=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Special Keyboards and Keyboard Substitutes =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Vetra Systems Corporation sells a "Smart-Wye" encoder, which allows a PC's keyboard input to be driven from non-conventional switches and inputs. Vetra Systems Corporation 275-JJ Marcus Blvd Hauppauge, NY 11787 voice: +1 516/434-3185 fax: +1 516/434-3516 The KE-18 Keyboard Encoder is offered for $64 (US) by Hagstrom Electronics 2 Green Lantern Rd. Endicott, NY 13760 voice: +1 607/786-7523 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Article 833 of comp.human-factors: Path: utkcs2!emory!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!wupost!uunet!bcstec!wagener From: wagener@bcstec.boeing.com (Pamela Pincha-Wagener) Newsgroups: comp.human-factors Subject: Re: keyboards Message-ID: <1290@bcstec.boeing.com> Date: 30 Sep 91 23:55:07 GMT References: Organization: Boeing Computer Services, Seattle Lines: 22 rick@spider.co.uk (Rick Innis) writes: >Does anyone know (a) what non-qwerty keyboards (and comparable input devices) There is a good article in the Electronic Engineering Times (9/16/91) on the new class of ergonomicly based keyboards starting to emerge from the drawing boards to the market. Two pictured in the article are by Health Care Keyboard Co. Inc. (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) and Kinesis Corp. (Seattle, WA). They are really a break in the design from what is being used today. The article mentioned that the IRS is evaluating the Health care keyboard for its employees. >exist; and (b) whether anyone's done a comparative survey of any number of >them. Any references appreciated; drop an email and I'll summarise to the >net. Apologies if this is an FAQ. P.M.Pincha-Wagener wagener@bcstec.boeing.com ------------------ usual disclaimer =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Newsgroups: comp.human-factors Path: utkcs2!gatech!asuvax!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!bcstec!wagener Message-ID: <1293@bcstec.boeing.com> Date: 1 Oct 91 17:41:18 GMT References: <1290@bcstec.boeing.com> <87932@brunix.UUCP> Organization: Boeing Computer Services, Seattle From: wagener@bcstec.boeing.com (Pamela Pincha-Wagener) Subject: Re: keyboards khm@cs.brown.edu (Katie Mohrfeld) writes: >In article <1290@bcstec.boeing.com>, wagener@bcstec.boeing.com (Pamela Pincha-Wagener) writes: >|> There is a good article in the Electronic Engineering Times (9/16/91) on >|> the new class of ergonomicly based keyboards starting to emerge from the >|> drawing boards to the market. Two pictured in the article are by Health Care >|> Keyboard Co. Inc. (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) and Kinesis Corp. (Seattle, WA). >Does anyone have the addresses and/or telephone numbers of the two >keyboard companies mentioned above? Katie, I was able to get the phone number for Kinesis Corp here in Seattle - Kinesis Corp (206) 241-4595. Pam Pincha-Wagener wagener@bcstec.boeing.com Article 851 of comp.human-factors: Path: utkcs2!emory!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wupost!uunet!mcsun!uknet!ukc!edcastle!spider!raft.spider.co.uk!rick From: rick@spider.co.uk (Rick Innis) Newsgroups: comp.human-factors Subject: keyboards question summary (125 lines) Message-ID: <1991Oct4.105142.10153@spider.co.uk> Date: 4 Oct 91 10:51:42 GMT Sender: rick@spider.co.uk (Rick Innis) Organization: Spider Systems Limited, Edinburgh, UK. Lines: 115 Here's the promised summary of responses to my keyboards question of last week. Brief summary: the main alternative keyboard layout is the Dvorak one, for which you can get both replacement keyboards and programs to remap your keyboard on appropriate machines. Chord keyboards include the BAT and the Microwriter; there's a company called "Malton or Malvern or something like that" who do chord keyboards and possibly Dvoraks; and two companies called Health Care Keyboard Co. Inc. (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) and Kinesis Corp. (Seattle, WA), who do 'ergonomically-designed' keyboards - presumably still using QWERTY layouts. Paul Raveling also enclosed extensive info on his own keyboard layout, and the rationale behind it, which contains a lot of interesting thought on keyboard design. Due to the length I haven't included it all, but it's worth reading. Dick Penn warns of the dangers of non-standard keyboards, pointing out that there are other ways to reduce hand strain. The second part of my question - have any comparative studies been done - wasn't so well answered; beyond the news (previously unknown to me) that Dvorak seems to be only about 10% more efficient than QWERTY, only one reference came up: "Typing with a Two-hand Chord Keyboard: Will the QWERTY become Obsolete?" Daniel Gopher & David Raij IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics Vol 18 No 4 July/August 1988. Apparently the BAT keyboard was derived from this work. Buried further in this message are the address of Infogrip Inc (who do the BAT) and aphone number for Kinesis; if anyone can get me more info on the MicroWriter and Malton (or whoever) I'd like to know. And now a more detailed selection from some responses: Andrew Dent provided the following info: Rick, there's a product called the BAT keyboard out there which is available (at least) for Mac and IBM PC. It is a 7 key chord keyboard and you get two units, although either can replace a full 101-key keyboard. Company is: Infogrip Inc 812 North Blvd Baton Rouge LA 70802 (504) 336 0033 fax: (504) 336 0063 Retail $495 (US) and 30-day return. They also have a product called a miniBat which is a handheld incorporating a chord keyboard. While Dick Penn warns Beware non-standard keyboards! Out in the real world, non-standard keyboards cause all sorts of problems, the major one being that the skill you develop through typing is not applicable anywhere else. There is more to be gained by splitting the standard keyboard vertically, between 5tgb and 6yhn, then rotating the two halves so that the center is raised. This is supposed to reduce stress on the wrists, and doesn't turn your users into expert typists who can only use your system. From Pamela Pincha-Wagener , we find There is a good article in the Electronic Engineering Times (9/16/91) on the new class of ergonomicly based keyboards starting to emerge from the drawing boards to the market. Two pictured in the article are by Health Care Keyboard Co. Inc. (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) and Kinesis Corp. (Seattle, WA). and in a follow-up message, that I was able to get the phone number for Kinesis Corp here in Seattle - Kinesis Corp (206) 241-4595. Finally, Paul Raveling sent quite a lot of stuff, which he posted earlier this year (June). Owing to the length I've cut it down to just an illustration of his keyboard map, as it appears on an HP 9000/300 series workstation's keyboard: ------------------------------------------------------------ | ~ | ! | @ | # | $ | % | ^ | & | * | ( | ) | _ | + | Back | | ` | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | - | = |space | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | | | | : | { | } | | | | Tab | Z | W | D | T | F | U | O | I | Y | ; | [ | ] | \ | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | | | | | | | | | . | " | | |Caps|Ctl| X | G | R | S | L | B | E | A | H | , | ' |Retrn| ------------------------------------------------------------ |DEL| | | | | | | | | | > | ? | | |ESC|Shift | Q | V | C | P | J | N | M | K | < | / | Shift | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | | | |Meta| (Space) |Meta| ------------------------------------------- Thanks to all respondents: Paul Raveling Layne L Ainsworth William Johnston Jason T Milhoan Andrew Dent M Morris Dick Penn Pamela Pincha-Wagener --Rick. Article 860 of comp.human-factors: Path: utkcs2!ornl!rsg1.er.usgs.gov!ukma!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!samsung!munnari.oz.au!uniwa!DIALix!dent From: dent@DIALix.oz.au (Andrew Dent) Newsgroups: comp.human-factors Subject: Re: keyboards question summary (125 lines) Message-ID: <1260@DIALix.oz.au> Date: 5 Oct 91 05:12:59 GMT References: <1991Oct4.105142.10153@spider.co.uk> Organization: DIALix Services, Perth Western Australia Lines: 20 Regarding the problem of alternative keyboards stuffing up "normal" keyboard reflexes, one of the points made in the IEEE chord keyboard study was that the chord was sufficiently different so as to NOT affect normal typing skills. Any keyboard, such as Dvorak, which is based on different layout but same principles as QWERTY, is almost certain to cause "finger confusion". The problem of non-portable typing skills is of course true for any scheme. I'm disappointed with the small response - maybe there's another group that would be able to respond with user stories? I'd really like to hear from users before investing in one of these things. Andy Dent A.D. Software - Mac, PC & Vax Programming and Training 94 Bermuda Dve, BALLAJURA Western Australia 6066 Phone: +619 249 2719 Email: dent@DIALix.oz.au "It's amazing what one can accomplish when one doesn't know what one can't do" (Garfield) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Article 866 of comp.human-factors: Path: utkcs2!memstvx1!ukma!wupost!uunet!mcsun!uknet!ukc!qtlon!slxsys!ibmpcug!mantis!mathew Newsgroups: comp.human-factors Subject: Re: keyboards question summary (125 lines) Message-ID: <0VFg013w164w@mantis.co.uk> From: mathew@mantis.co.uk (To the Ground) Date: 7 Oct 91 16:05:44 GMT References: <1260@DIALix.oz.au> Organization: Mantis Consultants, Cambridge. UK. Lines: 29 dent@DIALix.oz.au (Andrew Dent) writes: > Regarding the problem of alternative keyboards stuffing up "normal" keyboard > reflexes, one of the points made in the IEEE chord keyboard study was that > the chord was sufficiently different so as to NOT affect normal typing > skills. This is true. I have a Microwriter portable computer with a chord keyboard, and I don't get confused moving between it and a standard QWERTY keyboard. For details of the Microwriter AgendA, contact: Microwriter Systems PLC Wandle Way Willow Lane Mitcham CR4 9AR United Kingdom Telephone (UK) +44 0?1-685-0300 Fax (UK) +44 0?1-640-8813 where the ? should be either 7 or 8 -- sorry, I can't remember which. Alternatively, I have a file of information about it, and I can comment on my experiences... mathew =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Article 1037 of comp.human-factors: Path: utkcs2!memstvx1!ukma!wupost!spool.mu.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!world!lains Newsgroups: comp.human-factors Subject: Re: Chord Keyboards for the Mac? Message-ID: From: lains@world.std.com (Layne L Ainsworth) Date: 4 Nov 91 16:24:43 GMT References: <1991Nov4.091043.7395@newcastle.ac.uk> Organization: The World Article-I.D.: world.BEDHL7.K9u Lines: 36 In article <1991Nov4.091043.7395@newcastle.ac.uk> Lindsay.Marshall@newcastle.ac.uk (Lindsay F. Marshall) writes: >shank@oahu.cs.ucla.edu (Eric Shank) writes: > >>All this talk on Chord keyboards has got me interested- can anyone >>provide information on any Macintosh Compatible products? > >The Microwriter Agenda can be hooked up to the Mac and used as a >keyboard substitute courtesy of a DA provided with the Agenda MacPack >software. Also, Infogrip, Inc., in Baton Rouge, LA, USA, makes a two-handed chord keyboard for the Mac and for the IBM-PC. The Mac one plugs into the Apple Desktop Bus, and the PC one hooks into the serial port (although later versions will plug into the keyboard port). Their address and phone number are: Infogrip, Inc. 812 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802 USA Tel: (504) 336-0033 Fax: (504) 336-0063 They also sell the Microwriter Agenda under a different name here in the states. Either hand on the two-handed keyboards can completely replace the whole keyboard. They come with a pattern that is different than the Agenda, but it can be re-programmed in any configuration you want. -Layne -- Layne Ainsworth | lains@world.std.com ...!{xylogics,uunet}!world!lains What I believe (Part VI): Beer commercials are actually messages from other planets, softening us up for conquest. Why ask why? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Article 1027 of comp.human-factors: Path: utkcs2!ornl!sunova!linac!uwm.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!think.com!spool.mu.edu!uunet!brunix!doorknob!rsw From: rsw@cs.brown.EDU (Bob Weiner) Newsgroups: comp.human-factors Subject: Re: The truth about keyboards Message-ID: Date: 2 Nov 91 20:36:12 GMT Article-I.D.: slate.RSW.91Nov2153612 References: <1225@aviary.Stars.Reston.Unisys.COM> Sender: news@brunix.UUCP Organization: Brown U. Lines: 47 In-reply-to: mathew@mantis.co.uk's message of 30 Oct 91 14:36:07 GMT In article mathew@mantis.co.uk writes: >> In article <517@cogsci.ucsd.EDU>, norman@cogsci.ucsd.EDU (Donald A Norman-UCS >> |> I hate to disillusion all you folks with something as mundane as >> |> data, but there are no magic pills to be gotten from chord >> |> keyboards. Here is a quic review of all of them: ... chord: slow, >> |> hard to learn. slow. Maybe all a chord keyboard can let you do is enter commands or type with one hand while selecting on screen entities with another. Given the right kind of interface, this can be a great boon to productivity, even if your typing speed is slowed by chording. So I don't see the true relevance of the input speed when one considers it part of a two-handed interface. This is what Doug Engelbart settled on after a good deal of experimentation at SRI with odd interaction devices and techniques. (The mouse being the device used by the other hand.) > I have a Microwriter AgendA with a chord keyboard, and it took me less than > two hours to learn to type all the letters (upper and lower case), digits, > and the common punctuation symbols "(!?,.)'-;: > > It may be that Douglas Engelbart's chord keyboard is hard to learn, because > I've read that it uses the bottom bits of the ASCII code as the state > position for the chord keys. Engelbart will tell you that they were never able to measure the difficulty of learning to chord because people picked it up so fast. He uses the example of his pre-school age daughters who learned all the letter-chord combinations in a short time. I was also able to learn the AgendA's letter chords in under a half hour. With a different 7-key chord system (4 fingers and 3 keys that the thumb alternates among), I was able in one evening to produce a useful set of chord to character bindings that I could remember which gave me convenient access to the whole command set of my chosen editor (emacs) via the use of only one hand (though two can be used). In fact, the access is in some ways more convenient than the standard keyboard because I was able to provide a lock mode for both control key and meta/alt key inputs, similar to the command mode of other editors. (No queries on this stuff, though, please. I just wanted to provide the example to show that their are indeed uses for the technology, many of which I haven't mentioned here.) Bob -- Bob Weiner rsw@cs.brown.edu Whatever it is this disclaims it. Hyperbole is all things to all people. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Newsgroups: comp.human-factors,comp.misc,comp.unix.misc Path: cs.utk.edu!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!decwrl!tribune.usask.ca!kakwa.ucs.ualberta.ca!myrias!drw From: drw@myrias.ab.ca (David Watters) Subject: More Dvorak info. Message-ID: <747591792.26786@myrias.ab.ca> Organization: Myrias Computer Technologies Inc. Date: Thu, 9 Sep 93 16:23:11 GMT Lines: 35 Xref: cs.utk.edu comp.human-factors:2627 comp.misc:3325 comp.unix.misc:10839 here is another piece of info I got in reply to my recent posting: From: Randy <72246.172@CompuServe.COM> A friend called me on the phone and read me your message about the Dvorak keyboard. I don't (yet!) have direct internet access, so I'm sending you this via my Compuserve mailbox. There are indeed many people using the Dvorak. *Briefly*, the Dvorak was designed via ergonomic proceedures to be easy to learn and use for "touch" (10-finger) typing. "Qwerty" was designed in the 1870s to overcome the mechanical limitations of early typewriters (specifically, the first Remington model). Touch typing was thought of long after these "modern" typewriters came on the market. Dvorak typists tend to be much faster, both because of ease of typing (70% of keying is on the home row, vs 32% on Qwerty) and because of the reduced error rate on Dvorak due to its ergonomics, but the ease in learning and typing is its greatest advantage. A number of products are available to help learn the Dvorak layout. Both "Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing" and "Typing Tutor" come with Dvorak lessons, for instance. The primary source of Dvorak information is Freelance Communications. Among other products, they carry my book, The Dvorak Keyboard, which will help to get you started (the only book on the subject; 96 pp trade softcover; $12.95+ship). A packet of information (including the book) is available for US$12 postpaid to north America from Freelance Communications, PO Box 1895, Upland CA 91785 USA. Fax: 818 791-0405. If you send me your fax number, they will fax you a sheet of ordering information. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Article 3326 of comp.misc: Newsgroups: comp.human-factors,comp.misc,comp.unix.misc Path: cs.utk.edu!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!decwrl!tribune.usask.ca!kakwa.ucs.ualberta.ca!myrias!drw From: drw@myrias.ab.ca (David Watters) Subject: Here is some Dvorak keyboard info. Message-ID: <747593637.27083@myrias.ab.ca> Organization: Myrias Computer Technologies Inc. Date: Thu, 9 Sep 93 16:53:55 GMT Lines: 521 Xref: cs.utk.edu comp.human-factors:2628 comp.misc:3326 comp.unix.misc:10840 Thonks for everybodies recent replies, re the Dvorak Keyboard. Some of the replies should make it to the Typing Injuries FAQ. Dave. Here are some of the replies I got [edited]: =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: Randy <72246.172@CompuServe.COM> A friend called me on the phone and read me your message about the Dvorak keyboard. I don't (yet!) have direct internet access, so I'm sending you this via my Compuserve mailbox. There are indeed many people using the Dvorak. *Briefly*, the Dvorak was designed via ergonomic proceedures to be easy to learn and use for "touch" (10-finger) typing. "Qwerty" was designed in the 1870s to overcome the mechanical limitations of early typewriters (specifically, the first Remington model). Touch typing was thought of long after these "modern" typewriters came on the market. Dvorak typists tend to be much faster, both because of ease of typing (70% of keying is on the home row, vs 32% on Qwerty) and because of the reduced error rate on Dvorak due to its ergonomics, but the ease in learning and typing is its greatest advantage. A number of products are available to help learn the Dvorak layout. Both "Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing" and "Typing Tutor" come with Dvorak lessons, for instance. The primary source of Dvorak information is Freelance Communications. Among other products, they carry my book, The Dvorak Keyboard, which will help to get you started (the only book on the subject; 96 pp trade softcover; $12.95+ship). A packet of information (including the book) is available for US$12 postpaid to north America from Freelance Communications, PO Box 1895, Upland CA 91785 USA. Fax: 818 791-0405. If you send me your fax number, they will fax you a sheet of ordering information. =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: jmb@spatial.com (Joe M. Biegelsen) Way back in my typing carrer I remapped my keyboard and used the 'Typing Tutor' program that IBM used to sell for almost nothing. This was when I bought my first computer in '82 or so. I was able to get speed equal to a normal keyboard in fairly short order, but that is not saying much, as I didn't not type well on either keyboard at the time. This even tho the early excercises concentrated on words easy on the normal keyboard. That is the letters a, s, d, f, j, k, l. I gave it up when I realized that: * I probably could not as fast on two keyboards as I could on either one, even if the one was poorly designed. * I probably could not ensure availability of dvorak. What if I had to sit at a coworkers station for a few minutes to demonstrate something? What if I had to used a mechanical typewriter or other non remappable keyboard? So go for it, but realize that it may not save you any time or frustration in the end. It is to bad, sometimes, that these standards can get so much momentum. =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: mcampbel@schubert.sbi.com (Mike Campbell) I'm attempting. I'm finding the change difficult, but I'm sticking with it. Let me know what you find out. Thanks =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: m1fxt00@fed.FRB.GOV (Fernando Trias) > I have got the dvorak program that makes my x keyboard behave as if > it is a dvorak keyboard. Where did you get this program? I tried to learn the keyboard a while back but had to stop because I couldn't use it on Unix. My technique for learning was simple. Just type all my papers, letters, etc. Type a few pages a day. The only problem is that once you start, you will probably not type as fast in QWERTY for a while. It took me about a year to undo four months of Dvorak. Good luck! Fernando =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: stojcs93@karajan.anu.edu.au (J.STONEY 9306045) Dear David, I recently converted a keyboard to a Dvorak layout but have not as yet got around to using Mavis for the practice to achive touch typing confidence. Simply popping the keys out and swapping them around works only on a few boards (HoneyWells?) as most have different profiles for different rows - the home row etc. Presumably yours didn't or you are using the alternative of stickers? The former has one draw back - {} [] are located on different keys on a qwerty board whereas the dvorak accesses them by a shift on the same key. I think the dvorak wins for speed (on that combination anyway). Dispite many attempts in the past, especially in the '60s, by some very powerful players it is most unlike qwerty boards will ever be replaced. Therefore you must realize that using your board will be for ease at home. The only other alternative is to become so proficient that you are able to use a board without looking (at all!) and import your driver (or carry a disk with it on around). Problems I have noticed: the layout in WinMavis didn't seem to change on screen in the version I saw but did on the original? If you are using a PC the driver that comes in the Dos 6 Supplementary disk is ignored by Windows. Microsoft have done it again... Could you please tell me which driver you are using and where you obtained it from? Do you know of any others? Regards, James Stoney. Please reply to: stojcs93@karajan.anu.edu.au =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: "B. Anne Rowe" Despite all the research on the ease of learning DVORAK and the efficient use of the system, it is my opinion that because the majority of the population would have to re-learn a new system and because of the future impact of voice technology, most persons do not want to bother with a new system at this time. Also, even though many keyboards can be switched to either DVORAK or QWERTY by the computer system or by software, there is no guarantee that DVORAK will be available in every available worksite. For these reasons, I have not agressively sought a change to DVORAK in keyboarding instruction in VA public schools (we are having a hard enough time convincing earlier grade levels that a touch system of keyboarding is necessary for effective interaction with a keyboard, especially in writing). Recently, one of our business teachers in Frederick Co., Linda Wilson of James Wood High School, 161 Apple Pie Ridge Rd., Winchester, VA 22603 (Phone 703/667-5226), asked for information for instructional materials for DVORAK. I referred her to our Virginia Vocational Curriculum and Resource Center to conduct a computer search for information. I have not heard of Linda's results, but you may want to contact her. I do not know whether she has a va.pen/internet account. The only other suggestion I have is to contact major keboarding publishers such as Southwestern Publishing Co. and Glencoe, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, and others. I would be interested in your findings. Anne Rowe, VA Dept. of Education, Business Education arowe@vdoe386.vak12ed.edu =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: linshih@nextnet.ccs.csus.edu (shih han lin) Hi, I was wondering what kind of program is it? Where can I get a copy of it? Also does the program come with a doc that tells you the layout of the keyboard? I've heard about this type of keyboard, and it's adventages. You see on a regular keyboard, the most common keys are located on the left hand. In this new keyboard layout, the most common keys will be on the right hand. ALso the distrubtion of keys will be equal on both hands when you are typing. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't ask me why, I just work here -- Joe Gunchy internet e-mail linshih@nextnet.ccs.csus.edu =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: roland@email.tuwien.ac.at (Roland Bauer) >I am interested in learning to type using a dvorak keyboard. Hi Dave, please tell me, if you get any informations. Thanks, Roland =============================================================================== From: davew@cs.UMD.EDU (David G. Wonnacott) I have been using a Dvorak keyboard for about 2 years now. I used to touch-type on a QWERTY, and the first few days after I switched were far more disoriented than I had imagined they would be. The next few weeks were incredibly frustrating. I would say it was 8-10 months before I could equal the speed I used to get with a QWERTY keyboard, but its hard to say for sure because I never really measured either one. Now that I have gotten really familiar with the Dvorak keyboard, I really like it. It even serves as an interesting security device for times when one of my officemates tries to type something when I'm logged in :-) I did not have a book to learn from - I just started typing and learned by practice, assuming the basic "home positions" and ideas about which fingers should hit which keys are independent of the mapping from keys to letters. Unfortunately, as I type as much C code as text, I don't get nearly as much of a speedup as one might hope for, as the numbers and symbols are hard to get at on either keyboard. Dave Wonnacott davew@cs.umd.edu =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: jfieber@sophia.smith.edu (J Fieber) In article <747106128.17667@myrias.ab.ca> you write: >I wonder if there's anybody out there who can give me any >pointers to a good book, etc ... or a program to teach me. I just made a small printout of the layout and taped it to the bottom edge of my monitor. It worked fine an finally cured me of looking at the keyboard since looking there din't help! >Does anybody actually use a dvorak - I'd appreciate any comments you >have on its use. I've been using it for about 10 years and have no desire to give it up. :) I'm not particulary quick with my fingers so even with dvorak, my typing speed is short of amazing. The critical factor is that I find it *much* quicker and *much* less tiring to type dvorak. Spend a couple weeks learning and you will never want to go back. Thanks to computers, the occasions that you do are rare. Even on a dumb terminal you can have dvorak if you use GNU emacs! Many people feel that if they learn dvorak, they will forget qwerty. I have not found that to be true and switching back and forth does not cause too much greif. I often have to jump between a computer and typewriter and have not had problems. I've talked with others who have the same experience. Happy typing! -john -- =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: Will Rawls Dave, I also have been very interested in this prospect. I'm able to type between 60-70 words a minute now, but I understand that I could conceivably TRIPLE that by using a Dv keyboard. Would you be interested in starting a communication with me to form kind of a "support" group for learning it? We could encourage each other and exchange information about Dving. Anyways. Would you know of a good keyboard that would be available for the IBM (Dv, of course). Good luck one way or the other though! William Rawls rawls@xi.cs.fsu.edu =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: Leon Garretson If you haven't already gotten 500 replies, the same MAVIS program you mention has the Dvorak layout as an option. I tried it and gave up. Good Luck. =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: jgm@cs.brown.edu (Jonathan Monsarrat) Hi! > Does anybody actually use a dvorak - I'd appreciate any comments you > have on its use. I use the dvorak keyboard, although I have not gained as much speed with it as the american standard. I think that the dvorak keyboard is worth learning. However, you must have patience. Below are two xmodmap files which convert dvorak to qwerty and back again. The xdvorak program never worked for me, so I use these instead. Good luck! -Jon #! /bin/sh # This is a shell archive. Remove anything before this line, then unpack # it by saving it into a file and typing "sh file". To overwrite existing # files, type "sh file -c". You can also feed this as standard input via # unshar, or by typing "sh '.xmodmaprc.qwerty2dv' <<'END_OF_FILE' Xkeysym equal = bracketright braceright Xkeysym minus = bracketleft braceleft Xkeysym q = apostrophe quotedbl Xkeysym w = comma less Xkeysym e = period greater Xkeysym r = p Xkeysym t = y Xkeysym y = f Xkeysym u = g Xkeysym i = c Xkeysym o = r Xkeysym p = l Xkeysym bracketleft = slash question Xkeysym bracketright = equal plus Xkeysym s = o Xkeysym d = e Xkeysym f = u Xkeysym g = i Xkeysym h = d Xkeysym j = h Xkeysym k = t Xkeysym l = n Xkeysym semicolon = s Xkeysym apostrophe = minus underscore Xkeysym z = semicolon colon Xkeysym x = q Xkeysym c = j Xkeysym v = k Xkeysym b = x Xkeysym n = b Xkeysym comma = w Xkeysym period = v Xkeysym slash = z END_OF_FILE if test 621 -ne `wc -c <'.xmodmaprc.qwerty2dv'`; then echo shar: \"'.xmodmaprc.qwerty2dv'\" unpacked with wrong size! fi # end of '.xmodmaprc.qwerty2dv' fi if test -f '.xmodmaprc.revert' -a "${1}" != "-c" ; then echo shar: Will not clobber existing file \"'.xmodmaprc.revert'\" else echo shar: Extracting \"'.xmodmaprc.revert'\" \(655 characters\) sed "s/^X//" >'.xmodmaprc.revert' <<'END_OF_FILE' Xkeysym bracketright = equal plus Xkeysym bracketright = equal plus Xkeysym bracketleft = minus underscore Xkeysym apostrophe = q Xkeysym comma = w Xkeysym period = e Xkeysym p = r Xkeysym y = t Xkeysym f = y Xkeysym g = u Xkeysym c = i Xkeysym r = o Xkeysym l = p Xkeysym slash = bracketleft braceleft Xkeysym equal = bracketright braceright Xkeysym o = s Xkeysym e = d Xkeysym u = f Xkeysym i = g Xkeysym d = h Xkeysym h = j Xkeysym t = k Xkeysym n = l Xkeysym s = semicolon colon Xkeysym minus = apostrophe quotedbl Xkeysym semicolon = z Xkeysym q = x Xkeysym j = c Xkeysym k = v Xkeysym x = b Xkeysym b = n Xkeysym w = comma less Xkeysym v = period greater Xkeysym z = slash question X END_OF_FILE if test 655 -ne `wc -c <'.xmodmaprc.revert'`; then echo shar: \"'.xmodmaprc.revert'\" unpacked with wrong size! fi # end of '.xmodmaprc.revert' fi echo shar: End of shell archive. exit 0 =============================================================================== =============================================================================== From: starfox@eskimo.com (Joe Deskiewicz) You wrote: :> I wonder if there's anybody out there who can give me any :> pointers to a good book, etc ... or a program to teach me. I wrote a report on the DVORAK keyboard in school. I got my reasearch from: 1. The University Bookstore 2. Various books on Typing. 3. A REAL dvorak keyboard. However, this was two years ago. I'm not sure if theese sources are still available. But, I hope I'm some help. 2=^) (P.S. The keyboard was in an old thift store. It's gone TRUST ME!) ================================================================================ ================================================================================ From: Doug.Landauer@Eng.Sun.COM (Doug Landauer) I've been using a Dvorak-like layout for about 11 years now. The speed increase is real but negligible (5% to 10%). The more important advantage (IMHO) is the lower likelihood of wrist nerve damage and carpal tunnel syndrome. Here in SunPro, several people in my building alone have gotten CTS or its precursors or related problems since SPARCstations, with their awful keyboard layout, became prevalent. I think that my use of the Dvorak-like layout has been part of the reason that I have so far escaped this problem, and it is despite the fact that I've been putting in lots of long hours for about the past year. I didn't use anything to teach me it -- I just tried things, and typed sorta slowly for about a month. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Doug.Landauer@sun.com "Sukkiri ga ii." ================================================================================ ================================================================================ From: sos@oz.plymouth.edu (Steffan O'Sullivan) In article <747106128.17667@myrias.ab.ca> you write: >I am interested in learning to type using a dvorak keyboard. > >I wonder if there's anybody out there who can give me any >pointers to a good book, etc ... or a program to teach me. > >ala Mavis Beacon :-) for the PC. Yes, Typing Tutor IV is programmed to use the Dvorak keyboard - that is, teach the home row first, then the farther letters. It's how I learned. >I have got the dvorak program that makes my x keyboard behave as if >it is a dvorak keyboard. > >Does anybody actually use a dvorak - I'd appreciate any comments you >have on its use. My only comment is that you're in trouble when you have to do a lot of typing on other machines. I learned Dvorak keyboard 5 years ago, before I knew I'd have to type a lot at work. My own desk computer is a PC, so I can handle that, but the main computers shared with others is a mainframe, with no Dvorak capability. Likewise with the occasions I have to use a typewriter. Still, I now type 55 wpm, whereas with the QWERTY layout, the max I ever did was 13! ================================================================================ ================================================================================ From: "Jeff Nelson" I'm also interested in learning to use a Dvorak keymap. Any good ideas?? I've heard that people have been known to double their typing speed by switching to a Dvorak keymap/board. - Jeff ================================================================================ ================================================================================ From: gasior@ltpsun.gsfc.nasa.gov (Eric Gasior) I been using a Dvorak keyboard on my Mac for a couple of months. The biggest problem I have is that my typing speed hasn't recovered, but that's partly because the key caps are still for a standard keyboard. It is more comfortable than a qwerty keyboard - my fingers and wrists move less. Adapting to the new punctuation positions is wierd. The only serious complaint that I have with the design is that the "f" key should be easier to reach. ================================================================================ ================================================================================ End of replies ................................................................. Article 2812 of comp.terminals: Newsgroups: comp.terminals Path: cs.utk.edu!stc06.CTD.ORNL.GOV!fnnews.fnal.gov!gw1.att.com!news.bu.edu!olivea!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!yeshua.marcam.com!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uchinews!iitmax!thssrkr From: thssrkr@iitmax.iit.edu (Raghunath K. Rao) Subject: Innovative Keyboard Message-ID: <1994Aug25.200735.13285@iitmax.iit.edu> Organization: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Date: Thu, 25 Aug 94 20:07:35 GMT Lines: 52 I'm posting this for a friend. Interested parties, please reply to him directly at : jba@iitmax.acc.iit.edu . ------------------------------------------------------------------------- An Innovative Compact Keyboard for Easy Head-Up Typing Inventor: Prof. Jezekiel Ben-Arie 3301, S. Dearborn St., Department of Electrical Engineering Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616 Ph: (312)567-3413. Fax: (312)567-8976 Email: jba@iitmax.acc.iit.edu Dear Sirs, We would like to interest you in securing the rights of a novel kind of keyboard for computer data entry which was recently granted a U. S. Patent. The innovative advantages over conventional computer keyboards include: 1. Its size is only about 25% of the regular keyboard. 2. It requires minimal training and facilitates easy head-up typing which is natural even to beginners. 3. It can also serve as a pointing device, thus eliminating the need of an additional mouse or trackball. 4. It is ideally suited for Laptop and other small computers where space is constrained. 5. It has very few moving parts and therefore is more reliable and robust compared to conventional keyboards. 6. The operating principle ergonomically matches the human hands and the typing operation causes minimal strain on the wrists and fingers. 7. It can accommodate considerably more alpha-numeric characters and symbols than regular keyboards. 8. It requires simpler electronics and circuitry than conventional keyboards. 9. It can be easily installed in conjunction with regular keyboards as a peripheral device. If your firm is interested in more details describing this invention, please contact us for initiating more discussions. Sincerely yours, Jezekiel Ben-Arie (D.Sc.) Article 3186 of comp.terminals: Path: cs.utk.edu!news.msfc.nasa.gov!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!news.mathworks.com!news.alpha.net!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!swiss.ans.net!nntp.interaccess.com!nb-dyna25.interaccess.com!user From: christel@interaccess.com (Chris Stelmack) Newsgroups: comp.terminals Subject: ADJUSTABLE KEYBOARD/Trial Offer Date: Thu, 17 Nov 1994 19:08:49 -0600 Organization: IAC Lines: 37 Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: nb-dyna25.interaccess.com From: christel@interaccess.com (Chris Stelmack, Internet Mktg. Consultant) Subject: New Adjustable Keyboard: Free Trial Offer Date: Wednesday, November 17, 1994 I'm pleased to announce Lexmark Int'l, a former division of IBM; and BackCare Corporation, a Chicago based computer ergonomic company; have signed a national distribution agreement for distribution of Lexmark's Select-Ease keyboard. The new keyboard features an innovative design for flexibility and adjustability, allowing the user to shape the keyboard into a number of different positions. The keyboard features a separate 10-key number pad, which can be placed on the right or left side of the keyboard. The retail price of the keyboard with the number pad is $199.00 and $179.00 without the number pad. Neal Taslitz, President and CEO of the BackCare Corporation, said: "the Lexmark Select-Ease offers multiple adjustments and user friendly features, which many computer users need to type comfortably and efficiently--at an affordable price." Taslitz believes the Select-Ease design is one of the best he has seen to date, at a price that is far less than others with less flexibility. Taslitz has followed computer ergonomics closely for the past six years and says that corporate America has now begun to understand the benefits that they can gain, by allowing their employees to adjust their workstations to their own needs. He believes the keyboard to be an important part of the ergonomic equation. We invite you to evaluate the Select-Ease keyboard* for thirty days with an unconditional return. If interested, please advise Chris Stelmack via e-mail (address is: christel@interaccess.com). Under subject, please type "Keyboard". Further ordering instructions will be sent to you. *Note: Select-Ease is compatible with the IBM PS/1, PS/2, 286AT - and all IBM compatibles. Article 2633 of misc.education.home-school.misc: Newsgroups: misc.education.home-school.misc Path: cs.utk.edu!stc06.CTD.ORNL.GOV!fnnews.fnal.gov!uwm.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!news.clark.net!rahul.net!a2i!olivea!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!csusac!csus.edu!netcom.com!abbott From: abbott@netcom.com (Dot Abbott) Subject: Re: Any typing-for-kids freeware? Message-ID: Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest) X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL1] References: <3i2auo$48e@lucy.infi.net> Date: Wed, 22 Feb 1995 17:49:20 GMT Lines: 16 Sender: abbott@netcom6.netcom.com Mark Randall Henry (henry@infi.net) wrote: : Does any of you recommend any particular software for teaching keyboarding : to 1st and 2nd graders? Is there freeware for such on the Internet? Although there may be some good shareware available, sometimes you get what you pay for. Check out "Super Mario Teaches Typing" or "Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing" for kids. Both offer some fun scenes for the kids to keep them interested. Typing the correct responses brings about certain results (you can make Mario "do" things, etc.) The Mario version has won several awards. Keep it fun! Dot Abbott -- Dot Article 8227 of alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt: Newsgroups: alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt Path: cs.utk.edu!news.msfc.nasa.gov!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!news.moneng.mei.com!howland.reston.ans.net!ix.netcom.com!netcom.com!emartini From: emartini@netcom.com (Ed Martini) Subject: Re: building a RS-232 keyboard/chording-device ??? Message-ID: Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest) X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL1] References: <3v61qa$4lu@caip.rutgers.edu> Date: Thu, 27 Jul 1995 22:04:01 GMT Lines: 11 Sender: emartini@netcom21.netcom.com Use an 8751, 10 switches (thumbs), and a max232 for rs232 level generation. The whole circuit can be build with the two chips, a crystal, and a handful of caps and resistors. I've always thought ski pole grips would be a good place to start for the actual "keyboards". Ed Martini Project Manager Digital Video Systems Sunnyvale, CA Article 8263 of alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt: Newsgroups: alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt Path: cs.utk.edu!cssun.mathcs.emory.edu!emory!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!news.mindlink.net!vanbc.wimsey.com!io.org!torfree!aa005 From: aa005@torfree.net (Colin McGregor) Subject: Re: building a RS-232 keyboard/chording-device ??? Message-ID: Organization: Toronto Free-Net X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] References: <3v61qa$4lu@caip.rutgers.edu> Date: Sun, 30 Jul 1995 14:20:49 GMT Lines: 27 Stephen Paul Lesniewski (spl@caip.rutgers.edu) wrote: : This is my first time posting to this group plus I'm a some : what of a newbie at this home built stuff, so please forgive me if I : ask silly questions. No problem, everyone has to start somewhere. : My main question is, how to build a circuit that has, say, 8 : input switches, take the states of those switches and download them to : a computer via a RS232 port? I'd like to build a chording keyboard : for the PC and using the RS232 would allow me easily to move it : (later) to other machines (like Apple's Newton or a Sun workstation). : Can someone pass me a pointer to a place that would have such : a device/circuit? Have a look at the December 1993 Circuit Cellar Ink ("The Computer Applications Journal") issue #41. Starting on page 22 you will find an item about building a 5 key Chordic Keyboard system with a 2 line x 40 character display and an RS-232 port. The idea being that by itself the unit can do some data entry/editing (the unit being driven off a small commercial 80C32 based controler board), and then under command it can transmit data via the RS-232 port. Even if this isn't quite the ticket for you, it should give you some good ideas to get started with. Colin McGregor. :.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. Circuit Cellar Ink 4 Park St. Vernon, CT 06066 USA voice: +1 860/875-2199 fax: +1 860/872-2204 e-mail: Web: http://www.circellar.com/ Back issues are available for $4.00 each. Most issues are still available in their original print- ed form; those that have sold out are provided as photocopies. Issues are not available on-line. :.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Article 42571 of comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc: Path: cs.utk.edu!gatech!news.mathworks.com!news.kei.com!world!blanket.mitre.org!linus.mitre.org!news.mitre.org!mwunix!jcmorris From: jcmorris@mwunix.mitre.org (Joe Morris) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.misc Subject: Re: Microsoft Natural Keyboard Date: 20 Nov 1995 17:42:02 GMT Organization: The MITRE Corporation Lines: 54 Message-ID: <48qela$i6q@reuters2.mitre.org> References: <48mdd7$3fl@ixnews5.ix.netcom.com> NNTP-Posting-Host: mwunix.mitre.org jaevans@ix.netcom.com (Andy Evans) writes: >Is there someone out there that would be able to provide me with a pinout or >some other such diagram that would allow me to repair my beloved keyboard? I >have tried calling Microsoft and they didn't have a clue as to what I wanted - >and since I've been inside the keyboard already, they may charge me large >quantities of $$$ for repair. You need just the connector cable, but MS probably won't sell it to you unless policy has changed. A while back someone posted to USENET a report that his MS Mouse cable was damaged (supposedly the cat chewed through it...) and MS explicitly refused to sell a replacement. It wouldn't hurt to try calling MS, however, and ask for a supervisor if whoever you're talking to doesn't understand your question. If you can rebuild the mini-DIN connector, here are the pinouts: Looking into the connector at the CPU end of the cable, you see six pins, plus the key. Counting *clockwise* from the key, the pins are: 6 - reserved 4 - +5 VDC 2 - reserved 1 - +data 3 - ground 5 - keyboard clock (remember: you're looking into the connector on the cable, with the cable to the keyboard going away from you.) Looking down on the connector to the PCB inside the keyboard, you see (left-to-right) with the results of my quick ringout of the cable: Red - pin 5 Brown - pin 3 clear - n/c Yellow - pin 4 Black - pin 1 so the color sequence at the mini-DIN connector, clockwise from the key, is n/c, yellow, n/c, black, brown, red. None of the five PCB connections has continuity to the shell of the mini-DIN. I don't know where the clear wire on the center pin of the PCB connector goes; I expect that the mini-DIN shell is tied to the cable shield. Note: I checked this, wrote up my notes, and reassembled the keyboard. After I did this I realized that I hadn't written down the color sequence on the PCB connector so that's from memory, but the color-to-pin data is from my written notes. (Of course, the color mappings might change between OEM suppliers to Microsoft...) Joe Morris / MITRE =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec,comp.sys.intel,comp.arch,alt.folklore.computers Followup-To: alt.folklore.computers Path: utkcs2!stc06.ctd.ornl.gov!news.he.net!www.nntp.primenet.com !nntp.primenet.com!su-news-hub1.bbnplanet.com!news.bbnplanet.com !feeder.chicago.cic.net!198.87.18.12!newsxfer.nether.net !newsjunkie.ans.net!newsfeeds.ans.net!lantana.singnet.com.sg !newsfeed.singnet.com.sg!sheraton.asianconnect.com!deeranp Message-ID: References: <5mfvak$1q0@reader.seed.net.tw> <5mqgoa$la3$1@earth.execpc.com> <0000339307C1.NO_UCE@mauve.demon.co.uk> <5mv75m$1ep@polo.demon.co.uk> <5n00ib$or5$1@earth.execpc.com> Date: 5 Jun 1997 02:33:02 GMT From: deeranp@ocean.asianconnect.com (Deeran Peethamparam) Subject: chorded keyboards : Twiddler review Ron Bean was reported as saying: > The other two chord keyboards are the Infogrip "Bat" and the > Handykey "Twiddler", both about $200. They each take a slightly > different approach, so check 'em all out. I've just bought the Twiddler -- USD199 plus USD28.80 for shipping here to Singapore. It took about 4 weeks (after I'd sent off an International Bank Draft) for the unit to reach .sg via US Postal Service. Quality is so-so, it feels a tad flimsy, and the paint on the keys looks like it's going to rub off with heavy usage. There are drivers for Linux (user level, no kernel patches req'd), for DOS and Windows 3.1, and _finally_ for Win95 and WinNT. The Linux driver is a bit of a hassle to setup, I'll prolly go in and hack the code a bit to make it easier to use and more robust. The Win95 driver works fine. It's kinda strange to hold at first, but you get used to it. My girlfriend, who has small hands, has trouble using it -- it's just too big for her. Typing speed right now is s-l-o-o-o-o-w. Hark back to the days you first used a QWERTY keyboard, and had to hunt and peck for each and every key. Now imagine you only have 12 keys and have to remember arcane key combinations in order to get all the letters and symbols. Now imagine that the keyboard is facing away from you and you can't even see the keys. :-) But with practice, I'm sure I'll get up to 40 or so wpm. That would be slower than my current 65-70wpm touch typing, but seeing as how an hour touch typing just kills my wrists, a little time spent on the Twiddler would pay off heaps. [ .. URLs snipped .. ] > The Data Egg just lists a guy's email address, but the pictures > of it look really cool :-) I wanted to buy one--but seeing as how it's not available yet, the Twiddler was the only choice. Hope this info helps someone out there. As usual, YMMV. Cheers. Deeran -- Deeran Peethamparam \\ PGP: finger deeranp@merlion.singnet.com.sg deeranp@singnet.com.sg \\ HTTP: http://www.singnet.com.sg/~deeranp deeranp@ocean.asianconnect.com \\ Will administer UNIX for chocolate. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Newsgroups: alt.folklore.computers Date: 5 Jun 1997 10:12:34 -0400 From: yanek@martinson.com Subject: Re: chorded keyboards : Twiddler review In deeranp@ocean.asianconnect.com (Deeran Peethamparam) writes: > >I've just bought the Twiddler -- USD199 plus USD28.80 for shipping >here to Singapore. It took about 4 weeks (after I'd sent off an >International Bank Draft) for the unit to reach .sg via US Postal >Service. Just to let people know of an alternative place to get a Twiddler. When I decided I wanted one to play with, I looked into buying it from HandyKey. They wanted me to send them a check, wait for it to clear, etc., etc. A quick AltaVista search found http://www.safecomputing.com/ that had the device in stock, sold it for less ($179), accepted my Visa card, and shipped it the same day, using my own fedex account. I placed the order moments before 5pm EST, and had the Twiddler on my desk the following morning. -- Yanek Martinson, President yanek@martinson.com SatelNet Communications, Inc. (954) 321-5660 (718) 237-2032 Is YOUR Pilot Online? See http://www.pilotmail.net/ for more information. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec,comp.sys.intel,comp.arch,alt.folklore.computers Path: utkcs2!stc06.ctd.ornl.gov!news.he.net!news.maxwell.syr.edu !howland.erols.net!newspump.sol.net!posts.execpc.com!earth.execpc.com Message-ID: <5n55p0$ie0$1@earth.execpc.com> References: <5mfvak$1q0@reader.seed.net.tw> <338def4e.5629922@news.demon.co.uk> <338ED5D8.41C6@rudolf.nscl.msu.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: earth.execpc.com Date: 4 Jun 1997 20:46:08 -0500 From: rbean@earth.execpc.com (Ron Bean) Subject: Re: Why people accept bad keyboards dp@world.std.com (Jeff DelPapa) writes: > > I don't understand where the idea that a chording keyboard would help > with overuse injuries came from. Given that they require more finger > movement, as you have to press several buttons for each keystroke, > they seem to multiply finger use. Not a good thing. The difference is that you don't have to stretch your fingers to reach the keys that are off the "home row", because a chord keyboard only has one "row". If you include the distance you move away from the home row, a chord keyboard has less finger movement. If it's designed properly (with good quality keyswitches), your fingers barely have to move at all. Wrist position is also important, and this depends on the overall design of the keyboard. But you have fewer design constraints with a chord keyboard because you have fewer keys, so you have a better chance of coming up with a design that works. > Overuse injuries are complicated, and there is unfortunately no one > right answer. No disagreement there. Also, I've heard that job-related stress can make it worse, and no magic keyboard is going to solve that. (This should not be too surprising, since stress makes a lot of things worse.) In any case, as far as I know the original purpose of the chord keyboard was to allow you to keep your other hand on the mouse; nobody was worried about RSI's back then. I've heard that they were always used together at SRI, but for some reason Xerox and Apple thought they could do it all with the mouse (much to the chagrin of touch-typists-- note that chording is just a different kind of touch-typing). I think the folks at SRI would have used the regular keyboard for large volumes of text entry, but I could be wrong. IBM had a different idea where they used chords for common letter sequences, so that you could type *faster*, but again they weren't concerned about RSI's (there's an article about their experimental keyboard in IEEE Computer, Dec 1978). The Microwriter Agenda used a chord keyboard because it would fit in your pocket-- an excellent idea, but for some reason people assumed it would be hard to learn (the research says otherwise). The keyboards on most pocket-sized computers certainly aren't any easier to use than a chord keyboard. > (this is spoken > from someone that an "air keyboard" causes pain) What's an "air keyboard"? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= [Archiver's Note: "using an air keyboard" means pretending to type, in the air. Your archiver typed these words on a Microsoft Natural Keyboard, which is actually made by Key Tronic, with a bit of software in place to make the CapsLock key act as a Control key. With some applications, I have a Dvorak layout configured, also. ...RSS ] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=