Two part multi-function electronic device

Abstract

An apparatus includes a keyboard, a receptacle for insertion of a least a part of a communication part, wherein the communication part includes a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part, and wherein in a first mode of operation, when the communication part is not inserted into the receptacle of the apparatus, the communication part is configured to operate independently of the apparatus and wherein, in a second mode of operation, when the communication part is inserted into the apparatus such that at least a portion of the display of the communication part is exposed, the communication part is configured to use the keyboard of the apparatus for user input and the display for user output.

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a keyboard;   a receptacle for insertion of a least a part of a communication part;   wherein the communication part comprises a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part, and wherein in a first mode of operation, when the communication part is not inserted into the receptacle of the apparatus, the communication part is configured to operate independently of the apparatus and wherein, in a second mode of operation, when the communication part is inserted into the apparatus such that at least a portion of the display of the communication part is exposed, the communication part is configured to use the keyboard of the apparatus for user input and the display for user output.   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to detect the insertion of the communication part into the receptacle of the apparatus and is configured to activate the keyboard for use with the display when the communication part has been inserted into the receptacle. 
   
   
       3 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein, in the first mode of operation, user input is provided by the touch sensitive display and user output is provided by the touch sensitive display. 
   
   
       4 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein, in the second mode of operation, the communication part is inserted into the receptacle and only a portion of the display of the communication part is visible. 
   
   
       5 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein, in the second mode of operation, the communication part is inserted into the receptacle and the whole of the display is visible. 
   
   
       6 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the communication part is pivotably connected to the apparatus when inserted into the apparatus. 
   
   
       7 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the keyboard is a full text QWERTY keyboard. 
   
   
       8 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the communication part further comprises a controller and wherein the controller is configured to detect the insertion of the communication part into the receptacle of the apparatus and, when the insertion has been detected, to orientate the display so that it is optimally positioned for use with the keyboard of the apparatus. 
   
   
       9 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the communication part is handheld. 
   
   
       10 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the communication part is a mobile telephone. 
   
   
       11 . A method comprising:
 detecting an insertion of a communication part into a receptacle of an apparatus, wherein the communication part comprises a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part; and   activating a keyboard of the apparatus upon detection of the insertion of the communication part into the receptacle of the user interface enhancement part for use with the display of the apparatus.   
   
   
       12 . A method as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the communication part is inserted into the receptacle and only a portion of the display of the communication part is visible. 
   
   
       13 . A method as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising adjusting an active display area of the display to correspond with the visible portion of the display. 
   
   
       14 . A method as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the communication part is inserted into the receptacle and the whole of the display is visible. 
   
   
       15 . A method as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the communication part is pivotably connected to the apparatus when inserted into the apparatus. 
   
   
       16 . A method as claimed in  claim 11 , further comprising orienting the display, when the insertion has been detected, so that it is optimally positioned for use with the keyboard of the apparatus. 
   
   
       17 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the display is oriented so that its contents are displayed parallel to a row of keys of the keyboard that extend in a longitudinal direction. 
   
   
       18 . A system comprising:
 a communication part having a touch sensitive display providing the only user input mechanism on a top surface of the communication part; and   a user interface enhancement part comprising a keyboard and a receptacle for the at least partial insertion of the communication part,   wherein in a first mode of operation, when the communication part is not inserted into the receptacle of the user interface enhancement part, the communication part is configured to operate independently of the user interface enhancement part and wherein, in a second mode of operation, when the communication part is inserted into the user interface enhancement part such that at least a portion of the display of the communication part is exposed, the communication part is configured to use the keyboard of the user interface enhancement part for user input and the display for user output.   
   
   
       19 . A system as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the user interface enhancement part is configured to detect the insertion of the communication part into the receptacle of the user interface enhancement part and is configured to activate the keyboard for use with the display when the communication part has been inserted into the receptacle. 
   
   
       20 . A system as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein, in the first mode of operation, user input is provided by the touch sensitive display and user output is provided by the touch sensitive display.