Keypad for computer system

Claim 1

A keypad for interacting with a computer system having a display screen, the keypad comprising: a) a substantially planar base surface; b) a first key cluster positioned on a first portion of the plannar base surface, the first key cluster including: 1) a numeric key set located on a lower portion of the first key cluster; 2) a plurality of cursor movement keys located above the numeric key set and to the right of the numeric key set; and 3) a plurality of trading order entry keys for entering and confirming order information, the plurality of trading order entry keys being located generally above the numeric key set; c) a second key cluster, positioned on a second portion of the planar base surface to the left of the first key cluster, the second key cluster including means for choosing display of pages of information on the display screen and for canceling order information previously entered using the order entry keys in the first key cluster, the second key cluster including: 1) a plurality of page select and menu keys arranged within substantially in a "+" cross configuration of keys located in a central portion of the second key cluster; 2) at least one key for cancelling open orders and bids and offers, located above the cross configuration; 3) a key for defining a personal page display, located above the cross configuration; 4) a key for displaying active market issues, located above the cross configuration; and 5) a reject key, located below the cross configuration in the second key cluster, and located diametrically opposite the trading order entry key for confirming order information in the first key cluster, for cancelling orders before their entry into the system; and d) means, responsive to the first key cluster and the second key cluster, for communicating to the computer system signals indicative of closures of keys in the respective first key cluster and the second key cluster.