Method and apparatus for data entry in a wireless network access device

A method for constructing a wireless network access device, the method comprising:

• providing a housing;
• disposing interior circuits, including a processor and a telecommunications circuit, in the housing;
• mounting a display to the housing;
• connecting the display to the processor;
• connecting an antenna to the telecommunications circuit;
• coupling touch pad member to the housing separate from the display;
• connecting the touch pad member to the processor;
• configuring the touch pad member to be responsive to input contact for cursor control on the display and input contact for manual data entry;
• providing a mode switch which extends from the housing and is remotely located from the touch pad member;
• and
• connecting the mode switch to the processor for selecting between a manual data entry mode of operation and a cursor control mode of operation of the touch pad member.

A wireless communication network portable phone device comprising:

• a housing;
• a processor disposed in the housing;
• a keyboard mounted to the housing and connected to the processor;
• a display mounted to the housing and connected to the processor;
• a speaker mounted in the housing;
• a microphone mounted in the housing;
• a keyboard cover coupled to the housing;
• a touch pad member coupled to the housing and separate from the display, the touch pad member being mounted on the keyboard cover and connected to the processor, the touch pad member having a manual data entry function in which the member is responsive to input contact for manual data entry, and having a computer mouse function in which the member is responsive to input contact for point and click controlling of a cursor on the display;
• and
• a mode switch mounted to the housing and connected to the processor, the mode switch enabling selection of one of the manual data entry function and the computer mouse function, the mode switch remotely located from the touch pad member.

A wireless communications network portable phone device comprising:

• a housing;
• a processor disposed in the housing;
• a keyboard mounted to the housing and connected to the processor;
• a display mounted to the housing and connected to the processor;
• a speaker mounted in the housing;
• a microphone mounted in the housing;
• a keyboard cover coupled to the housing;
• a touch pad member coupled to the housing and separate from the display, the touch pad member being mounted on the keyboard cover and connected to the processor, the touch pad member having a manual data entry function in which the member is responsive to input contact for manual data entry, and having a computer mouse function in which the member is responsive to input contact for point and click controlling of a cursor on the display;
• and
• a mode switch mounted to the housing and connected to the processor, the mode switch enabling selection of one of the manual data entry function and the computer mouse function, the mode switch remotely located from the touch pad member.