Path: utzoo!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!ut-emx!tivoli!greylock!lark
From: lark@greylock.tivoli.com (Lar Kaufman)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec
Subject: keyboard, mouse, hockey puck
Keywords: keyboard mouse schematics
Message-ID: <448@tivoli.UUCP>
Date: 4 Mar 91 16:14:21 GMT
Sender: news@tivoli.UUCP
Reply-To: lark@tivoli.com (Lar Kaufman)
Organization: TIVOLI Systems, Inc.
Lines: 31

Our documentation group is using a DEC 2100, 3100, and a 5000.  We are 
not happy with the keyboard layout or tactile feedback of these keyboards,
which make touchtyping in a Unix environment very frustrating.  Also, 
the hockey puck mouse is a nuisance to use for drawing in, say, FrameMaker, 
because it is very difficult to determine the direction the mouse is
pointing.  Also, the mouse is fatiguing to use for one of the writers, 
who has small hands.

What alternative keyboards/mice are available for these workstations? 
If there are none, can someone provide schematics for the keyboard 
and mouse so I can build an interface to use a PC AT-type keyboard and 
mouse with these systems?

A final option: We made inquiries to DEC for keyboard alternatives, and 
was told that there were none, unless we wanted them to build us a 
custom keyboard.  Apparently they have done so for some large customers,
but we are only talking about 3-5 machines here.  Does someone out there 
have a nice custom keyboard that they can sell us at a reasonable price?

Ditto, mouse?

Thanks,

-lar

P.S.  Makes you wonder what kind of ergonomic studies DEC does, doesn't it?

Lar Kaufman            I would feel more optimistic about a bright future
(voice) 512-794-9070   for man if he spent less time proving that he can
(fax)   512-794-0623   outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness 
lark@tivoli.com        and respecting her seniority.  - E.B. White