitable output device. The input device 140 and the output device 142 are coupled to a first panel 144 via connections 146 and 148, respectively. The first panel 144 has a first display 150 disposed therein.

The first display 150 is coupled to a sensor 152 via a connection 154, wherein the sensor 152 further receives an input 156 from a second display 158 disposed within a second panel 159.

[00040] Both the first display 150 and the second display 158 receive information from a processor 160 via connections 162 and 164, respectively.

Furthermore, the processor 160 is coupled to a memory 166 via connection 168 and the sensor 152 via connection 170. Moreover, the processor 160 receives input from the input device 140 via connection 172

[000411 The sensor 152 receives an input of the displacement of the first display 150 from the second display 158. When the sensor detects a displacement to be at a predetermined angle, the sensor notifies the processor 160 via connection 170, to adjust the operating mode of the computing device.

The sensor 152 could also continuously report the angle of the first panel and second panel and thereby allow the processor 160 to decide the operating mode. [00042] When the operating mode of the computing device I adjusted, -the first display 150 and the second display 158 are adjusted accordingly For example, if the sensor 152 determines that the second display is rotationally displaced approximately ninety (90) degrees from the first display, the processor 160 notifies the first display 150 to display a keyboard and notifies the second display 158 to display the input from the keyboard on the first touch sensitive screen. When the sensor 152 determines that the second display is rotationally displaced approximately one-hundred eighty (180) degrees from the first display 150, the sensor notifies the processor 160 and the information displayed on the first display 150 and the information on the second display 158 is displayed on a vertical orientation, to reflect the book mode of operation.

[00043] While operating in any one of the predetermined modes, the user may specifically override the operating mode by notifying the processor to override the sensor 152. Moreover, as recognized by one having ordinary skill

in the art, FIG. 4 illustrates the input device 140 and the output device 142 outside of the first panel 144, whereas the input device 140 and the output device 142 may be further disposed within the first display 150 as a part of the first touch-sensitive screen. Furthermore, a second input device and a second output device may be disposed within the second display 158 as a part of the second touch-sensitive screen. Therefore, both the first display 150 and the second display 158 may provide user input to the processor and further provide output from the processor 160 to the user.

[000441 Moreover, the sensor 152 may determine the preferred operating mode by sensing the orientation of the computing device itself, irrespective of the orientation of the screens. The sensor determines whether the computing device is being used in laptop mode by the first panel being disposed in a substantially horizontal plane, such as resting on a desktop. The sensor also determines whether the computing device is being used in book mode when the first panel and the second panel are disposed in a substantially vertical plane, similar to a person holding up a book. As stated above, these default modes may be readily overridden by the user.

[00045] The computing system as illustrated in FIG. 4 provides an improvement over prior computing systems by providing multiple modes of operation and the ability of a user to enter information using a plurality of touch-sensitive screens. The computing system further improves over prior computing systems by adjusting the orientation of the displays to

accommodate the user operating in the different computing modes. Although, a user may adjust the mode of operation by simply adjusting the orientation of the first panel to the second panel and may manually override predetermined display orientations.

1000461 FIG. 5 illustrates a computing device 180 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the computing device 180 contains a first panel 182 having a first touch-sensitive screen 184 and a second panel 186 having a second touch-sensitive screenl88. In the alternative embodiment, the second panel 186 contains a first hinge 189 and a second hinge 190 to allow adjustment between operating modes without requiring the user to rotate the second panel 188 three hundred sixty (360) degrees. Moreover, the alternative embodiment allows the second touch-

sensitive screen 188 disposed within the second panel 186 to be used as the reading and writing surface while operating in the tablet mode. Whereas-, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the first touchsensitive screen 106 was the display panel while operating in tablet mode.

[000471 While operating in a laptop mode, the computing device 180 resembles the computing device 100 of the preferred embodiment, having the first touch-sensitive screen 184 adaptable to display a keyboard to provide for user input and the second touch-sensitive screen 188 displaying user information. The system further contains a protective cover 192 similar to the

cover 114 of the preferred embodiment, thereby insuring the integrity of the first touch-sensitive screen.

[00048] FIG. 6 illustrates the alternative embodiment of the computing device 180 operating in book mode. This computing device 180 resembles the computing device 100 of FIG. 2, with the exception of a second hinge 190 on the second panel 186. As within the preferred embodiment, book mode operation can be determined by virtue of the second panel 186 being rotationally displaced approximately one-hundred eighty (180) degrees from the first panel 182. Furthermore, within this embodiment the orientation of the information displayed will be adjusted from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation.

[00049] FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate the transition of adjusting the computing device 180 between book or laptop mode to tablet mode. As illustrated in FIG. 7a, the second panel 186 may be rotated within a specific frame 194. The second panel 186 is rotated about the second hinge 190 wherein the hinge containing proper structure to allow for the free rotation and in combination with preserving all electrical connections to the second touch-

sensitive screen 188 within the second panel 186.

[00050] FIG. 7b illustrates the second panel 186 being completely rotated within the frame structure 194 and now facing in the opposing direction. To complete the transition to tablet mode, the second panel 186 is rotationally displaced on top of the first panel 182 in a direction indicated by arrow 196.

[000511 Thereby, once the second panel 186 has been displaced on top of the first panel 184, the computing device 180 of FIG. 8 is produced. The computing device 180 recognizes the orientation of the first panel 184 relative to the second panel 186 and thereupon operates in a tablet mode. The user information is displayed in a vertical orientation on the second touch-sensitive screen, thereby resembling a standard tablet. Although, the user may specifically override the system and display the information in a horizontal orientation, such as displaying a spreadsheet.

[00052] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating a computing device in accordance with the present invention. The method begins, at step 202, by providing a first panel having a first touch-sensitive screen and a second having a second touch-sensitive screen wherein the second touch-

sensitive screen is rotationally displaceable from the first touchsensitive screen. [00053] A first determination, at step 204, is made as to whether the second panel is rotationally displaced at a first position. In a preferred embodiment, the first position is a rotational displacement of approximately proximately ninety (90 ) degrees between the first and second panels. If the computing device is in the first position, the computing device is operated in a laptop mode, as represented by steps 206-210. The visual display of the first touch- sensitive screen and the second touch-sensitive screen is adjusted to a first orientation, such as horizontal orientation, designated at step 206. Next,

a keyboard is displayed on the first touch-sensitive screen at step 208.

Thereupon, at step 210, the computing device receives user input from the displayed keyboard on the first touch-sensitive screen and displays the output of the user input on the second touch-sensitive screen.

100054] If the computing device is not positioned in the first position, a determination is made as to whether the second panel is disposed in a second position relative to the first panel, designated as step 212. In a preferred embodiment, the second panel is disposed in the second position when it is rotationally disposed approximately one hundred eighty (180) degrees from the first panel.

[00055] If the second panel is in disposed at the second position, the computing device operates in a book mode. The first touch-sensitive screen and the second touch-sensitive screens are adjusted to display information in a second orientation, such as a vertical orientation, designated at step 214.

Thereupon, the computing device provides an output display on the first touch-

sensitive screen and the second touch-sensitive screen, at step 216, in a manner resembling a book, having a left page and a right page where the text is displayed across the pages.

lO0056] If the second panel is not disposed in the second position, a determination is made as to whether the second panel is disposed in a third position from the first panel, designated at step 218. Preferably, if the second panel is disposed at the third position when the second panel is disposed

approximately three hundred sixty (360) degrees from the first panel.

Thereupon, the computing device operates in a tablet mode.

1000571 If the second panel is at the third position, the display of the first touch-sensitive screen is adjusted to the second orientation, the vertical orientation, and the display information is provided to the first touch-sensitive screen, at step 220. Moreover, the computing device allows for a user to enter information directly on the first touch- sensitive screen.

[00058] If the second panel is not disposed in the third position, Therein the second panel is rotationally displaced at a position also outside of the first position and the second position, the user is given the option of manually determining the preferred mode of operation, between laptop mode, book mode, and tablet mode, step 222. When the user determines the operating mode, the computing device thereupon operates accordingly. As such, a method is provided for operating the computing device in a plurality of operating modes based on the rotational displacement of the second panel relative to the first panel. [00059] It should be understood that implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention in its various aspects may be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described herein. It is therefore contemplated to cover, by the present invention any and all modifications,

variations or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a first panel having a first screen; a second panel having a second screen, wherein the first panel is rotationally displaceable from the second panel; and the first screen adaptable to display a keyboard for manual input.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second panel is rotationally displaceable to a first position from the first panel for operating in a laptop mode.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the second panel is rotationally displaceable to a second position from the first panel for operating in a book mode.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the second panel is rotationally displaceable to a third position from the first panel for operating in a tablet mode.

5. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims further comprising: a protectivelayer disposable over the keyboard displayed on the first screen.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising: a writing instrument for manual input on the first screen and the second screen.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising: a plurality of input/output ports disposed on the first panel for the interaction with a plurality of input devices and output devices.

8. An apparatus comprising: a first panel having a first screen; a second panel having a second screen, the first panel being rotationally displaceable from the second panel to a first position for operating a laptop mode, the first panel being rotationally displaceable from the second panel to a second position for operating in a book mode, and the first panel being rotationally displaceable from the second panel to a third position for operating in a tablet mode.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising: a keyboard displayed on the first screen during at least one of the laptop mode, book mode and tablet mode; and a protective layer disposable over the keyboard displayed on the first screen.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 or claim 9 further comprising: a writing instrument for manual input on at least one of the first screen and the second screen while operating in at least one of the laptop mode, book mode and tablet mode.

11. A method for computing comprising: providing a first panel having a first screen; providing a second panel having a second screen rotationally displaceable from the first panel; displacing the first panel at a first position relative to the second panel to operate in a laptop mode; displacing the first panel at a second position relative to the second panel to operate in a notebook mode; and displacing the first panel at a third position relative to the second panel to operate in a tablet mode.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: displaying a keyboard on the first screen; and receiving input from the keyboard on the first screen.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising: displaying an output on the second screen at a first orientation while operating in a laptop mode.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: receiving an input from a writing instrument on the second screen.

15. The method of claim 11 further comprising: displaying a first page in a first orientation on the second screen while operating in the laptop mode; displaying a second page in a second orientation on the first screen and the first page in the second orientation on the second screen while operating in the book mode; and displaying the first page in the second orientation on at least one of the second screen and the first screen while operating in the tablet mode.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first orientation is a horizontal orientation and the second orientation is a vertical orientation.

17. An apparatus for computing comprising: a first panel having a first screen; a second panel having a second screen rotationally displaceable from the first screen; at least one processor coupled to the first screen and the second screen; and at least one memory device, coupled to the at least one processor, having stored executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: operate the first screen and the second screen in a laptop mode when the first panel is rotationally displaced to a first position relative to the second panel; operate the first screen and the second screen in a notebook mode when the first panel is rotationally displaced to a second position relative to the second panel; and operate the first screen and the second screen in a tablet mode when the first panel is rotationally displaced to a third position relative to the second panel.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising: in operation a keyboard displayed on the first screen wherein input may be provided to the processor through the keyboard.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 or 18 further comprising: a protective layer disposed over the keyboard displayed on the first screen.

20. The apparatus of any preceding claims 17 to 19 further comprising: a writing instrument for manual input on at least one of the first screen and the second screen.

21. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

22. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.