Mobile electronic device

• US 20040119685A1
• Filed: 12/24/2002
• Published: 06/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NETGEAR, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Sierra Wireless Incorporated
• Inventors: Tosey, Joseph Peter Robert, Winebrenner, Jon Theron, Cobbett, Jamian Russell, Harries, Andrew Stanely Guy, Hoeveler, Mark H., Eldridge, Norman Roy
• Granted Patent: US 7,102,620 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1662 Details related to the integrated keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1666 Arrangements for reducing the size of the integrated keyboard for transport, e.g. foldable keyboards, keyboards with collapsible keys G06F1/1664 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1671 Special purpose buttons or auxiliary keyboards, e.g. retractable mini keypads, keypads or buttons that remain accessible at closed laptop G06F1/1666 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1677 for detecting open or closed state or particular intermediate positions assumed by movable parts of the enclosure, e.g. detection of display lid position with respect to main body in a laptop, detection of opening of the cover of battery compartment
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0221 Arrangements for reducing keyboard size for transport or storage, e.g. foldable keyboards, keyboards with collapsible keys G06F3/0216 takes precedence; for keyboards integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/1666
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0214 Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position combined with translation movement H04M1/0235
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0245 using open/close detection
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/23 Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof by improving visibility H04M1/22
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7243 with interactive means for internal management of messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72445 for supporting Internet browser applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/18 including more than one keyboard unit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 345/905 Display device with housing structure

Abstract

An electronic device that has a lower portion that unfolds to reveal an extendable keyboard. When the keyboard is folded closed, a number pad is visible and the device looks similar to a traditional portable or cellular telephone. The device can be used as a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone or as the handset of a traditional wire line telephone. The fold-out keyboard of the electronic device can be used for easy entry of text data while a communication channel is active. The device includes two way messaging and Internet browsing capabilities.

Claims

1. A method for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the method comprising:

launching a predetermined application program when said panel is opened if said predetermined application program is not executing and if a home screen is in the foreground;

placing said predetermined application program in a foreground mode if said predetermined application program is executing in a background mode when said panel is opened and if said home screen is in the foreground; and

placing said predetermined application program in said background mode if said predetermined application program is executing in said foreground mode when said panel is closed and if said predetermined application program was placed in said foreground mode in response to said panel being in said open position

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said placing said predetermined application program in said background mode when said panel is closed is performed if said predetermined application program was not put in said foreground mode in response to user input after said panel was opened.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising disabling translation of at least one key on said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

9. A method for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the method comprising:

disabling translation of at least one key on said numeric keyboard if said panel is open; and

enabling translation of said at least one key if said panel is closed.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

rendering said at least one key untranslated if said panel is open; and

rendering said at least one key translated if said panel is closed.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

117. The device of claim 13wherein the keys in the top row have their angled sides longer than their horizontal sides.

16. A method for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the method comprising:

applying a first key matching algorithm to entered keys if said panel is open, said first key matching algorithm associating a unique character with each key or key combination on said alphanumeric keyboard; and

applying a second key matching algorithm to said entered keys if said panel is closed, said second key matching algorithm associating one or more unique characters with each key or key combination on said numeric keyboard.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

22. A method for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the method comprising:

step for launching a predetermined application program when said panel is opened if said predetermined application program is not executing and if a home screen is in the foreground;

step for placing said predetermined application program in a foreground mode if said predetermined application program is executing in a background mode when said panel is opened and if said home screen is in the foreground; and

step for placing said predetermined application program in said background mode if said predetermined application program is executing in said foreground mode when said panel is closed and if said predetermined application program was placed in said foreground mode in response to said panel being in said open position.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein said step for placing said predetermined application program in said background mode when said panel is closed is performed if said predetermined application program was not put in said foreground mode in response to user input after said panel was opened.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising step for disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising step for disabling translation of at least one key on said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

26. The method of claim 22 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

27. The method of claim 22 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

28. The method of claim 22, further comprising step for turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

29. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

step for turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

step for turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

30. A method for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the method comprising:

step for disabling translation of at least one key on said numeric keyboard if said panel is open; and

step for enabling translation of said at least one key if said panel is closed.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising step for disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

33. The method of claim 30 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

34. The method of claim 30, further comprising:

step for rendering said at least one key untranslated if said panel is open; and

step for rendering said at least one key translated if said panel is closed.

35. The method of claim 30, further comprising step for turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

36. The method of claim 30, further comprising:

step for turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

step for turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

37. A method for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the method comprising:

step for applying a first key matching algorithm to entered keys if said panel is open, said first key matching algorithm associating a unique character with each key or key combination on said alphanumeric keyboard; and

step for applying a second key matching algorithm to said entered keys if said panel is closed, said second key matching algorithm associating one or more unique characters with each key or key combination on said numeric keyboard.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising step for disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

39. The method of claim 37 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

40. The method of claim 37 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

41. The method of claim 37, further comprising step for turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

42. The method of claim 37, further comprising:

step for turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

step for turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

43. A program storage device readable by a machine, embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform a method for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the method comprising:

launching a predetermined application program when said panel is opened if said predetermined application program is not executing and if a home screen is in the foreground;

placing said predetermined application program in a foreground mode if said predetermined application program is executing in a background mode when said panel is opened and if said home screen is in the foreground; and

placing said predetermined application program in said background mode if said predetermined application program is executing in said foreground mode when said panel is closed and if said predetermined application program was placed in said foreground mode in response to said panel being in said open position.

44. The program storage device of claim 43 wherein said placing said predetermined application program in said background mode when said panel is closed is performed if said predetermined application program was not put in said foreground mode in response to user input after said panel was opened.

45. The program storage device of claim 43 wherein said method further comprises disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

46. The program storage device of claim 43 wherein said method further comprises disabling translation of at least one key on said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

47. The program storage device of claim 43 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

48. The program storage device of claim 43 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

49. The program storage device of claim 43 wherein said method further comprises turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

50. The program storage device of claim 43 wherein said method further comprises:

turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

51. A program storage device readable by a machine, embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform a method for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the method comprising:

disabling translation of at least one key on said numeric keyboard if said panel is open; and

enabling translation of said at least one key if said panel is closed.

52. The program storage device of claim 51 wherein said method further comprises disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.,

53. The program storage device of claim 51 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

54. The program storage device of claim 51 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

55. The program storage device of claim 51 wherein said method further comprises:

rendering said at least one key untranslated if said panel is open; and

rendering said at least one key translated if said panel is closed.

56. The program storage device of claim 51 wherein said method further comprises

turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

57. The program storage device of claim 51 wherein said method further comprises:

turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

58. A program storage device readable by a machine, embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform a method for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the method comprising:

applying a first key matching algorithm to entered keys if said panel is open, said first key matching algorithm associating a unique character with each key or key combination on said alphanumeric keyboard; and

applying a second key matching algorithm to said entered keys if said panel is closed, said second key matching algorithm associating one or more unique characters with each key or key combination on said numeric keyboard.

59. The program storage device of claim 58 wherein said method further comprises disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

60. The program storage device of claim 58 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

61. The program storage device of claim 58 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

62. The program storage device of claim 58 wherein said method further comprises turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

63. The program storage device of claim 58 wherein said method further comprises:

turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

64. An apparatus for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the apparatus comprising:

means for launching a predetermined application program when said panel is opened if said predetermined application program is not executing and if a home screen is in the foreground;

means for placing said predetermined application program in a foreground mode if said predetermined application program is executing in a background mode when said panel is opened and if said home screen is in the foreground; and

means for placing said predetermined application program in said background mode if said predetermined application program is executing in said foreground mode when said panel is closed and if said predetermined application program was placed in said foreground mode in response to said panel being in said open position.

65. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein said means for placing said predetermined application program in said background mode when said panel is closed is performed if said predetermined application program was not put in said foreground mode in response to user input after said panel was opened.

66. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising means for disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

67. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising means for disabling translation of at least one key on said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

68. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

69. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

70. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising means for turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

71. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising:

means for turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

means for turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

72. An apparatus for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on-a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position, the apparatus comprising:

means for disabling translation of at least one key on said numeric keyboard if said panel is open; and

means for enabling translation of said at least one key if said panel is closed.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, further comprising means for disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

74. The apparatus of claim 72 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

75. The apparatus of claim 72 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

76. The apparatus of claim 72, further comprising:

means for rendering said at least one key untranslated if said panel is open; and

means for rendering said at least one key translated if said panel is closed.

77. The apparatus of claim 72, further comprising means for turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

78. The apparatus of claim 72, further comprising:

means for turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

means for turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

79. An apparatus for inputting characters on a mobile communications device having a housing, a display mounted on said housing, a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing, said device also having an alphanumeric keyboard comprising a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel and a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said pane when said panel is in a closed position, the apparatus comprising:

means for applying a first key matching algorithm to entered keys if said panel is open, said first key matching algorithm associating a unique character with each key or key combination on said alphanumeric keyboard; and

means for applying a second key matching algorithm to said entered keys if said panel is closed, said second key matching algorithm associating one or more unique characters with each key or key combination on said numeric keyboard.

80. The apparatus of claim 79, further comprising means for disabling said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

81. The apparatus of claim 79 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

82. The apparatus of claim 79 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

83. The apparatus of claim 79, further comprising means for turning on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

84. The apparatus of claim 79, further comprising:

means for turning on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

means for turning off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

85. A mobile communications device comprising:

a housing;

a display mounted on said housing;

a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing;

an alphanumeric keyboard comprising;

a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel; and

a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position; and

a processor configured to;

launch a predetermined application program when said panel is opened if said predetermined application program is not executing and if a home screen is in the foreground;

place said predetermined application program in a foreground mode if said predetermined application program is executing in a background mode when said panel is opened and if said home screen is in the foreground; and

place said predetermined application program in said background mode if said predetermined application program is executing in said foreground mode when said panel is closed and if said predetermined application program was placed in said foreground mode in response to said panel being in said open position.

86. The mobile communications device of claim 85 wherein said processor is further configured to place said predetermined application program in said background mode when said panel is closed if said predetermined application program was not put in said foreground mode in response to user input after said panel was opened.

87. The mobile communications device of claim 85 wherein said processor is further configured to disable said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

88. The mobile communications device of claim 85 wherein said processor is further configured to disable translation of at least one key on said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

89. The mobile communications device of claim 85 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

90. The mobile communications device of claim 85 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

91. The mobile communications device of claim 85 wherein said processor is further configured to turn on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

92. The mobile communications device of claim 85 wherein said processor is further configured to:

turn on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

turn off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

93. A mobile communications device comprising:

a housing;

a display mounted on said housing;

a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing;

an alphanumeric keyboard comprising;

a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel; and

a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position; and

a processor configured to;

disable translation of at least one key on said numeric keyboard if said panel is open; and

enable translation of said at least one key if said panel is closed.

94. The mobile communications device of claim 93 wherein said processor is further configured to disable said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

95. The mobile communications device of claim 93 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

96. The mobile communications device of claim 93 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

97. The mobile communications device of claim 93 wherein said processor is further configured to:

render said at least one key untranslated if said panel is open; and

render said at least one key translated if said panel is closed.

98. The mobile communications device of claim 93 wherein said processor is further configured to turn on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

99. The mobile communications device of claim 93 wherein said processor is further configured to:

turn on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

turn off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

100. A mobile communications device comprising:

a housing;

a display mounted on said housing;

a numeric keyboard positioned on a front side of at least one hinged panel mounted on said housing;

an alphanumeric keyboard comprising;

a first portion positioned on a back side of said panel; and

a second portion positioned on said housing and covered by said panel when said panel is in a closed position; and

a processor configured to;

apply a first key matching algorithm to entered keys if said panel is open, said first key matching algorithm associating a unique character with each key or key combination on said alphanumeric keyboard; and

apply a second key matching algorithm to said entered keys if said panel is closed, said second key matching algorithm associating one or more unique characters with each key or key combination on said numeric keyboard.

101. The mobile communications device of claim 100 wherein said processor is further configured to disable said numeric keyboard if said panel is open.

102. The mobile communications device of claim 100 wherein said alphanumeric keyboard comprises a QWERTY-style keyboard.

103. The mobile communications device of claim 100 wherein said numeric keyboard comprises a 12-key dial-pad.

104. The mobile communications device of claim 100 wherein said processor is further configured to turn on a screen backlight of said device when said panel is opened.

105. The mobile communications device of claim 100 wherein said processor is further configured to:

turn on at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is opened; and

turn off said at least one key backlight of said alphanumeric keyboard when said panel is closed.

106. An electronic device for telephonic and data communications, comprising:

a) a housing;

b) a display;

c) a speaker;

d) a numeric keyboard;

e) a microphone; and

f) an extendable keyboard, said extendable keyboard comprising a plurality of keys which are substantially parallelogram shaped.

107. The device of claim 106 further including control, communication and memory means connected to said housing and coupled in electronic communication with said extendable keyboard to permit a user to enter data and transmit the data using said extendable keyboard.

108. The device of claim 106 wherein a first set of said plurality of said substantially parallelogram shaped keys comprises keys which are substantially rhombus shaped.

109. The device of claim 108 wherein a second set of said plurality of said substantially parallelogram shaped keys comprises keys which are not substantially rhombus shaped.

110. The device of claim 106 wherein:

a) said housing has a lower face;

b) said substantially parallelogram-shaped keys have a long dimension and a short dimension; and

,

c) the long dimension of said substantially parallelogram shaped keys is oriented at about 60 degrees with respect to the lower face of said housing.

111. The device of claim 109 wherein said keys comprising said first set have a long dimension and a short dimension, and the long dimension is oriented parallel to the long dimension of said keys comprising said second set.

112. The device of claim 106 wherein said parallelogram shaped keys have rounded edges and corners.

113. The device of claim 106 wherein said keys are arranged in at least three rows.

114. The device of claim 113 wherein the bottoms of said keys forming a row are in the same line.

115. The device of claim 112 wherein said extendable keyboard is connected to said housing by a hinge.

116. The device of claim 113 wherein the keys forming the top row are substantially parallelogram in shape.

118. The device of claim 113 wherein at least one of said keys in the lowest row has its horizontal sides longer than its angled sides and said at least one key is constructed to permit a user to type spaces.

119. The device of claim 113 wherein keys comprising the upper row of keys are constructed to permit the user to selectively enter one from the following group:

letters, numbers, and symbols.

120. The device according to claim 113 wherein the keys in at least two rows are substantially rhombus shaped.

121. The device according to claim 106 further including an auxiliary pointing device.

122. The device according to claim 106 further including at least one antenna.

123. The device according to claim 106 further including a power supply.

124. An electronic device for telephonic and data communications, comprising:

a) a housing having a bottom face;

b) a display connected to said housing;

c) a speaker connected to said housing;

d) a numeric keyboard connected to said housing;

e) a microphone connected to said housing;

f) an extendable keyboard connected to said housing, said extendable keyboard comprising a first section and a second section, said first section being coupled to said second section by a hinge so that said keyboard has a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the keyboard is closed and in the second position the keyboard is open;

g) a plurality of keys which are substantially parallelogram shaped connected to said extendable keyboard; and

,

h) control, communication and memory means connected to said housing and coupled in electrical communication with said extendable keyboard to permit a user to enter data and transmit the data using said extendable keyboard.

125. A device according to claim 124 wherein a plurality of said substantially parallelogram shaped keys are substantially rhombus shaped.

126. A device according to claim 124 wherein when said keyboard is in the open position said second section is adjacent to the housing, and said plurality of keys are exposed to permit a user to type using said keys.

127. A device according to claim 124 wherein when said keyboard is in the open position said second section of the keyboard forms a panel located adjacent said housing.

128. A device according to claim 124 wherein the bottom face of said panel is substantially parallel to the bottom face of said housing.

129. A device according to claim 124 wherein a plurality of said parallelogram shaped keys have their lower edges parallel to the bottom face of said housing.

130. A device according to claim 124 wherein a plurality of said parallelogram shaped keys are connected to said second section of said keyboard and the long dimensions of said parallelogram shaped keys are oriented about 60 degrees with respect to the bottom face of said housing.

131. A device according to claim 125 wherein a plurality of said rhombus-shaped keys are connected to said first section of said keyboard and the lower edges of said rhombus-shaped keys are parallel to the bottom face of said housing.

132. A device according to claim 125 wherein a plurality of said rhombus-shaped keys are connected to said first section of said keyboard and the long dimensions of said rhombus-shaped keys are oriented about 60 degrees with respect to the bottom face of said housing.

133. An electronic device for telephonic and data communications, comprising:

a) a housing having an lower face and an axis which is substantially perpendicular to said lower face;

b) a display connected to said housing;

c) a speaker connected to said housing;

d) a numeric keyboard connected to said housing;

e) a microphone connected to said housing;

f) an extendable keyboard connected to said housing, said extendable keyboard comprising a plurality of keys which are substantially rhombus shaped, said extendable keyboard having a first segment to one side of the axis and a second segment to the other side of the axis; and

,

g) control, communication and memory means connected to said housing and coupled in electronic communication with said extendable keyboard to permit a user to enter data and transmit the data using said extendable keyboard.

134. The device of claim 133 wherein:

a) said rhombus-shaped keys have lower faces; and

,

b) the lower faces of said rhombus-shaped keys are oriented substantially parallel to said lower face of said housing.

135. An electronic device for telephonic and data communications, comprising:

a) a housing;

b) a display connected to said housing;

c) a speaker connected to said housing;

d) a numeric keyboard connected to said housing;

e) a microphone connected to said housing; and

f) an extendable keyboard having a lower face, said extendable keyboard comprising a plurality of keys each of which has at least one straight side which is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to said lower face.

136. The device of claim 135 wherein each of said keys has four straight sides.

137. The device of claim 135 wherein each of said keys has at least one straight side which is parallel to said lower face.

138. The device of claim 135 wherein:

each of said keys has two sides oriented at an oblique angle with respect to said lower face.

139. The device of claim 135 wherein said oblique angle is about 66 degrees.