a foldaway electronic device includes a base unit having opposing lateral surfaces and an end portion , a cover unit having opposing lateral surfaces , each of which corresponds to one of the lateral surfaces of the base unit , and an end portion that is rotatably attached to the end portion of the base unit , whereby the cover unit may be rotated between a folded position relative to the base unit and an unfolded position relative to the base unit , a locking mechanism in the base unit and cover unit that locks the cover unit in the folded position , a lock release mechanism in the base unit that releases the locking mechanism when the cover unit is in the folded position , and impelling means in the base unit for impelling the cover unit from the folded position to an unfolded position after the lock release mechanism has been actuated , wherein either lateral surface of the base unit has a guard portion that extends over and prevents contact by a user &# 39 ; s thumb and fingers with a portion of the corresponding lateral surface of the cover unit when the cover unit is in the folded position and the lock release mechanism is being actuated .