Designates the design form of the mobile device. Different designs offer
different strengths and weaknesses in form and function. Listed below are
the list of most common designs for basic phones:
Clamshell - Also known as a fold or flip phone, the Clamshell
is one of the most popular designs, folding in half to minimize the size
of the device while opening up to offer maximum screen area and keypad layout
space when unfolded. A drawback among the Clamshell is the hidden internal
screen when folded, prompting manufacturers to place a second external screen
on the outer lid.
Block - Also known as a Candy Bar design, the Block phone offers
a clean simple exterior with sturdy construction. While the lack of moving
parts makes the Block phone less susceptible to wear and tear, the disadvantage
is the constant trade off between offering a small device size and having
a large screen and keypad for usability. The advantage is quick use without
having to open or close the device, and a screen that is viewable at all
times.
Slide - Similar to the clamshell but the rather than unfolding,
the Slide opens up by moving two halves along a rail either assisted or
unassisted by a spring-loaded mechanism. Originally conceived as a variant
of the Clamshell, the Slide offers much of the same advantages of smaller
size without decreasing usability, but adds the benefit of having a screen
viewable in closed or open format.
Sideways - Rather than opening vertically along the hinge as the
Clamshell, the Sideways design opens along a horizontal hinge. Used in many
messaging-focused devices, the Sideways orientation allows for a more natural
typing layout for QWERTY keyboards.
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