A handheld computer comprises a housing and a cover removably connected
thereto by a universal hinge assembly. The universal hinge assembly
includes a tubular member or arm having a proximal end fixedly
(non-rotatably) secured to an edge of the cover and a distal end
pivotally coupled to an edge of the cover. The pivotal coupling may
comprise a ball and socket arrangement, a pin and slot arrangement, or
any other type of coupling arrangement that enables universal pivoting
movement and releasable attachment between the cover and the housing. The
cover may include a cushion designed to abut a display screen mounted in
the housing when the cover is in a closed position. A method of
reconfiguring an encasement of a handheld computer having a cover
releasably coupled thereto includes removing the first cover and
replacing it with a second cover of a different type.