Integrated communication and information processing system

An apparatus and method is disclosed for integrating an information processing system and a portable communication device. A first information processing system is coupled to a second information processing system through a connection such as a dock, cable, or wireless link. Once coupled, an interface connection manager is implemented to enable the second system to perform processing operations using the first system's network connections and peripherals and vice-versa. The interface connection manager then establishes a communications channel between the coupled systems to a third information processing system, typically through a physical or wireless network connection. The interface connection manager similarly enables the first system to perform authentication operations by accessing an authentication module implemented in the second system. When physically coupled, a power management module manages the respective power states of the two systems to provide power from the first system's power source to the second system.