I seem to remember that Apple filed a patent that allowed them to use a technique to change the display on each key. So one key could be the forward button when using iTunes, the cut button when using Word. Would be great as a help function too. You could have messages scrolling across the screen...spam, coming to your keyboard soon.
A retail piece of this "art" might not be too far off!
Good list of resources. You might like to add Ning to the group (if you haven't considered it already). It would be a great way for groups to work on projects, discuss ideas. I'm using it with my students at Deakin University here in Melbourne, Australia.