Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device includes a case having an asymmetry provided by an outwardly protruding corner. The handheld electronic device includes an earphone disposed at the outwardly protruding corner. The positioning of the earphone allows a user to rapidly locate the with respect to the user's ear. Additionally, by positioning the earphone at a protruding corner of the handheld electronic device, the protruding corner can be positioned at an inner location of the user's outer ear, which is more comfortable to the user than positioning the handheld electronic device atop the outer ear. The earphone is offset from a main axis of the handheld electronic device in a direction generally toward the side of the handheld electronic device on which the outwardly protruding corner is disposed. In a second embodiment, a display of the handheld electronic device is offset from a main axis thereof in a second direction away from the offset earphone.

Abstract: An improved speaker apparatus for use in association with a handheld electronic device includes an actuator, an audio transducer, and a connection that is connectable with the handheld electronic device. The speaker apparatus additionally includes a power system that is connectable with a power source. The connection enables the communication of audio signals between the speaker apparatus and the handheld electronic device, and also provides power to operate and/or charge the handheld electronic device. When the speaker apparatus is connected with the handheld electronic device, the audio transducer serves as both a loudspeaker and a microphone for use in, for example, telephone communications using a wireless communication apparatus of the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: A presence management system enables an identification of a presence. i.e., a proximity, between a handheld electronic device having a wireless communication capability and another wireless communication device for the purpose of performing predetermined processing, and for other purposes. If a handheld electronic device is determined to be within a given proximity to a paired wireless communication device, the wireless communication device responsively interacts with an associated system in accordance with a predetermined profile that corresponds with the associated system and with the handheld electronic device. In another embodiment, a proximity can be determined between the handheld electronic device and a wireless communication device whereby the wireless communication device sends a request to the handheld electronic device. The handheld electronic device can then determine whether or not it desires to honor the request.

Abstract: A printed circuit board is provided for use in a keyboard assembly of a mobile device having a plurality of keys in a key layout. The printed circuit board has a plurality of contacts, such as dome switches, arranged in a contact layout. The contact layout is such that it can be used with a plurality of different key layouts, each actuating different combinations of contacts. Some keys in a particular key layout are overlying at least two of the plurality of contacts, and such keys actuate only one of the underlying contacts. As such, a common printed circuit board can be used for a plurality of complementary mobile device designs having different key layouts, thereby allowing a manufacturer to realize cost efficiencies.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes a group of switches, a key having a corresponding group of plungers, and a chassis structure including a panel and a post. The post projects upward from the panel to support the key for manual movement pivotally into multiple actuated positions in which the plungers actuate the switches. The panel has a group of apertures through which the plungers are movable into actuating engagement with the switches upon such multi-directional movement of the key.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus has two rows of multi-function keys that together bear actuation indicia for the numerals 0-9 and the letters A-Z. The actuation indicia preferably defines four rows of characters, including a first row of characters that include the numerals 0-9, and further including second, third, and fourth rows of characters that together include the letters A-Z. Summarized differently, the keyboard apparatus has rows of multi-function keys bearing actuation indicia for the numerals 0-9 and the letters A-Z. The keys in each row are vertically staggered, from the perspective of a top view in which the rows are horizontal, to define circular arrays of keys within the rows of keys. An independent feature of the keyboard apparatus is a circular array of at least six multi-function keys having triangular peripheral shapes pointing radially inward.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes a group of keys with corresponding actuation indicia for a plurality of numerals in a telephone keypad and a plurality of letters in an overlapping text-entry keyboard. Each key in the group is configured for multi-directional movement pivotally into multiple actuated positions that comprise at least one telephone numeral position and multiple text-entry letter positions that are each different from the telephone numeral position.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device includes an improved battery compartment door having a miniature camera disposed thereon. The battery compartment door with its camera advantageously does not alter the form factor of the handheld electronic device and can easily be replaced with a similar battery door without a camera which, when installed on the handheld electronic device, will provide the same form factor. A battery compartment of the handheld electronic device is configured to be larger than required to accommodate a battery of the handheld electronic device in order to also accommodate the camera of the battery compartment door.

Abstract: A printed circuit board is provided for use in a keyboard assembly of a mobile device having a plurality of keys in a key layout. The printed circuit board has a plurality of contacts, such as dome switches, arranged in a contact layout. The contact layout is such that it can be used with a plurality of different key layouts, each actuating different combinations of contacts. Some keys in a particular key layout are overlying at least two of the plurality of contacts, and such keys actuate only one of the underlying contacts. As such, a common printed circuit board can be used for a plurality of complementary mobile device designs having different key layouts, thereby allowing a manufacturer to realize cost efficiencies.