Abstract: An external keyboard apparatus is fitted to rest above the embedded keyboard of a general purpose portable microcomputer. In one embodiment an external keyboard housing is molded to define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of a keyboard compartment of the portable computer. In another embodiment, an external keyboard stand supports an external keyboard to define the external keyboard apparatus. A first connection is established between the external keyboard and keyboard stand to secure the external keyboard to the stand.

Abstract: A keyboard comprising a plurality of alphanumeric keys or function keys separated into a left key section containing the keys operated by the left hand and a right key section containing the keys operated by the right hand. The longitudinal axes of the rows within each section are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the operator's forearms. Each column of the keyboard is substantially aligned with the line of movement of the finger controlling the respective column in order to accommodate the natural fan-like movement of the operator's fingers as the fingers curl and uncurl during the typing operation.