Portable computer system having application program launcher for low power consumption and method of operating the same

摘要

A hand-held computer is described, which comprises an application program launcher having a multi-point switch. Using the launcher, a user selects and executes one of several application programs registered in a program selection menu. If a launching signal is generated from the launcher when the hand-held computer is at a low power consumption mode, the hand-held computer wakes up from a sleep mode and its mode is converted into a normal mode. At this time, a program selection menu is displayed on a screen. If an application program is not selected before a predetermined time elapses, the hand-held computer re-enters the low power consumption sleep mode without delay. Thus, it is possible to prevent the hand-held computer from consuming unnecessary power.