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keyboard interface gripes — Parallax Forums

keyboard interface gripes

LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
edited 2012-07-07 14:49 in General Discussion
There was a time when I typed 50+ WPM easily and cleanly. But I have been noticing that my text seems to have more and more typos.

The question is where does the problem lie? Is it me or has the user interface gotten packed with too many features to ergonomically be efficient? I am suspecting the latter is becoming true.

In general, I fear that ergonomics is being ignored more and more as user-interfaces are designed more and more for glitz rather than truly productive functionality.

The situation becomes substantially worse on my netbook as the keyboard is smaller and the touchpad gets in the way. At times, an accidental swipe at the touch pad sends the screen into unknown regions and accidentally hitting a hot key is another hazard.

I realize the implications are that I should shut down the touch pad and reconfigure all the hot keys to be dead (maybe having the keyboard ignore CONTROL and ALT.

What do others do? As it is, I am rereading everything and perpetually removing typos.

Comments

  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2012-07-07 08:44
    Keyboard quality has declined over the years. The Apple keyboard I'm using right now is like typing on a pillow -- no tactile feedback, horrible ergonomics. For my shop PC, I purchased an authentic IBM model M "clicky" keyboard. It has the same feel and tactile feedback as a Selectric typewriter, and it has fostered a significant improvement in my typing speed and accuracy.

    -Phil
  • Peter KG6LSEPeter KG6LSE Posts: 1,383
    edited 2012-07-07 10:50
    Ahh Yes the IBM 104 with a HUGE DIN plug .. ad by now a a yellow case ( too much UV)


    I have grown used to the mac one I have . its not too bad . but Yea its not a 104 . at least we are not typing on a glass panel *COUGH TABLET *

    the one thing apple does to right and at the very least is consistent is trackpads ... its totaly hit and miss with a most sub grand laptops My dads Old HP was useless with its pad . the toughbook and the now dead G4 Powerbook have wonderfull trackpads and keyboards..

    I guess you pay for it these days . some of the HP/ toshiba ones have a HUGE travle to right or left click . I mean like 1/4 inch . yuck !
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2012-07-07 10:54
    Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) wrote: »
    Keyboard quality has declined over the years. The Apple keyboard I'm using right now is like typing on a pillow -- no tactile feedback, horrible ergonomics. For my shop PC, I purchased an authentic IBM model M "clicky" keyboard. It has the same feel and tactile feedback as a Selectric typewriter, and it has fostered a significant improvement in my typing speed and accuracy.

    -Phil

    I loved the old IBM keyboards. AND you knew the secretary was inputting orders instead of playing solitaire.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2012-07-07 11:27
    Don' get me started on trackpads. I hate 'em! I've got two ancient IBM laptops, and they both have the "stick." It works fine when I'm not somewhere I can use a mouse.

    -Phil
  • Invent-O-DocInvent-O-Doc Posts: 768
    edited 2012-07-07 14:49
    Yup, I use an IBM buckling key board too. You can still buy them - www.unicomp.com (made in usa) and there is a german themed one with similar keys - Das Keyboard.

    Can't use anything else.
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