STYLUS-BASED KEYBOARD KEY ARRANGEMENT

A small, stylus-based keyboard in which the arrangement of the keys is a function of predetermined estimated probabilities of the occurrence of various possible sequences of keystrokes. Sequences of keystrokes which are estimated to have a high likelihood of occurrence result in the associated keys being placed adjacent to one another. In this manner, the ease, speed and accuracy of use of small, stylus-based keyboards may be improved. Multiple keys representing the same character may be provided to increase the likelihood that keys included in high probability sequences will be adjacent. The probability estimates may be determi ned based on a statistical analysis of a preselected sample of text. In addition, ke ys may be color-coded for ease of identification and grooves may be cut into the housin g between adjacent keys for ease of stylus operation. Lights (e.g., light-emitting -diodes) may also be inserted between adjacent keys or beneath the keys for purposes of word identification or next letter prediction.