| 摘要 |
A portable electronic device includes a plurality of externally accessible electrical contacts, enabling electrical current or data to flow to or from the device when the device is "closed" or not being used. The invention is applicable to all types of portable devices, including laptop, notebook and palm-top computers, as well as telecommunications devices, video players and music players. Typically the externally accessible electrical contacts allow a battery in the device to be recharged. The preferred embodiment facilitates the recharging of a plurality of devices contained in lockers, carts, or other types of "docking stations." The docking bay includes a corresponding set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on the device. Such a docking bay may take the form of a charging stand, a cart with one or more slots or compartments, or a locker with a door and a storage compartment. A light may be provided on the device or the docking bay indicating that the electrical current is flowing from the bay to the device.
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