Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated handheld computer and telephony system. Integration of the handheld computer and telephony system is at the physical and operational level. For example, the integrated handheld computer and telephony system physically integrates a handheld computer with a mobile (e.g., cellular) telephone. In addition, the handheld computer is distinct from telephony system in that they are logically separable. However, they are also operationally integrated, for example, the telephony system executes a telephone application on the processor of the handheld computer. Likewise, the handheld computer can execute applications, for example, a phone book, that can be used to launch the telephony application.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a mobile communication device includes a first mode element, a second mode element and a third mode element. Each mode element corresponds to a distinct operational mode associated with a particular function of the mobile communication device. A physical switch mechanism, which has a first physical positional state corresponding to the first mode element, a second physical positional state corresponding to the second mode element, and a third physical positional state corresponding to the third mode element, is movable between each physical positional state to select an operational mode and to enable the mode element corresponding to the selected operational mode.

Abstract: A user can share media content with others by defining one or more groups, where each group includes members who may access a set of user's content item on the online service or on user's local device. Item information is generated for content items to be shared and indicates where the content item can be accessed. The item information is provided to the members of the group that was selected to share the content item. The user can conveniently configure or update the group to share the user's content items. The content items to be shared can be located on an online service or on the user's local device.

Abstract: A computing navigation mechanism includes a scroll wheel integrated below a keyboard layout for navigation of applications displayed on a computer screen. In one embodiment, the scroll wheel is configured to direct movement in response to a context of interaction with an application visible as active on the computer screen. The scroll wheel includes intra-element scrolling for moving content within a window of the application and for moving between items within a menu of the application and inter-element scrolling for moving between enabled links in the application. Intra-element scrolling may include pane scrolling to move content in the first direction or the second direction within the window pane of an application. It also may include selection scrolling to incrementally select between items in a menu list in a menu. In addition, inter-element scrolling comprises item scrolling, which incrementally moves between links within applications such as a web browser.

Abstract: A mobile device that performs at least one computing application and at least one phone application. This mobile device includes a user-controllable pivoting input switch. This switch has a number of operational modes. Several of these operational modes direct the operation of the computing application. In additional, several operational modes direct the operation of the phone application.

Abstract: In a communication device, user activation of a speed-dial button causes a context-sensitive menu to be displayed. The menu lists available options, or communication modes, for contacting the party associated with the speed-dial button. The user can select an item from the menu in order to initiate communication with the selected party using the communication mode associated with the menu item. In various aspects, the invention provides additional functionality for redialing previously called contact numbers, assigning speed-dial buttons to other commands and functions, and displaying presence information for contacts.

Abstract: A user can share media content with others by defining one or more groups, where each group includes members who may access a set of user's content item on the online service or on user's local device. Item information is generated for content items to be shared and indicates where the content item can be accessed. The item information is provided to the members of the group that was selected to share the content item. The user can conveniently configure or update the group to share the user's content items. The content items to be shared can be located on an online service or on the user's local device.

Abstract: A mobile device includes at least one application and a user-controllable pivoting input switch. This application has a number of selectable items. This switch has a number of operational modes. Several of these operational modes direct the operation of the application to determine a current item according to an order.

Abstract: A user can share media content with others by defining one or more groups, where each group includes members who may access a set of user's content item on the online service or on user's local device. Item information is generated for content items to be shared and indicates where the content item can be accessed. The item information is provided to the members of the group that was selected to share the content item. The user can conveniently configure or update the group to share the user's content items. The content items to be shared can be located on an online service or on the user's local device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated handheld computer and telephony system. Integration of the handheld computer and telephony system is at the physical and operational level. For example, the integrated handheld computer and telephony system physically integrates a handheld computer with a mobile (e.g., cellular) telephone. In addition, the handheld computer is distinct from telephony system in that they are logically separable. However, they are also operationally integrated, for example, the telephony system executes a telephone application on the processor of the handheld computer. Likewise, the handheld computer can execute applications, for example, a phone book, that can be used to launch the telephony application.

Abstract: A palmtop computer system that incorporates mechanical buttons that combine the task of turning the palmtop computer system on and starting a particular application program. Furthermore, the same mechanical button can be used to navigate the application program to find the information that is most likely needed by the user. Additionally, external devices can be coupled to the palmtop computer system in a manner that allows the external hardware device to initiate specific application programs that cooperate with the external hardware device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated handheld computer and telephony system. Integration of the handheld computer and telephony system is at the physical and operational level. For example, the integrated handheld computer and telephony system physically integrates a handheld computer with a mobile (e.g., cellular) telephone. In addition, the handheld computer is distinct from telephony system in that they are logically separable. However, they are also operationally integrated, for example, the telephony system executes a telephone application on the processor of the handheld computer. Likewise, the handheld computer can execute applications, for example, a phone book, that can be used to launch the telephony application.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated handheld computer and telephony system. Integration of the handheld computer and telephony system is at the physical and operational level. For example, the integrated handheld computer and telephony system physically integrates a handheld computer with a mobile (e.g., cellular) telephone. In addition, the handheld computer is distinct from telephony system in that they are logically separable. However, they are also operationally integrated, for example, the telephony system executes a telephone application on the processor of the handheld computer. Likewise, the handheld computer can execute applications, for example, a phone book, that can be used to launch the telephony application.

Abstract: A reconfigurable keypad for enhancing user experience of an electronic device. The keypad includes a keypad display implemented as any type of display devices that can display different configurations of characters, symbols or images. The keypad display is placed adjacent an application display module. Both the keypad display and the application display module are covered with a common protective film, giving an appearance of a continuous top surface. The keypad also has a mechanism for providing tactile feedback to the user indicating whether the keypad was properly pressed.

Abstract: A palmtop computer system that incorporates mechanical buttons that combine the task of turning the palmtop computer system on and starting a particular application program. Furthermore, the same mechanical button can be used to navigate the application program to find the information that is most likely needed by the user. Additionally, external devices can be coupled to the palmtop computer system in a manner that allows the external hardware device to initiate specific application programs that cooperate with the external hardware device.

Abstract: A palmtop computer system that incorporates mechanical buttons that combine the task of turning the palmtop computer system on and starting a particular application program. Furthermore, the same mechanical button can be used to navigate the application program to find the information that is most likely needed by the user. Additionally, external devices can be coupled to the palmtop computer system in a manner that allows the external hardware device to initiate specific application programs that cooperate with the external hardware device.

Abstract: A user can share media content with others by defining one or more groups, where each group includes members who may access a set of user's content item on the online service or on user's local device. Item information is generated for content items to be shared and indicates where the content item can be accessed. The item information is provided to the members of the group that was selected to share the content item. The user can conveniently configure or update the group to share the user's content items. The content items to be shared can be located on an online service or on the user's local device.

Abstract: A computing navigation mechanism includes a scroll wheel integrated below a keyboard layout for navigation of applications displayed on a computer screen. In one embodiment, the scroll wheel is configured to direct movement in response to a context of interaction with an application visible as active on the computer screen. The scroll wheel includes intra-element scrolling for moving content within a window of the application and for moving between items within a menu of the application and inter-element scrolling for moving between enabled links in the application. Intra-element scrolling may include pane scrolling to move content in the first direction or the second direction within the window pane of an application. It also may include selection scrolling to incrementally select between items in a menu list in a menu. In addition, inter-element scrolling comprises item scrolling, which incrementally moves between links within applications such as a web browser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for organizing and accessing addressing elements is herein disclosed. In many situations in use of a handheld computer, for example, it is desirable to obtain quick and easy access to addressable resources from among a list of such resources. In the case of a handheld computer including a telephone, for example, a user may wish to quickly and easily dial certain telephone numbers through use of a “speed dialing” system. An exemplary speed dialing system herein described includes a plurality of speed dial pages which can be selected by the user for display on a touch sensitive screen. Each speed dial page has an arrangement of speed dial buttons, and each speed dial button can be assigned a label, that is displayed on or adjacent the button, and a telephone number that is dialed when the button is pressed using the touch sensitive screen. The assignment of labels and telephone numbers can be arranged among the buttons by the user to aid the user in recalling where (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention introduces an aliased selection system with audible cues to allow a user of a handheld computer system locate a desired item from a list of item. The aliased selection system allows a user to spell out a desired item by activating an input that specifics a subset that containing a next letter. In one embodiment, two different subsets are used: A to M and N to Z. When the user has entered information on enough letters such that the number of possibilities fits entirely on a display screen then a first audible cue is given. The user may enter additional information on until a single list item is uniquely identified. Once a single item is uniquely identified, the system emits a second audible cue that informs the user that a single item has been specified. The aliased selection system allows a user to select a desired item from a list with a single hand and without looking at the display screen. However, the user may shorten the selection process by looking at the display screen.