Multifunction mobile communications device with slidable display screen

Abstract

A text keyboard is provided for use with an electronic device. The keyboard in mounted on a surface on the body of the device. A panel slides over said recessed surface and the panel is constructed with a display screen for observation of the user. The panel is moved to an extended position in which the keyboard is exposed.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
     
     
         16 . A mobile communications device for operation in multiple applications, comprising: 
 a body having upper and lower surfaces;    an array of keys arranged for use on said upper surface for use with at least a first and a second of said multiple applications;    a panel operatively associated with said upper surface of the body of the device, said panel having a screen for presenting a display to the user for communicating information for each of said at least first and second of said multiple applications; and    wherein said panel is slidable on said body between a first position in which said display is used with at least said first of said multiple applications and a second position in which said display is used with at least said second of said multiple applications, and further wherein said panel at least partially covers said array of keys in the first position and wherein said array of keys is at least partially exposed in the second position.    
     
     
         17 . A device, as described in  claim 16 , wherein in said first application is a mobile telephone and said second application is a personal digital assistant.  
     
     
         18 . A device, as described in  claim 16 , wherein an auxiliary window is constructed in said bottom surface through which at least a portion of said display screen may be viewed.  
     
     
         19 . A device, as described in  claim 16 , wherein said array of keys comprises a full function QWERTY key array.  
     
     
         20 . A device, as described in  claim 16 , wherein a digital camera is mounted on said panel.