Abstract: A message alert system is useful for a communication device (10) having a display (12) and a processor (30). The message alert system includes a computer-readable medium (32) and a routine stored in the computer-readable medium (32) and configured for execution by the processor (30). The routine includes a first routine that receives a message having a message type, and a second routine that generates a display item (40) for the display (12) of the communication device (10) in accordance with the message type such that the display item (40) comprises information indicative of the message type of the received message and whether further messages of the message type have been received by the communication device (10). The routine may further includes a memory check routine that determines whether storing the message in the computer-readable medium (32) would result in exceeding a predetermined amount of the capacity of the computer-readable medium (32).

Abstract: A portable electronic device, for example a personal communications device, having a display on which a user may relocate and reorder display items by selecting a display item to be relocated, designating a new display position on the display to which the selected display is to be moved, and inserting the selected display item into the new display position after designating the new position.

Abstract: A radiotelephone (200) has a display (208) that efficiently presents information such as lists and text fields. For each list, the display (208) presents a title message (300) with unique identification markings (332,334), an end-of-list indicator (340), and a dynamic scroll indicator (308) to indicate scrolling directions. A context-sensitive symbol (306) is displayed whenever a context sensitive menu is available for a highlighted item. A search function is incorporated to allow expert users to quickly find information. A notepad feature allows the most recent string of user input data to be stored and recalled so that the data is not accidentally appended to subsequently entered data. Specialized data entry modes such as an editor screen (900), an editor-with-list screen sequence, a set value list screen sequence, a toggle value screen sequence, and a form screen sequence provide efficient retrieval, display, and entry of information.

Abstract: A user performs a manual selection or a gesture selection of a screen object (210, 220, 230) on a screen (150) of an electronic device (100) using a pointing device (190). After a manual selection, such as a single tap, the electronic device (100) automatically presents a temporary directional palette (450) having palette buttons (451, 452, 453, 454, 455) that explicitly state functions of the electronic device (100). Each palette button has a unique compass direction relative to the original tap area. By making a second tap on a desired palette button, a novice user learns available functions of the electronic device (100) and their corresponding directional gestures. Alternately, the user may perform a gesture selection of both a screen object and a function, such as making a double tap or drawing a line in the appropriate direction, before the directional palette appears on the screen (150).