by TorbenGB » 18 May 2005, 09:47
I thought I'd write a short summary of how I'm doing with my TouchStream keyboard, now that I've used it for four months.
On typing:
I'm still not up to my usual writing speed, and I don't think I ever will be. The lack of tactile feedback slows my typing and reduces my accuracy. I hit wrong keys more often than on a normal mechanical keyboard, and I use the handy backspace a lot. My typing speed is maybe at 85% of what I used to, but the missing 15% are more than made up for with the ease and comfort of the many gestures and not having to reach for the mouse.
I've placed a lot of text fragments and codes on the Symbol Pad and done a few modifications to the key layout, but that's about it.
On general usage and gestures:
On a mechanical keyboard, I can use keyboard shortcuts much quicker than on the TS, but they are made obsolete by the many gestures and by the fact that I don't have to reach for the mouse. Now it's often faster to gesture and use the mouse, simply because it's right under my fingertips.
I haven't modified or invented any new gestures -- I still find the gesture editing somewhat puzzling, but then again I don't really feel the need to change or add any gestures anyway.
Transporting the TS:
I'm mostly using my TS at work. I don't often bother to take it home with me, and I don't spend that much time in front of the computer at home. But when I do use the home computer, oh how I miss the gestures! So when I know that I'll be doing stuff after work, I will pack up my TS and bring it home.
I've cut out a piece of a 10mm rubber-foam sheet that I can place on the right half of the TS, coil up the cable in the middle, and close the left TS over it as a lid - then secure with a simple rubber band. This serves as a simple and effective travel protection for the TS's surface and cable.
All in all, I am very happy with the TS and I would sorely miss it if it were to break.
Because the FW site seems to become unreliable, I am investing some time and effort in establishing this new user community. It is my hope to offer the users a new place to support their common interest in zero-force input devices and FW products in particular.
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