def setOrientation( self, orientation ):
        """
        Sets the orientation for this handle and updates the widgets linked \
        with it.
        
        :param      orientation | <Qt.Orientation>
        """
        super(XSplitterHandle, self).setOrientation(orientation)
        
        if ( orientation == Qt.Vertical ):
            self.layout().setDirection( QBoxLayout.LeftToRight )
            
            # update the widgets
            self._collapseBefore.setFixedSize(30, 10)
            self._collapseAfter.setFixedSize(30, 10)
            self._resizeGrip.setFixedSize(60, 10)
            
            self._collapseBefore.setArrowType(Qt.UpArrow)
            self._collapseAfter.setArrowType(Qt.DownArrow)
            
        elif ( orientation == Qt.Horizontal ):
            self.layout().setDirection( QBoxLayout.TopToBottom )
            
            # update the widgets
            self._collapseBefore.setFixedSize(10, 30)
            self._collapseAfter.setFixedSize(10, 30)
            self._resizeGrip.setFixedSize(10, 60)
            
            self._collapseBefore.setArrowType(Qt.LeftArrow)
            self._collapseAfter.setArrowType(Qt.RightArrow)