Method and apparatus for conserving power in an integrated electronic device that includes a pda and a wireless telephone

Abstract

A system and method for reducing power consumed by an integrated electronic device. The device includes a personal data assistant (PDA) unit and a wireless telephone integrated in a common housing. A common display on the housing is used for displaying messages from both the PDA and the wireless telephone to a user. A controller, coupled to the wireless telephone, places the wireless telephone in a power-off state after expiration of a predetermined period of time following cessation of voice traffic activity on the wireless telephone. The controller switches the wireless telephone from the power-off state to a power-on state if, during operation in the power-off state, a user begins an attempt to place an outgoing call with the wireless telephone. The wireless telephone is unable to receive an incoming call when the wireless telephone is in the power-off state. However, the PDA is operable to receive information from the user through the display and display information to the user on the display when the wireless telephone is in the power-off state.