A method for selecting a symbol for presentation on a display of a handheld electronic device, comprising: receiving a signal from a key on the handheld electronic device actuated by a user to select a default symbol, the default symbol being one of a plurality of symbols available through actuation of the key; if the actuation of the key is an initial actuation of the key, presenting the plurality of symbols on the display and receiving a signal to select the default symbol from among the plurality of symbols; and, presenting the default symbol on the display.