US Patent 7742290 Portable computer with flip keyboard

A portable computer, such as a tablet personal computer, is provided having a display screen, a transparent input panel, and a hinge. The hinge can secure the input panel over the display screen when in a closed position, or secure the input panel away from the display screen when in an opened position. At least one of the opposed first and second planar surfaces of the input panel are contact-sensitive. At least one of the first and second surfaces can also include a resistive film or a capacitive film. Transceivers can be mounted on the computer near the lateral extents of the input panel for measuring acoustic, magnetic, electromagnetic, or optical signals transmitted across a surface of the input panel to detect where an object is placed upon or near the input panel. The input panel can also accommodate a template containing a QWERTY keyboard. When the input panel is opened and the keyboard template is inserted thereon, the input panel can receive keyboard input; when closed, the input panel can receive a stylus or fingertip input.