Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a housing adapted to engage a holster, and a sensor having an input adapted to sense engagement of the housing with the holster and an output responsive to that engagement. The output includes an out-of-holster state and an in-holster state. A processor circuit includes a routine, an input receiving the sensor output and an output having a first intensity state and a second greater intensity state. A vibrator within the housing is adapted to vibrate the housing at a plurality of different intensities. The routine outputs to a control circuit the first intensity state when the sensed engagement includes the out-of-holster state, and the second greater intensity state when the sensed engagement includes the in-holster state. The control circuit activates the vibrator at a first intensity corresponding to the first intensity state and at a second greater intensity corresponding to the second greater intensity state.