Automatic speakerphone/handset mode selection in a flip phone

A clamshell telephone 100 comprises a first part 102, a second part 104 and a position sensor 116 operable to sense the position of the second part relative to the first part. A proximity sensor 120 detects the presence of a body in close proximity to the telephone when the clamshell is open and is operable to select a handset mode when a body is detected and a speakerphone mode when no body is detected. The proximity sensor may be an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an eddy current sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. Alternatively, the proximity sensor 120 may be optical and may comprise a photo-detector. The position sensor 116 may also be optical and may utilize the same photo-emitter 118 (eg an infrared LED) as the proximity sensor. The position sensor may comprise a photo-emitter/sensor arrangement (116'/ 118' fig.6) with a highly reflective surface on the opposing half of the clamshell (606) and the proximity sensor may utilise the same emitter/sensor to detect users. Alternatively, the position sensor may comprise a protuberance (702, fig.7) on a hinge and a proximity sensor close to the hinge such that the sensor and protuberance are substantially in alignment when the telephone is closed.