An integrated removable functional faceplate for a portable computer
system. The removable functional faceplate employs specially located
electrical contacts or pads that mate with similarly located electrical
contacts mounted on the portable computer system, e.g., a personal
digital assistant (PDA) or other electronic device. The electrical
contacts of the functional faceplate carry signals that are responsive to
the pressing of physical buttons which may be placed in any location on
the functional faceplate. This allows individual faceplates to be
developed that are specialized for a particular purpose, e.g., extended
keyboards, adapted for gaming, adapted for music playing, etc. The
functional faceplates may have specialized button types that are adapted
for a particular use and are also located in custom positions that
reflect the particular use employed. When the functional faceplate is
removed from the portable computer system, it may have no buttons or it
may provide a standard PDA button group. An identification circuit may be
employed on the functional faceplate to indicate its button group and
signaling characteristics. Alternatively, the functional faceplate may
also include a data generation device, e.g., a global positioning system
(GPS) or electronic thermometer, a music player, a smart card, etc.
Alternatively, the functional faceplate may also include an auxiliary
power supply.