geekhack Community > Input Devices

Strange thing to us as a mouse pad

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graywolf:
I was trying to adjust to the extra width of the IBM Model M Keyboard. The reach to the mouse was too long. I tried it on the left side of the keyboard but it was awkward and the mouse pad kept moving around. I thought, "Maybe if I use a place mat as a mouse pad, I can put it partially under the keyboard to hold it in place". I tried it but then the keyboard was wobbly. I sat and looked at it for a few minutes and suddenly a flashbulb went off over my head (figurative speaking, I use them with my Speed Graphic and would not waste one like that).



You would think it would get in the way down there, but it does not seem to. The trick is to put it where it is between your wrists when you are typing. I did that by centering he cursor on the screen and then picking up the mouse and moving to to a point just below the "B" key. I find that instead of lifting my hand and moving it all the way to the end of the keyboard, I can just bend my arm at the elbow and my hand is on the mouse, bend it back and my hand is on the keyboard.

I will not know until I use it this way for awhile just how well I will wind up liking the idea. I figure I will have to give it at least a week because I keep moving my hand to the right end of the keyboard and then after hesitating bringing it back to the new mouse position. I do not think it would work for people who have their keyboard and mouse on a slide out tray, but for those of us who work on the table top it may be a better way to catch a mouse.

iMav:
Don't the glasses get in the way?  ;)

I like having my keyboard close (and I do use a keyboard tray when I am in my office)....I'm definitely interested in hearing how you like your new setup in a few weeks.

graywolf:

--- Quote from: iMav;7450 ---Don't the glasses get in the way?  ;)

I like having my keyboard close (and I do use a keyboard tray when I am in my office)....I'm definitely interested in hearing how you like your new setup in a few weeks.
--- End quote ---


Nah, They are on my face when I am using the computer. I refuse to wear trifocals, bifocals are bad enough. They usually hang over the top edge of the smaller monitor when I am not wearing them or taking photos of my retro computer setup.

OK, I will do a post, pro, or con.

xsphat:
I think it's a neat idea as well. I'm interested in your thoughts after some time too.

graywolf:
Well, it has been a week and the mouse is still there. I find I like it just a bit farther to the left than when I started using it there, about under the "C" key. I did move the keyboard over in front of the small monitor so it is now parallel to the edge of the desk. That way I can turn my chair to the left and browse with my forearm laying along the desk with the mouse in the same position. The posed photos below show what I mean (Note: you can not see my main monitor in them as it is diagonally to the left of me).

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