A system and method for providing input to a handheld computing device by provisioning the handheld computing device with a device for projecting images generated as a result of applications executing on the computer device on a surface in front of a user located proximate said device, a projected image including an active screen display corresponding to an application executing in the device. A further projected image includes an object image located within the active screen display and representing a pointer to locations within the projected active screen display. The system detects the presence of an object located at the surface and within a projected image display area, and converts detected movement of the object located within a projected image display area on the surface into movement of the object image within the projected active screen display. The user is thus able to initiate a data input operation or execute a function at a location in the active screen display for the executing application.