Jean-Paul S. Boodhoo's Blog - One Step Closer To Mouseless Computing

Being that I have been experiencing a bit of discomfort when I type as of late. I thought I would take drastic measures to prevent RSI from becoming an issue. After reading Carl’s post about the DataHand I decided to spend some time online researching the product. After pouring through testimonials, user guides and PDF’s I decided to call the sales department.

I asked to speak to someone who actually used the datahand. It just so happened that the person I was talking to had been using the product since 1998. I grilled her about the mechanics and how friendly it is towards programmers. She even took the time to describe to me how I could perform my refactorings in ReSharper. She also mentioned that she has not used a mouse since adopting the product.

Well that was it. A way to decrease the stress of typing on my arms and wrists while also achieving mouseless computing (physical mouse that is); I was sold.

My DataHand should ship by the 15th of June. At which point I am sure that I am going to be going through a massive un-learning/re-learning of how to type with this, what looks to be, phenomenal device.

Comments [10] | |

Friday, May 25, 2007 12:12:43 PM (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)

You have been assimilated. ;)

Friday, May 25, 2007 2:41:23 PM (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)

The website says they've had a run on stock so shipments are delayed by 6 weeks. Congrats JP, you've single handidly caused the Slashdot effect by yourself on this poor little company ;)

Looks interesting so I'll be looking forward to your findings. I don't suffer from RSI and never get discomfort typing. I am trying to get to 0-mouse action (even turning off my mousepad) but it'll take awhile (but things like SlickRun and other tools help, there's just a LOT of keyboard shortcuts to remember).

Bil Simser

Friday, May 25, 2007 4:33:43 PM (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)

Looks very interesting. I'm trying to move myself to the point where I can code in bed with a huge monitor attached to my roof, this looks like just the thing!

You may want to check into if the unit is configurable to the Dvorak keyboard. Since you're going to have to learn something new anyways, you might want to switch to the faster keyboard at the same time.

Make sure you post an update once you get the device and another a couple months later!

Peace

Greg Leepart

Friday, May 25, 2007 7:39:10 PM (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)

The DataHand and other ergonomic input devices have always interested me as I too experience discomfort when working at a PC for too long. My major concern however is that, just as you might customise your IDE, assign shortcut keys to programs, or reposition your taskbar, as soon as you become accustomed to your new environment and improve your productivity, when you have to move to a default environment (perhaps to deliver a presentation or work onsite for a few days) your productivity will plummet.

Good luck with your new purchase though, I'm eager to hear how it works out for you.

Jason Stangroome

Sunday, May 27, 2007 6:58:48 PM (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)

@Jason,

Good points. How do I get around that? I am a bit particular when it comes to that stuff!! I always take my natural keyboard with me to new clients, and I always carry it with me when I am on the road or doing presentations. There has not been one time in the last 2 years when I have not used my natural keyboard. Looks like I will be retiring the natural keyboard in favor of the DataHand!!

I’ll make sure to post about my experiences with it.

JP

Jean-Paul S. Boodhoo

Monday, May 28, 2007 10:19:21 AM (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)

I'm assuming you bought the Professional II as opposed to the Personal. From what I can tell, the only difference is the ability to program macros etc. But this can be done via other means (unless I'm mistaken here - their site leaves a lot to be desired) - therefore, is it worth the cost difference? And why did you choose the model that you went with?

Thanks!

Ted Jardine

Monday, May 28, 2007 10:23:38 AM (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)

Ahhhh...remind me to google the site first. If anyone else is interested, here's som FAQs:

4. Are the keys re-mappable?
Yes. The user following instructions in the User's Guide can change most keys on the DataHand Professional II. Others can be changed using software. A list of available programs can be provided by sending e-mail or calling DataHand Systems. Some of the programs are freeware, and others are shareware.

5. What is the difference between the DataHand Personal Edition and the DataHand Professional II?
They are the same except the DataHand Professional II offers re-mappable keys, macro programming capabilities.

6. Can macros be programmed?
Yes. The DataHand Professional II offers macro-programming capabilities. Approximately twenty macros, each with five keystrokes, can be programmed.

Therefore, the question still remains whether it's worth the $178 difference.

Ted Jardine

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 12:28:10 PM (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)

Are you going to switch to Dvorak at the same time?

This is a compelling alternative. I'd want to make the switch when I have a couple of weeks "off" to practice it though.

Wade

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 5:43:24 AM (Mountain Standard Time, UTC-07:00)

I'll have to Google the Dvorak keyboard thing. Heard about it before. Jean-Paul, you should try workrave (http://workrave.org). Sets up short and long break reminders with onscreen excersies to help prevent/recover from rsi. Good product if you can discpline yourself to listen to it. :)

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Abe

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