The present invention is related to a
system and method for providing input mechanisms in a handheld electronic device. The handheld electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a casing having a first surface and an opposing second surface, where the first surface includes a display on which a
user interface is displayed to a user of the device, a plurality of input keys on the second surface, a
layout of the plurality of input keys displayed on the display, and means for allowing the user to enter commands into the device by pressing at least one of the plurality of input keys, whereby the
layout allows the user to select an appropriate input key of the plurality of input keys associated with a particular command without viewing the input key. In a second aspect of the present invention, the handheld electronic device includes a casing having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first surface includes a display on which a
user interface is displayed to a user of the device, a hinge mechanism between the first and second surfaces such that the second surface is allowed to rotate back and forth between a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is when the second surface is opposing the first surface and facing away from the user, and the second position is when the second surface is substantially co-planar with the first surface and facing the user, at least one input mechanism on the second surface, and means for allowing the user to enter commands by activating the at least one input mechanism.