On Sat, 21 Feb 2004, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

On Fri, Feb 20, 2004 at 03:53:21PM -0500, Ted Zlatanov wrote:
>> Most "hardcore" computer users, based on my observations, don't
>> use the keypad.
> 
> The problem with the keypad is that is it is foo far to reach. I
> don't even like reaching for the cursor key block when the app
> doesn't do anything sane with ^N ^P ^F ^B as I have to move my hands
> to do so.

That depends on arm length.  I have fairly long arms so reaching for
the keypad is very easy.  From the viewpoint of ergonomics, avoiding
the mouse and frequent chording is 90% of the battle :)

> Some Sun keyboard models conveniently have keys left of the main
> part of the keyboard and can still be conveniently reached; they're
> closer to the primary position of the left hand in the ten finger
> system than the cursor key block is to the right hand, almost like
> pressing the enter or backspace keys. The PC keyboard design is
> totally flawed as it so asymmentric.

Agreed.  Older Sun keyboards have their own issues, but the type 6 USB
keyboard I use at work has a very nice layout.  I've also tried
Kinesys and found them awkward at best.  As usual, my hand size
(larger than normal) is a problem - the Kinesys always felt too
cramped to me.  In the end, it's an intensely personal choice.

> And now add the mouse to the right of the keyboard.. as if clicking
> around wasn't strainful enough already. I've actually started using
> the mouse with the my left hand for ergonomy, although I am
> right-handed.  No, you can't do any precision work with that setup
> -- not that the mouse is any good for such tasks in any case -- but
> it's worked well enough for my needs after a few weeks of trial and
> error.

Maybe you should try a pen+tablet combination.  They are not bad, and
for me (since I write with my left) using the pen with my left hand
feels natural.

>> I could not figure out how to put the ionws bindings in a file NOT
>> called ionws.lua.  I would like to have just one configuration file
>> for all my keybindings.  
> 
> Load the bindings configuration file _after_ any modules for which
> bindings need to be configured.

Thanks for the help!

Ted

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