A variable form handheld computer may be configurable either as a short form handheld computer or as long form handheld computer. The variable form handheld computer comprises a variable form housing frame configurable as either a short form housing frame or a long form housing frame. The variable form housing frame comprises a plurality of handheld computing modules comprising a keyboard module, a circuitry module, a battery module and a variable form display screen. The variable form display screen is configurable either as a short form display screen or a long form display screen. The long form housing frame securely frames the handheld computing modules when the variable form display screen is configured as the long form display screen, and the short form housing frame securely frames the plurality of computing modules when the variable form display screen is configured as the short form display screen. The variable form handheld computer is configurable as the long form handheld computer using the long form housing frame, and is configurable as the short form handheld computer using the short form housing frame.