Computer docking station with means for automatically selecting between external monitor, external keyboard, and monitor and keyboard of docked portable computer

摘要

The described embodiments of the present invention provide a docking station having connection means for coupling to an external monitor, an external keyboard, and means for connecting the portable computer to the docking station. The docking station further includes means for determining whether or not the external monitor is coupled to the docking station, automatically displaying on the external monitor when the external monitor is coupled to the docking station and displaying on the display of the portable computer when said external monitor is not coupled to said docking station. The docking system defaults to a default setting configured in a setup program of the portable computer if no external monitor is coupled to said docking station. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of a top housing cover of the docking station is moveable to facilitate opening of the portable computer to permit user access to the internal display and keyboard of the portable computer.