Patent ID: 8164570

Claim:
An apparatus to generate signals to select characters for a portable electronic device using a condensed keyboard, the apparatus comprising: an arrangement of a first set of keys and a second set of keys on the condensed keyboard to direct movement of the keys to selected positions in response to pressure on the keys, wherein the arrangement can direct one or more of the keys into the selected positions of three or more actuation positions available for each of the keys located on one side of the electronic device, the one side arranged to be facing away from a user when the user is to operate the condensed keyboard, wherein the directed movements associated with the first set of keys are adapted to substantially mimic finger movements between keys by a right hand of the user and the directed movements associated with the second set of keys are adapted to substantially mimic finger movements between keys by a left hand of the user; and an actuation determiner to generate unique signals in response to actuation of each of the keys at the selected positions.