A desktop mains powered unit into which a laptopOR other pORtable computer can be connected via fixed connectORs at the rear of the computer to provide quick and convenient connection of peripherals not nORmally used with a laptop. These can include power supply, expansion cards, additional stORage, an external monitOR, netwORk card, CD-ROM, full-size keyboard, printer, and mouse. The alternative would require each of the above to be connected to the laptop individually. (2000-04-10)