Input pad integrated with a touch pad

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The above-mentioned shortcomings and needs are addressed by the present invention, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
The present invention describes an input pad that is integrated with a touch pad.
An input pad cover is slidable from a first position approximately adjacent to the touch pad to a second position over the touch pad.
The touch pad is operable as a pointing device in the first position and as an input pad in the second position.
When the cover is positioned adjacent to the touch pad, relative movement on the touch pad is detected and transmitted to the computer to move a pointer on a screen of the computer a corresponding distance and direction.
When the cover is positioned over the touch pad, specific regions on the touch pad are mapped to different keys.
Pressing an area on the cover causes actuation of a corresponding region on the touch pad underneath the cover.
This information is transmitted to the computer, which translates actuation of the region to depression of the key to which the region is mapped.
The invention thus provides a separate input pad that is not external to the computer.
In the case of a portable computer embodiment having an integrated touch pad, the input pad cover is slidable from a position adjacent to the touch pad to a position over the touch pad.
This provides an input pad amenable to quick and accurate entry of information.
The input pad cover also preferably simulates a numeric input pad.
Still other and further aspects, advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the following description.