Portable device connection apparatus and system

A portable device comprising a casing with at least one function key, a recess in a wall of the casing for accommodating a connector when the connector is not in use, a connector cable for permanently connecting the connector to an internal circuitry of the portable device; the recess being sized, shaped and located to as to not interfere with operation of the plurality of function keys; the connector, when in the recess, having a side surface substantially coplanar with the wall. The connector and the connector cable are for enabling: data transfer both ways between the portable device and another device, and one-way power from the another device to the portable device, when the another device is a host for the portable device; and data transfer both ways between the potable device and the another device, and power both ways between the portable device and the another device, when the portable device is the host for the another device.