Abstract: Disclosed are methods and mobile communication devices having a plurality of functionalities in normal mode wherein at least one of the functionalities is limited in a restricted mode. In one embodiment a method includes the device receiving a signal to display a prompt to select from the plurality of functionalities to limit at least one of the functionalities while in the restricted mode. Selection of functions to limit or enable is described. The method further includes entering the restricted mode so that at least one of the plurality of functionalities is limited, and operating the device in the restricted mode. Restricted mode can include limiting access to the contacts list, the keypad functionality, games, voice calls, and the on/off switch. Also described is exiting restricted mode.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable communication device with an interchangeable user input module including two input devices, each disposed on one side of the module, opposite each other, to accommodate multiple functions, space limitations, and size reduction. Two or more features are often combined into one portable communication device to increase functionality. Input devices need to be interchangeable in order to facilitate the multiple features, for example, phone, messaging, personal data assistant, and gaming capabilities, of a portable communication device. The reduction in size of portable communication devices leads to space limitations for input devices. Each side of the interchangeable user input module includes a different input device, for example, QWERTY keyboard, numeric telephone input, touch sensitive panel, scratch pad, or gaming keypad. A user would flip the interchangeable user input module depending on which feature or function was needed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orienting the character input area keypad (102) and a display image (110) of an electronic device (100). The orientation of the character input area (102) is sensed relative to a housing (108) of the electronic device (100). The display image (110) on a display (104) of the electronic device (100) has its orientation changed to a predetermined orientation relative to the housing (108) as a function of the orientation of the character input area (102). The housing (108) has a physically rotatable keypad (102) and an electronically rotatable display image (110). A sensor (504) provides a sensor signal representative of the orientation of the keypad (102) relative to the housing (108) of the electronic device (100). Display drivers (508) form the display image (110) on the display (104).