In a handheld computing device that includes a backlit display having a variable-intensity backlight, a method for controlling the intensity of light produced by the backlight involves the following steps. The computing device also includes user data input means, and data processing means coupled to the user data input means and the backlit display. The data processing means includes at least one software application that is configured to display information on the display. The method involves the steps of (1) setting the intensity to a first intensity level and activating one of the software applications; and (2) setting the intensity to a minimum intensity level, less than the first intensity level, after expiry of a predetermined elapsed time of non-activity from the user data input means. The predetermined elapsed time is based on the activated software application.