Methods and systems may include a human interface device (HID) and logic to place the HID in a blocked state in response to a request to power off the system. The logic can also use a speculative start-up heuristic to establish one or more subsequent operating states for the system while the HID is in the blocked state, wherein the background automatic state transitions may maximize battery life when a user is not present. In addition, the HID may be removed from the blocked state in response to a request to power on the system. Accordingly, the speculative start-up heuristic can make system “ready-to-use” before the user actually interacts with any inputs (e.g. power button, or touch screen) of the system.