DEVICE FOR COMPOSING OR EDITING A STRING OF CHARACTERS

A device for composing or editing a string of characters representing information, such as a text message, comprises a character string display for displaying a character string being composed or edited and a character selection display for displaying a set of characters for use in composing or editing the character string. The character selection display can be activated to display the character set in a display area in which at least some of the individual characters of the set are arranged relative to a designated location in the display area, such as the center of the display area, at distances according to decreasing frequency of use, e.g. a number of characters that are most likely to be frequently used are arranged in close proximity to the designated location. A cursor is displayed in the character selection display area and keys are provided for moving the cursor from one character to another in the character selection display for indicating a desired character to be selected. A key is provided for effecting selection of the desired character and the device automatically moves the cursor to the designated location after the selection of a desired character has been effected.