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From: rmh@apple.com (Rick Holzgrafe)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc,comp.sys.mac.hardware
Subject: Re: Chords (was Re: a plea to Apple -- something for the offhand
Message-ID: <9440@goofy.Apple.COM>
Date: 26 Jul 90 18:21:36 GMT
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Organization: Apple Computer, Inc.
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References:<1412@gazette.bcm.tmc.edu> <2787@uakari.primate.wisc.edu> <1396@idunno.Princeton.EDU>

On the subject of chording...

In article <1396@idunno.Princeton.EDU> vnend@phoenix.Princeton.EDU (D. W. 
James) writes:
> I now suspect that you would have to watch the design *very*
> carefully to avoid creating a situation that would really encourage
> carpal tunnel syndrome and other ergonomic nasties.

Too right! And I'm the wrong person to pontificate, since I know nothing 
of the mechanics of the human hand and arm. But... everyone keeps saying 
"keyboard" - I wonder if the best design wouldn't be something you'd hold 
in a loosely curled fist, instead of something that sits on your desk. For 
a first try: take the handle off a joystick that's been well-shaped to fit 
comfortably in the hand. Add buttons under the four fingers. Make sure 
that all buttons, including the thumb's, are easy to click and have a 
short throw. Run a light wire, like a mouse cable, out the bottom. Now you 
can chord with your hand lying relaxed in your lap.

Am I crazy? Or is it a good idea? Ignorant minds (mine!) want to know. :-)

==========================================================================
Rick Holzgrafe              |    {sun,voder,nsc,mtxinu,dual}!apple!rmh
Software Engineer           | AppleLink HOLZGRAFE1          rmh@apple.com
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