HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING IMPROVED HELP FACILITY ANDASSOCIATED METHOD

摘要

An improved keypad and handheld electronic device are optimized for use by t he thumbs of a user. The keypad is a reduced keyboard and includes a number of first keys, a number of second keys, and a number of third keys. The first keys are of a first shape that is of an elongated form and is tilted in a first direction relative to a common reference. The second keys are of a second shape that is of substantially the same elongated form and is tilted in a second direction relative to the common reference. The first shape enables the first keys to be used by one of the thumbs of a user, while the second shape of the second keys enables the second keys to be used by the other thumb of the user. At least some of the third keys are of a merged shape having portions of both the first shape and the second shape in order to enable use by either of the thumbs of the user.