Housing as an I/O device

An electronic device, comprising:

• a housing with first and second portions coupled by a hinge, the housing having an exterior surface;
• a first display in the first portion of the housing and configured to display a first image;
• a second display in the second portion of the housing and configured to display a second image;
• a pressure sensor configured to detect a press on the exterior surface of the housing;
• and
• a controller enclosed in the housing and communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor, wherein the controller is configured to generate an output signal based on a duration of the press on the exterior surface of the housing, wherein the controller generates a first output signal for a first duration and a second output signal for a second duration, wherein the first duration is different than the second duration, and wherein the first output signal is different than the second output signal.

A portable electronic device, comprising:

• a housing having a surface with first and second portions;
• a display configured to display an image, wherein the display overlaps the first portion of the surface;
• at least one light source configured to illuminate the second portion of the surface;
• a sensor configured to detect a user input signal;
• and
• a controller coupled to the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to generate an output signal based on a strength of the user input signal, wherein the controller is configured to provide the output signal to the at least one light source, and wherein the at least one light source is configured to illuminate the second portion of the surface in response to the output signal.