Abstract: A computer system has a plurality of independent input peripheral devices which create a more user-friendly and versatile way to interact with the computer. An alphanumeric keyboard, a numeric keyboard, a function keyboard and a Mouse pointing device all communicate input data to the computer. The computer is simultaneously responsive to the data communicated by all of the input peripherals. The user may select one or more of the input peripherals to operate simultaneously to effect efficient data input. The input peripherals may be connected to the computer with cords, or may be operated in a cordless mode. The computer maps the data generated by the three keyboards into the same symbol table so that it need not determine where the data originated. Three of the input peripherals are disposable into cradles defined in a housing, while the alphanumeric keyboard is disposable into a cavity defined within the housing.