Thermally efficient portable computer system and method incorporating thermal connection port and dock

A portable computer system comprising a portable computer (20) mechanically, electrically, and thermally connected to a dock (28) is shown. The portable computer (20) comprises a base assembly (24) containing a microprocessor (48), media (52), batteries (64), and keyboard (44), and an internal heat moving apparatus (34) thermally connected to the microprocessor (48). The dock (28) includes a housing (84) with a plurality of connectors (102) and a thermal dissipation apparatus (32). A thermal connection is made between the portable computer (20) and the dock (28)through a thermal connector port (72) located at the rear of the portable computer base (24) and at the corresponding location on the dock (28). The portable computer (20) also contains a thermal state monitor and controller subsystem (35). When the portable computer (20) is connected to the dock (28), heat is moved from it to the dock (28) via the heat moving apparatus (34) and the thermal state monitor and controller subsystem permits the microprocessor (48) to run at a fast clock-speed. The dock (28) may also contain a thermo-electric unit (88) which increases the amount of heat that can be dissipated in the dock (28).