Self configuring multiple element portable electronic device

A handheld communications device, comprising:

• a housing;
• a panel movably coupled to the housing, the panel movable between at least first and second positions;
• a plurality of input keys disposed on one of the housing or the panel,
• at least some of the plurality of input keys perform a first function when the panel is in the first position,
• the same at least some of the plurality of input keys perform a second function, different than the first function, when the panel is in the first position;
• and
• a first set of indicia associated with the same at least some of the plurality of input keys, oriented at approximately a 45 degree angle relative to a second set of indicia associated with the plurality of keys, such that said second set of indicia can be read when said device is configured in said first position and said second position.

A-method for self configuring an operational mode in a self configuring multiple element wireless portable electronic communication device, said self configuring multiple element portable electronic device having a first electronic element that may be moved in relation to a second electronic element, and a keyboard having a plurality of keys therein, the method comprising the steps of:

• detecting a relative position of said first electronic element relative to said second electronic element;
• and
• selecting an operational mode of said keyboard based on said relative position;
• activating the first set of keys of the keyboard when the device is configured in a first operational mode as a portrait display mode wherein a first set of indicia associated with the first set of keys are oriented at approximately a 45 degree angle relative to a second set of indicia,
• and wherein said second element is configured as a portrait display position;
• and
• activating a second set of keys of the keyboard when said device is configured in a second operation mode as a landscape display mode such that said second element, is configured as a landscape display position wherein the second set of indicia are associated with the second set of keys.