Abstract: A portable terminal includes an input device with five binary switching elements on a housing for the portable terminal and a display screen. The input device accesses telecommunications capabilities of the portable terminal. The display screen displays a graphical representation that can show an indication of the functions corresponding to the input device, a response to input received via the input device, and operation modes of the portable terminal. The operation modes of the portable terminal can be changed in response to receipt of input via the input device.

Abstract: An input device disposed on the rotatable cover of a portable terminal. The input device is a compound switch that has five binary switching elements. The input device includes an outer, ring-shape element and inner, circular-shape element. When a switching element is actuated, the portable terminal responds, wherein the response is a function of the operating mode of the portable terminal. A graphical representation of the input device appears in the display screen of the portable terminal. The graphical representation includes up to five icons, which correspond to the five binary switching elements. The icons are visually suggestive of the function of the associated switching element. The icons change, as a function of operating mode, to reflect the change in function of the switching elements from mode to mode.

Abstract: A sponsor compensates an entity, such as a wireless service provider or an intermediary, in exchange for allowing the sponsor to advertise on a card, such as a phone card. The card, which is available for purchase by consumers, is used to purchase a wireless service. In some embodiments, the compensation paid by the sponsor to the entity subsidizes the cost of the wireless service for the consumer. In use, the card is coupled to an advertising-enabled wireless terminal. The advertising that appears on the card is visible to the user through the back cover of the wireless terminal. The sponsor card must remain coupled to wireless terminal for the consumer to use the service that was purchased via the sponsor card.

Abstract: An input device disposed on the rotatable cover of a portable terminal. The input device is a compound switch that has five binary switching elements. The input device includes an outer, ring-shape element and inner, circular-shape element. When a switching element is actuated, the portable terminal responds, wherein the response is a function of the operating mode of the portable terminal. A graphical representation of the input device appears in the display screen of the portable terminal. The graphical representation includes up to five icons, which correspond to the five binary switching elements. The icons are visually suggestive of the function of the associated switching element. The icons change, as a function of operating mode, to reflect the change in function of the switching elements from mode to mode.