A portable lightweight combination laptop and pad computer has a display
mounted on a main housing for movement between a closed position and an
open position. In the closed position, a keyboard is covered by the
undersurface of the display and the display viewing surface remains
visible so that the computer may be used in the pad mode with a
conductive stylus for data and command entry. In the open position, the
keyboard is exposed so that the computer may be used in a laptop or desk
top mode, or in a combined mode including the pad mode. The display is
mounted to the housing by a four bar hinge mechanism, and a pair of
latches are provided approximately mid-way between the front and rear
portions of the housing along the side margins to securely latch the
display in the closed position for storage, transit or use in the pad
mode. A removable power pack, which attaches to the rear of the housing,
carries battery power and a charging circuit for supplying power to the
computer elements contained within the housing.