Author Topic: rollermouse pro 2 pics!  (Read 23874 times)

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Offline jpc

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  • Posts: 363
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« on: Tue, 02 August 2011, 17:30:51 »
In the past year, I picked up a couple pointing devices. The big guy front and center is a new addition.

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 23121[/ATTACH]

Not shown: a Unicomp Endurapro, a CST, a Logitech Trackman Wheel, and a ThinkPad touchpad.

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 23122[/ATTACH]

Whatever hand I point with still gets twitchy and sore. Maybe the rollermouse will solve it once and for all?

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 23123[/ATTACH]

It's heavy. Solid. Easy to start using. High res.

It's Linux-friendly. All five buttons generate unique button codes in Linux with no special software. The left and right buttons send codes 1 and 3 as you would expect. The "Double Click" button sends code 2; it also can be set (via a hardware switch) to send two code 1s. The Copy and Paste buttons send codes 8 and 9. The xinput utility can tune the acceleration and xmodmap can reassign the buttons any way you like.

Contour Design has a 30-day free trial offer, in case you don't want to buy a $200 mouse sight unseen.

I will post a full review after the new-toy-review cool-off period has elapsed, as required by law.

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 02 August 2011, 18:27:09 »
I love mine used for 2 years. Awesome and worth every penny. I'm going to mod one soon.
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
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Offline jpc

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 02 August 2011, 19:37:20 »
The rollermouse is a mechanical touchpad. It's like using a touchpad, but more precise. The motion and momentum of the roller create haptic feedback.

@inputnirvana: You're shortening a rollermouse, right? Makes sense. They are wiiiide. On the upside, you don't often reach the edge of the left-right axis, that isn't an issue at all.

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 02 August 2011, 19:45:24 »
I've figured that the unaccelerated movement of the bar is 4" side to side. So 8" should give the coverage needed, plus if you factor in some acceleration, you shouldn't hit the edges too often, but I know it will happen more. The price you pay to integrate in a Kinesis Contoured keyboard! I think the overall length will be 10".
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline jpc

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 02 August 2011, 21:26:12 »
You are a madman!! Integrated in a Kinesis? I can't wait to see the pics :biggrin:

I wish Kinesis would integrate a medium size trackball into the center of the Kinesis. There's room for it; the board is tall enough at the center. I'd buy one.

An integrated rollermouse would work too.

The rollermouse is an excellent wrist rest for a flat keyboard. Its roller is located perfectly for a flat keyboard. When you pair it with a Kinesis, it's good but less perfect. Hmmm.

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #5 on: Tue, 02 August 2011, 21:53:40 »
Quote from: jpc;391970
You are a madman!! Integrated in a Kinesis? I can't wait to see the pics :biggrin:
I'm not sure how and where it will go. There may have to be a compromise. I hate compromises.

 
Quote from: jpc;391970
I wish Kinesis would integrate a medium size trackball into the center of the Kinesis. There's room for it; the board is tall enough at the center. I'd buy one.
An integrated rollermouse would work too.
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 23130[/ATTACH]

 
Quote from: jpc;391970
The rollermouse is an excellent wrist rest for a flat keyboard. Its roller is located perfectly for a flat keyboard. When you pair it with a Kinesis, it's good but less perfect. Hmmm.
I KNOW!!
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

woody

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 03 August 2011, 03:36:08 »
Quote from: jpc;391886
The Copy and Paste buttons send codes 8 and 9.
Good, there's a progress in the right direction.

Quote
I will post a full review after the new-toy-review cool-off period has elapsed, as required by law.
Please do. The wristpad and less hand movement tempts me, but the price in EU doesn't allow easy tryout.

BTW, since you mentioned your occupation, does that mean you do lot of GUI stuff?

Offline jpc

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 03 August 2011, 06:17:15 »
Quote from: woody;392142
does that mean you do lot of GUI stuff?


Yes, recently.

In Linux I use a window manager (Awesome) that gives keyboard control over window placement and focus. Highly recommended. Ask me for my Colemak-Kinesis-Awesome config file!

Recently I'm developing on Windows at work. That means more mousing. Hence the rollermouse.

At least there is emacs for Windows, all keyboard controlled.

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

woody

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 03 August 2011, 09:09:06 »
I was just wondering which land are you in - arch, RTL, verification, layout, etc.
Should be one of the first two based on your answer.

You're also an evil human. I am awaiting your review after some usage, because now that the seed is planted, I will have to think hard about pros and cons.

BTW, is the keyboard lifter removable? I don't see much point in it for my keyboards.

Offline Input Nirvana

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 03 August 2011, 09:44:34 »
Contour Designs has a free trial, take advantage of it. They are smart marketers, they know once you use it, you will most likely keep it, because t's really that good. Be sure to look at the couple other Rollermouse reviews on the site. Plus, from an RSI perspective, I'm glad jpc finally got one, he will probably start feeling a little better very quickly, which is really the only important factor in the big picture.

My professional and personal view:
If you are using and looking at it from a professional standpoint 1) it will save you time, 2) it will make your actions easier. That justifies it's cost in a month, maybe two. If you are looking at it from a personal perspective, what other costs do you have to make your life better? Make the comparison (I have one Rollermouse that is 7 years old, and one that is 1 year old). If you spend $170 on a great keyboard for yourself, why would you limit yourself to a $45 pointing device? It's sort of a package deal. :)
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

woody

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 03 August 2011, 11:22:47 »
Quote from: input nirvana;392238
Contour Designs has a free trial, take advantage of it.

I'd like to, but I'm not US based. My best option is from KeyboardCo (about $300) plus associated shipping, etc.

Quote
My professional and personal view:
If you are using and looking at it from a professional standpoint 1) it will save you time, 2) it will make your actions easier. That justifies it's cost in a month, maybe two. If you are looking at it from a personal perspective, what other costs do you have to make your life better? Make the comparison (I have one Rollermouse that is 7 years old, and one that is 1 year old). If you spend $170 on a great keyboard for yourself, why would you limit yourself to a $45 pointing device? It's sort of a package deal. :)

Cost is not that big of a problem if it would serve me well. Which I am not sure by just looking at pictures or the few paragraphs in the description.
So far I am using a Kensington Slimblade and very much liking it, so the switch to (or addition of?) Rollermouse is based just on the wish to reduce hand travel. On the other hand, switching to a very different and unknown pointing device (close to $400 for me) is considerable risk. Plus my doubts about the width and the lifter, how they would cope with the keyboards I use.

That's why I am in "investigation" mode and not pulling the trigger. And reviews and opinions of users like you are helpful and appreciated.

Offline Input Nirvana

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 03 August 2011, 11:36:35 »
$$$$$ WOW!!! Now THAT gives me pause!!!

Where are you?
Is Rollermouse Free an option for you? (Not Rollermouse Free 2)

It is quite different. I just took these pics of how I use a Rollermouse with my Kinesis daily. NOT OPTIMAL, but still fantastic! Works much better with a flat keyboard. Now you see why I'm trying to mod one into the Kinesis. I use this model with the backplate, because I often move the keyboard off desks and have on lap or whatever. I can't do that without the backplate.

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The Rollermouse Free uses a scroll wheel as the picture shows. The Rollermouse Free 2 uses a wider scroll wheel, same functionality/features. [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 23206[/ATTACH]
« Last Edit: Wed, 03 August 2011, 11:44:06 by input nirvana »
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline bionicroach

  • Posts: 121
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #12 on: Wed, 03 August 2011, 12:31:22 »
I love my RollerMouse as well.  I'm currently using a RollerMouse Free 2, which also has the nice bonus of having a little higher DPI (adjustable from 800 to 1600 in 200 DPI increments).  I've found that the extra DPI helps reduce the frequency with which you hit the edges of the side-to-side bar movement, which is honestly the only real complaint I have about the RollerMouse design.  (This problem is basically the equivalent of having to lift a traditional mouse off the mousepad and reposition when you run out of room.)

One other thing of note is that the scroll wheel on the Free 2, in addition to being wider than the original Free, spins smoothly as opposed to the ratcheted "click" action.  What I really want is a Logitech hyperscroll type of wheel, so I'm pretty much on the fence between the two.

The Free 2 is also a teeny bit lower profile than the original Free, which does make it a little easier to keep your wrists in a neutral position.  (Although with a Kinesis Contour, it might be a disadvantage since that keyboard is pretty tall.)

Offline jpc

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #13 on: Wed, 03 August 2011, 13:38:10 »
On the Pro 2, part of the keyboard lifter is permanent. With a flat keyboard, that's no problem-- you can set the keyboard lifter to its lowest position and keep your flat keyboard flat.

The permanent keyboard lifter prevents you from elevating the rollermouse to match the height of a Kinesis. (I'm not sure that would work anyway; the rollermouse might then bump wrists as you type.)

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

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« Reply #14 on: Wed, 03 August 2011, 19:19:46 »
What changes have you made to Colemak? I notice it is a little right-hand heavy.
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline ambroise

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #15 on: Wed, 03 August 2011, 22:57:55 »
Quote from: bionicroach;392334
One other thing of note is that the scroll wheel on the Free 2, in addition to being wider than the original Free, spins smoothly as opposed to the ratcheted "click" action. )

Hi bionicroach,

When you say the new Rollermouse Pro 2 scroll wheel spins free.

Does it free like a logitech scroll wheel?
i.e. you just need to flick it down once and it will keep on spinning around?

I have the 1st version and I really don't like the scroll wheel on that one.

Offline Input Nirvana

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« Reply #16 on: Thu, 04 August 2011, 00:51:44 »
It's not a Hyperscroll, it just doesn't ratchet. Hyperscroll is the ****! I am trying to see how to mod the Hyperscroll (that I bought for this purpose) into the Rollermouse. Will be involved. The pcb needs to me remade. I took pics of the interior of the Rollermouse so peeps could see what's going in in there (not much, just a damn great idea).
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

woody

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #17 on: Thu, 04 August 2011, 03:09:24 »
Quote from: input nirvana;392308
$$$$$ WOW!!! Now THAT gives me pause!!!

Where are you?

Eastern EU.

Quote
Is Rollermouse Free an option for you? (Not Rollermouse Free 2)

No --> http://keyboardco.com/

Now that I look at the three Rollermouse products at KeyboardCo, I think the Free 2 is the most interesting for me, since it has no lifter. And, of course, it's the most expensive one.

Doesn't putting a keyboard onto the lifter make it unstable / wobbly?

Offline Input Nirvana

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« Reply #18 on: Thu, 04 August 2011, 10:55:57 »
Not that I've been able to determine, as long as the bottom of the keyboard is flat. There may be a few unique situations though.
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline bionicroach

  • Posts: 121
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #19 on: Thu, 04 August 2011, 11:31:58 »
Quote from: ambroise;392674
Hi bionicroach,

When you say the new Rollermouse Pro 2 scroll wheel spins free.

Does it free like a logitech scroll wheel?
i.e. you just need to flick it down once and it will keep on spinning around?

I have the 1st version and I really don't like the scroll wheel on that one.


No, unfortunately, input nirvana is correct -- the wheel on the Free 2 has no ratcheting clicks, but it has much more friction than a Logitech wheel.  If you flick it, it will spin maybe one revolution tops.  It's too bad modding in a Logitech wheel sounds so difficult.

The Free 2 wheel is certainly not BAD, it's just nothing special.  It is easier to scroll long distances than with the ratcheting, yet there is enough friction that scrolling small distances is still fairly precise.

Offline jpc

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #20 on: Thu, 04 August 2011, 11:39:27 »
I haven't made changes to Colemak, except for keeping Caps Lock as Caps Lock. Colemak is nice right out of the box. I'll never go back to qwerty. You're right, Colemak is a bit right-handed.

The Awesome window manager is all keyboard controlled, it uses a lot of Win+(something) shortcuts to move and resize windows, switch desktops, etc. The default shortcuts make sense spatially on QWERTY; adjacent key pairs will indicate up/down, left/right, previous/next, larger/smaller. All those keys need to be reassigned on Colemak. To make it work with the Kinesis, you want the Win key on one hand and all the paired Win+(something) keys on the other. I bind Insert to the Windows key on a pre-windows-key Kinesis.

This is my awesome rc.lua file:

Quote

-- Standard awesome library
require("awful")
require("awful.autofocus")
require("awful.rules")
-- Theme handling library
require("beautiful")
-- Notification library
require("naughty")

-- {{{ Variable definitions
-- Themes define colours, icons, and wallpapers
beautiful.init("/tool/pandora/.package/awesome-3.4.9/share/awesome/themes/sky/theme.lua")

-- This is used later as the default terminal and editor to run.
terminal = "xterm"
editor = os.getenv("EDITOR") or "nano"
editor_cmd = terminal .. " -e " .. editor

-- Default modkey.
-- Usually, Mod4 is the key with a logo between Control and Alt.
-- If you do not like this or do not have such a key,
-- I suggest you to remap Mod4 to another key using xmodmap or other tools.
-- However, you can use another modifier like Mod1, but it may interact with others.
modkey = "Mod4"

-- Table of layouts to cover with awful.layout.inc, order matters.
layouts =
{
--    awful.layout.suit.floating,
    awful.layout.suit.tile,
    awful.layout.suit.tile.left,
    awful.layout.suit.tile.bottom,
    awful.layout.suit.tile.top,
    awful.layout.suit.fair,
    awful.layout.suit.fair.horizontal,
--    awful.layout.suit.spiral,
--  awful.layout.suit.spiral.dwindle,
    awful.layout.suit.max,
--    awful.layout.suit.max.fullscreen,
--    awful.layout.suit.magnifier
}
-- }}}

-- {{{ Tags
-- Define a tag table which hold all screen tags.
tags = {}
for s = 1, screen.count() do
    -- Each screen has its own tag table.
    tags = awful.tag({ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 }, s, layouts[1])
end
-- }}}

-- {{{ Menu
-- Create a laucher widget and a main menu
myawesomemenu = {
   { "manual", terminal .. " -e man awesome" },
   { "edit config", editor_cmd .. " " .. awful.util.getdir("config") .. "/rc.lua" },
   { "restart", awesome.restart },
   { "quit", awesome.quit }
}

mymainmenu = awful.menu({ items = { { "awesome", myawesomemenu, beautiful.awesome_icon },
                                    { "open terminal", terminal }
                                  }
                        })

mylauncher = awful.widget.launcher({ image = image(beautiful.awesome_icon),
                                     menu = mymainmenu })
-- }}}

-- {{{ Wibox
-- Create a textclock widget
mytextclock = awful.widget.textclock({ align = "right" })

-- Create a systray
mysystray = widget({ type = "systray" })

-- Create a wibox for each screen and add it
mywibox = {}
mypromptbox = {}
mylayoutbox = {}
mytaglist = {}
mytaglist.buttons = awful.util.table.join(
                    awful.button({ }, 1, awful.tag.viewonly),
                    awful.button({ modkey }, 1, awful.client.movetotag),
                    awful.button({ }, 3, awful.tag.viewtoggle),
                    awful.button({ modkey }, 3, awful.client.toggletag),
                    awful.button({ }, 4, awful.tag.viewnext),
                    awful.button({ }, 5, awful.tag.viewprev)
                    )
mytasklist = {}
mytasklist.buttons = awful.util.table.join(
                     awful.button({ }, 1, function (c)
                                              if not c:isvisible() then
                                                  awful.tag.viewonly(c:tags()[1])
                                              end
                                              client.focus = c
                                              c:raise()
                                          end),
                     awful.button({ }, 3, function ()
                                              if instance then
                                                  instance:hide()
                                                  instance = nil
                                              else
                                                  instance = awful.menu.clients({ width=250 })
                                              end
                                          end),
                     awful.button({ }, 4, function ()
                                              awful.client.focus.byidx(1)
                                              if client.focus then client.focus:raise() end
                                          end),
                     awful.button({ }, 5, function ()
                                              awful.client.focus.byidx(-1)
                                              if client.focus then client.focus:raise() end
                                          end))

for s = 1, screen.count() do
    -- Create a promptbox for each screen
    mypromptbox = awful.widget.prompt({ layout = awful.widget.layout.horizontal.leftright })
    -- Create an imagebox widget which will contains an icon indicating which layout we're using.
    -- We need one layoutbox per screen.
    mylayoutbox = awful.widget.layoutbox(s)
    mylayoutbox:buttons(awful.util.table.join(
                           awful.button({ }, 1, function () awful.layout.inc(layouts, 1) end),
                           awful.button({ }, 3, function () awful.layout.inc(layouts, -1) end),
                           awful.button({ }, 4, function () awful.layout.inc(layouts, 1) end),
                           awful.button({ }, 5, function () awful.layout.inc(layouts, -1) end)))
    -- Create a taglist widget
    mytaglist = awful.widget.taglist(s, awful.widget.taglist.label.all, mytaglist.buttons)

    -- Create a tasklist widget
    mytasklist = awful.widget.tasklist(function(c)
                                              return awful.widget.tasklist.label.currenttags(c, s)
                                          end, mytasklist.buttons)

    -- Create the wibox
    mywibox = awful.wibox({ position = "top", screen = s })
    -- Add widgets to the wibox - order matters
    mywibox.widgets = {
        {
            mylauncher,
            mytaglist,
            mypromptbox,
            layout = awful.widget.layout.horizontal.leftright
        },
        mylayoutbox,
        mytextclock,
        s == 1 and mysystray or nil,
        mytasklist,
        layout = awful.widget.layout.horizontal.rightleft
    }
end
-- }}}

-- {{{ Mouse bindings
root.buttons(awful.util.table.join(
    awful.button({ }, 3, function () mymainmenu:toggle() end),
    awful.button({ }, 4, awful.tag.viewnext),
    awful.button({ }, 5, awful.tag.viewprev)
))
-- }}}

-- {{{ Key bindings
globalkeys = awful.util.table.join(
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "Left",   awful.tag.viewprev       ),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "Right",  awful.tag.viewnext       ),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "Up",   awful.tag.viewprev       ),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "Down",  awful.tag.viewnext       ),

    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "Escape", awful.tag.history.restore),

    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "e",
        function ()
            awful.client.focus.byidx( 1)
            if client.focus then client.focus:raise() end
        end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "n",
        function ()
            awful.client.focus.byidx(-1)
            if client.focus then client.focus:raise() end
        end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "w", function () mymainmenu:show({keygrabber=true}) end),

    -- Layout manipulation
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "Next", function () awful.client.swap.byidx(  1)    end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "Prior",  function () awful.client.swap.byidx( -1)    end),
    awful.key({ modkey, "Control" }, "e", function () awful.screen.focus_relative( 1) end),
    awful.key({ modkey, "Control" }, "n", function () awful.screen.focus_relative(-1) end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "y", awful.client.urgent.jumpto),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "Tab",
        function ()
            awful.client.focus.history.previous()
            if client.focus then
                client.focus:raise()
            end
        end),

    -- Standard program
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "Return", function () awful.util.spawn(terminal) end),
    awful.key({ modkey, "Control" }, "r", awesome.restart),
    awful.key({ modkey, "Shift"   }, "q", awesome.quit),

    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "u",     function () awful.tag.incmwfact( 0.05)    end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "l",     function () awful.tag.incmwfact(-0.05)    end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "comma", function () awful.tag.incnmaster( 1)      end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "period",function () awful.tag.incnmaster(-1)      end),
    awful.key({ modkey, "Control" }, "l",     function () awful.tag.incncol( 1)         end),
    awful.key({ modkey, "Control" }, "u",     function () awful.tag.incncol(-1)         end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "space", function () awful.layout.inc(layouts,  1) end),
    awful.key({ modkey, "Shift"   }, "space", function () awful.layout.inc(layouts, -1) end),

    -- Prompt
    awful.key({ modkey },            "r",     function () mypromptbox[mouse.screen]:run() end),

    awful.key({ modkey }, "x",
              function ()
                  awful.prompt.run({ prompt = "Run Lua code: " },
                  mypromptbox[mouse.screen].widget,
                  awful.util.eval, nil,
                  awful.util.getdir("cache") .. "/history_eval")
              end)
)

clientkeys = awful.util.table.join(
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "f",      function (c) c.fullscreen = not c.fullscreen  end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "minus",      function (c) c:kill()                         end),
    awful.key({ modkey, "Control" }, "space",  awful.client.floating.toggle                     ),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "i",   function (c) c:swap(awful.client.getmaster()) end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "o",      awful.client.movetoscreen                        ),
    awful.key({ modkey, "Shift"   }, "r",      function (c) c:redraw()                       end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "t",      function (c) c.ontop = not c.ontop            end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "k",      function (c) c.minimized = not c.minimized    end),
    awful.key({ modkey,           }, "m",
        function (c)
            c.maximized_horizontal = not c.maximized_horizontal
            c.maximized_vertical   = not c.maximized_vertical
        end)
)

-- Compute the maximum number of digit we need, limited to 9
keynumber = 0
for s = 1, screen.count() do
   keynumber = math.min(9, math.max(#tags, keynumber));
end

-- Bind all key numbers to tags.
-- Be careful: we use keycodes to make it works on any keyboard layout.
-- This should map on the top row of your keyboard, usually 1 to 9.
for i = 1, keynumber do
    globalkeys = awful.util.table.join(globalkeys,
        awful.key({ modkey }, "#" .. i + 9,
                  function ()
                        local screen = mouse.screen
                        if tags[screen] then
                            awful.tag.viewonly(tags[screen])
                        end
                  end),
        awful.key({ modkey, "Control" }, "#" .. i + 9,
                  function ()
                      local screen = mouse.screen
                      if tags[screen] then
                          awful.tag.viewtoggle(tags[screen])
                      end
                  end),
        awful.key({ modkey, "Shift" }, "#" .. i + 9,
                  function ()
                      if client.focus and tags[client.focus.screen] then
                          awful.client.movetotag(tags[client.focus.screen])
                      end
                  end),
        awful.key({ modkey, "Control", "Shift" }, "#" .. i + 9,
                  function ()
                      if client.focus and tags[client.focus.screen] then
                          awful.client.toggletag(tags[client.focus.screen])
                      end
                  end))
end

clientbuttons = awful.util.table.join(
    awful.button({ }, 1, function (c) client.focus = c; c:raise() end),
    awful.button({ modkey }, 1, awful.mouse.client.move),
    awful.button({ modkey }, 3, awful.mouse.client.resize))

-- Set keys
root.keys(globalkeys)
-- }}}

-- {{{ Rules
awful.rules.rules = {
    -- All clients will match this rule.
    { rule = { },
      properties = { border_width = beautiful.border_width,
                     border_color = beautiful.border_normal,
                     focus = true,
                     keys = clientkeys,
                     buttons = clientbuttons } },
    { rule = { class = "MPlayer" },
      properties = { floating = true } },
    { rule = { class = "pinentry" },
      properties = { floating = true } },
    { rule = { class = "gimp" },
      properties = { floating = true } },
    -- Set Firefox to always map on tags number 2 of screen 1.
    -- { rule = { class = "Firefox" },
    --   properties = { tag = tags[1][2] } },
}
-- }}}

-- {{{ Signals
-- Signal function to execute when a new client appears.
client.add_signal("manage", function (c, startup)
    -- Add a titlebar
    -- awful.titlebar.add(c, { modkey = modkey })

    -- Enable sloppy focus
    c:add_signal("mouse::enter", function(c)
        if awful.layout.get(c.screen) ~= awful.layout.suit.magnifier
            and awful.client.focus.filter(c) then
            client.focus = c
        end
    end)

    if not startup then
        -- Set the windows at the slave,
        -- i.e. put it at the end of others instead of setting it master.
        -- awful.client.setslave(c)

        -- Put windows in a smart way, only if they does not set an initial position.
        if not c.size_hints.user_position and not c.size_hints.program_position then
            awful.placement.no_overlap(c)
            awful.placement.no_offscreen(c)
        end
    end
end)

client.add_signal("focus", function(c) c.border_color = beautiful.border_focus end)
client.add_signal("unfocus", function(c) c.border_color = beautiful.border_normal end)
-- }}}



(Not shown: the binding of Insert to be mod4, aka windows key. I do that in xmodmap.)

Here's a summary of what this config does:

Quote

Window manager control

Mod4 + Control + r
    Restart awesome.

Mod4 + Shift + q
    Quit awesome.

Mod4 + r
    Run prompt.

Mod4 + x
    Run Lua code prompt.

Mod4 + Return
    Spawn terminal emulator.

Mod4 + w
    Open main menu.


Clients

Mod4 + Shift + r
    Redraw the focused window.

Mod4 + m
    Maximize client.

Mod4 + k
    Minimize client.

Mod4 + f
    Set client fullscreen.

Mod4 + minus
    Kill focused client.

Mod4 + t
    Set client on-top.


Navigation

Mod4 + e
    Focus next client.

Mod4 + n
    Focus previous client.

Mod4 + y
    Focus first urgent client.

Mod4 + Up
    View previous tag.

Mod4 + Down
    View next tag.

Mod4 + 1-9
    Switch to tag 1-9.

Mod4 + Control + e
    Focus next screen.

Mod4 + Control + n
    Focus previous screen.

Mod4 + Escape
    Focus previously selected tag set.


Layout modification

Mod4 + PgDn
    Switch client with next client.

Mod4 + PgUp
    Switch client with previous client.

Mod4 + o
    Send client to next screen.

Mod4 + l
    Decrease master width factor by 5%.

Mod4 + u
    Increase master width factor by 5%.

Mod4 + <
    Increase number of master windows by 1.

Mod4 + >
    Decrease number of master windows by 1.

Mod4 + Control + l
    Increase number of columns for non-master windows by 1.

Mod4 + Control + u
    Decrease number of columns for non-master windows by 1.

Mod4 + space
    Switch to next layout.

Mod4 + Shift + space
    Switch to previous layout.

Mod4 + Control + space
    Toggle client floating status.

Mod4 + i
    Swap focused client with master.

Mod4 + Control + 1-9
    Toggle tag view.

Mod4 + Shift + 1-9
    Tag client with tag.

Mod4 + Shift + Control + 1-9
    Toggle tag on client.

Mod4 + Shift + F1-9
    Tag marked clients with tag.


It's awesome!

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline bionicroach

  • Posts: 121
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #21 on: Thu, 04 August 2011, 11:40:39 »
Quote from: woody;392738

Now that I look at the three Rollermouse products at KeyboardCo, I think the Free 2 is the most interesting for me, since it has no lifter.

Doesn't putting a keyboard onto the lifter make it unstable / wobbly?


The Free 2 does have lifters, but they are removable, which is nice.

The bad thing about the lifters is that the positions they're mounted in on the Free 2 tend not to line up very well with full sized keyboards, so the keyboard does end up being a bit unbalanced and wobbly.  What I do when I need to use the lifters is actually just detach them from the RollerMouse body and line them up properly under the feet of my keyboard.

A tenkeyless board might line up a little better with the Free 2 lifters.  The ideal setup would be something like the Kinesis Freestyle that has two separate halves that could be lined up independently with the RollerMouse.

With the Contoured, I would think you'd definitely just want to remove the lifters.

Offline jpc

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 363
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #22 on: Thu, 04 August 2011, 11:47:09 »
Quote from: woody;392738
Doesn't putting a keyboard onto the lifter make it unstable / wobbly?

Not on the Pro 2. The lifters themselves are wide, flat, sturdy, and covered in a non-slip rubber mat. Flat boards do NOT budge.

The lifters work with the Kinesis too, except I had to add a shim under one of the feet. Silly Kinesis, why is even your bottom Contoured?

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

  • Master of the Calculated Risk
  • Posts: 2316
  • Location: Somewhere in the San Francisco Bay area/Best Coast
  • If I tell ya, I'll hafta kill ya
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #23 on: Thu, 04 August 2011, 12:02:36 »
Quote from: jpc;392913
Silly Kinesis, why is even your bottom Contoured?

I KNOW!!! It's caused me more challenges than you can imagine on the split project.
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline jpc

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 363
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #24 on: Fri, 05 August 2011, 18:14:28 »
UPDATE. Thanks to Debbie Aboud, the very helpful sales executive at Contour Design, who is letting me free-trial both the Pro 2, and the Free 2 at the same time. :biggrin:

The Rollermouse Pro 2 is as good as promised. It places less static stress on your hands than any full-size trackball; it's more agile than a thumb trackball; and it allows you to move the pointer with one hand and click with the other, which is delightful. (It's difficult to hold a trackball steady while clicking buttons with the same hand!)

The default Pro 2 palm rest is not large enough. If you use your index and middle fingers on the roller, as I want to, that will push your palm off its perch and into an awkward posture. Luckily Contour makes a larger palm rest for the Pro and Pro 2, called the Rollerwave. Debbie is sending me a Rollerwave too. Thanks Debbie!

The Contour folks are nice, and the product is excellent. I'm probably just going to buy all of this stuff at the end of the month.

The default Free 2 palm rest is deeper to begin with. It looks like it's designed for index/middle finger use right out of the box.

The Free 2 has some other possible advantages over the Pro 2. It's narrower left-to-right, to work better with laptops and probably compact keyboards. Its keyboard lifter is totally detachable (I think... judging from pictures) so that will play nicer with the Kinesis. I'd rather not need to shim my Kinesis just because an unnecessary keyboard lifter made it wobble.

The Free 2 should be here next week some time. Look forward to two reviews... COMING SOON!

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

  • Master of the Calculated Risk
  • Posts: 2316
  • Location: Somewhere in the San Francisco Bay area/Best Coast
  • If I tell ya, I'll hafta kill ya
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #25 on: Fri, 05 August 2011, 18:22:32 »
Lucky bastard.

Watch your back.
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline Björn

  • Posts: 5
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #26 on: Thu, 11 August 2011, 07:03:24 »
The raisers on Free2 are completely removable.
“After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say \'\'I want to see the manager.\'\'
William S. Burroughs

Offline Input Nirvana

  • Master of the Calculated Risk
  • Posts: 2316
  • Location: Somewhere in the San Francisco Bay area/Best Coast
  • If I tell ya, I'll hafta kill ya
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #27 on: Fri, 12 August 2011, 02:24:58 »
Got my hands on a Free 2. The scroll wheel is a substantial change, its non-ratcheting, counter-balanced, wide and low (rather than narrow and high), and clicks easier. The Free 2 is lower profile than the Free. There is a nifty cursor speed control on the top of the unit (adjustable for about 5 or 6 levels). I need to set up the Free and Free 2 this weekend and compare them side-by-side. If I can find a flat keyboard I can show the height difference.

I spoke with Contoured Designs yesterday, and they would love to have the free-spinning HyperScroll, but patents prevent that from happening. Now I'm very motivated to re-build the main pcb with the HyperScroll wheel in it instead. I have all the parts.
« Last Edit: Fri, 12 August 2011, 02:27:42 by input nirvana »
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline Björn

  • Posts: 5
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #28 on: Mon, 15 August 2011, 06:17:20 »
The Free2 has cursor speed control in these steps: 800, 1000, 1200, 1400 and 1600 "dpi"   =    5 levels. A row of five white-grey LEDs will indicate the chosen setting briefly.

The rollerbar height has been significantly reduced from the Free to the Free2.
This has enabled a design where the rollerbar is better integrated, in alignment, with the height of the wrist rests.
“After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say \'\'I want to see the manager.\'\'
William S. Burroughs

Offline jpc

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 363

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

  • Master of the Calculated Risk
  • Posts: 2316
  • Location: Somewhere in the San Francisco Bay area/Best Coast
  • If I tell ya, I'll hafta kill ya
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #30 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 11:00:11 »
Pollermouse!  :)
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline jpc

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 363
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #31 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 11:44:14 »
Hahaha... fixed.
Yeah, GH was having some kind of outage yesterday, I had to make several attempts to post the review... and retyped the title into the little form very quickly each time. That ended well.

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

  • Master of the Calculated Risk
  • Posts: 2316
  • Location: Somewhere in the San Francisco Bay area/Best Coast
  • If I tell ya, I'll hafta kill ya
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #32 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 11:54:47 »
Nice comparison, very helpful.
 
I have a Free 2 now, and I'm surprised about the scroll wheel difference you mention on the 2 units. I did not try the Pro 2, there was not one on display. Now I gotta look inside and see what's going on...
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline sordna

  • Posts: 2248
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #33 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 12:07:07 »
Which model would work best with a Kinesis Advantage ?
Kinesis Contoured Advantage & Advantage2 LF with Cherry MX Red switches / Extra keys mod / O-ring dampening mod / Dvorak layout. ErgoDox with buzzer and LED mod.
Also: Kinesis Advantage Classic, Kinesis Advantage2, Data911 TG3, Fingerworks Touchstream LP, IBM SSK (Buckling spring), Goldtouch GTU-0077 keyboard

Offline Input Nirvana

  • Master of the Calculated Risk
  • Posts: 2316
  • Location: Somewhere in the San Francisco Bay area/Best Coast
  • If I tell ya, I'll hafta kill ya
rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #34 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 12:18:37 »
Depends on your setup.

If you are strictly on a desk, you can take a Free or Free2 and raise it with a piece of whatever. Not so with the Pro2 since it has lifters, right jpc?

This is why I'm going to cut one down to 10" to integrate with the Advantage, the curve of the case is a challenge.
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
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Offline sordna

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #35 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 12:29:41 »
I have my Kinesis on a compact keyboard tray that includes a wristwrest (which I can remove of course) since I like the bottom row of the keyboard lifted. What would you recommend based on my setup?

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 24482[/ATTACH]
Kinesis Contoured Advantage & Advantage2 LF with Cherry MX Red switches / Extra keys mod / O-ring dampening mod / Dvorak layout. ErgoDox with buzzer and LED mod.
Also: Kinesis Advantage Classic, Kinesis Advantage2, Data911 TG3, Fingerworks Touchstream LP, IBM SSK (Buckling spring), Goldtouch GTU-0077 keyboard

Offline jpc

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #36 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 12:45:51 »
Quote from: input nirvana;399876
I'm surprised about the scroll wheel difference you mention on the 2 units.

The big difference I noticed was in the feel of the main roller -- not the scroll wheel.

The roller on the Pro 2 has less friction and less wobble than the one on the Free 2, and it may be a bit heavier. It's not just the same roller in two different packages.

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline jpc

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #37 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 12:53:06 »
@sordna: You can use a Pro 2 with a Kinesis.

The Pro 2 has a nonremovable lip about 1.5" wide and 1/4" high that extends under the front edge of the keyboard.  (Dimensions are approximate, I don't have the rollermouse with me now to measure...) In the case of the Kinesis, that lifts the front of the Kinesis about 1/4" which is the right direction for you. And you need to shim it to prevent wobble.

As input nirvana says, that lip also prevents you from lifting the Pro 2 without lifting the Kinesis. I haven't found this to be a problem.

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

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« Reply #38 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 12:55:33 »
Quote from: sordna;399895
I have my Kinesis on a compact keyboard tray that includes a wristwrest (which I can remove of course) since I like the bottom row of the keyboard lifted. What would you recommend based on my setup?

(Attachment Link) 24482[/ATTACH]

You need to try it out, that is the only/best way. You can borrow my different ones. We can arrange via PM.
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline jpc

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #39 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:07:53 »
sordna, have you considered pads for where your palms sit on the Kinesis?

Kinesis will sell pads for $12 a pair. The pads give you a little more lift and they are comfortable. They are nothing special -- you could also cut rectangles out of a spare mouse pad and attach them to the roof of the Kinesis for the same effect.

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

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« Reply #40 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:10:25 »
I'm looking at McMaster-Carr for alternative foam (memory foam  blah blah) that might be better than the Kinesis foam. Something that lasts a little better.
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline sordna

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #41 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:18:35 »
I've used the Kinesis pads, don't care much for them. Besides, I'm not looking to lift my hands in relationship to the key wells, I want to give the entire keyboard a negative tilt (lower the number row, raise the thumb clusters). Try it, I find it more comfortable, especially since I keep the keyboard tray as low to my lap as possible.
Kinesis Contoured Advantage & Advantage2 LF with Cherry MX Red switches / Extra keys mod / O-ring dampening mod / Dvorak layout. ErgoDox with buzzer and LED mod.
Also: Kinesis Advantage Classic, Kinesis Advantage2, Data911 TG3, Fingerworks Touchstream LP, IBM SSK (Buckling spring), Goldtouch GTU-0077 keyboard

Offline Input Nirvana

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« Reply #42 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:21:00 »
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 24487[/ATTACH]

-RollerMouse Free
-RollerMouse Free2
-RoleerMouse Station with tranny Advantage
-RollerWave2 wrist rest

One of the big issues is that due to the curve of the Kinesis, there is a BIG drop to get to the rollerbar :(
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:33:41 by input nirvana »
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline sordna

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #43 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:25:03 »
Another issue I see, is they assume keyboards are long and asymmetric (not the case for a Kinesis). They should come up with a symmetric rollermouse mini or something...
Kinesis Contoured Advantage & Advantage2 LF with Cherry MX Red switches / Extra keys mod / O-ring dampening mod / Dvorak layout. ErgoDox with buzzer and LED mod.
Also: Kinesis Advantage Classic, Kinesis Advantage2, Data911 TG3, Fingerworks Touchstream LP, IBM SSK (Buckling spring), Goldtouch GTU-0077 keyboard

Offline Input Nirvana

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« Reply #44 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:28:56 »
Quote from: sordna;399936
Another issue I see, is they assume keyboards are long and asymmetric (not the case for a Kinesis). They should come up with a symmetric rollermouse mini or something...

EXACTLY MY MOD!!!!

Contour Designs wants to see how it works out in about a month.

Raising the Kinesis with the lip will provide the negative tilt (good) but I don't know about the distance to the roller. It needs to be as little as possible. I like the Pro2 lip, but I'm not sure how well it works with the Kinesis. Jpc you like it?
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:34:54 by input nirvana »
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

Offline jpc

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #45 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:32:48 »
Quote from: input nirvana;399929
[
One of the big issues is that due to the curve of the Kinesis, there is a BIG drop to get to the rollerbar :(

It's an issue if you want to use your thumb on the roller bar while typing, that doesn't work with a Kinesis.

If you use index and middle fingers on the roller bar, I've found the drop isn't a problem.

RSI prevention recipe:[/B] Kinesis Contoured, Colemak layout, touch typing, Contour Design Rollermouse,  Logitech TrackMan Wheel, Logitech m570 trackball, "workrave" break timer software, "awesome" window manager, tenkeyless boards, cherry browns, Wang 724 with "ghetto green" ALPS, standing desk and/or comfy adjustable chairs, stress reduction, computer time reduction.

Fun non-ergonomic things: bolt modded Model M Space Saving Keyboards with new springs, Kensington Expert Mouse v7, Unicomp Endurapro, Northgates

Offline Input Nirvana

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #46 on: Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:36:53 »
Quote from: jpc;399944
It's an issue if you want to use your thumb on the roller bar while typing, that doesn't work with a Kinesis.

If you use index and middle fingers on the roller bar, I've found the drop isn't a problem.

Exactly.
But I LIKE using my thumb on the rollerbar, that's why I'm about to hack a Rollermouse. Thumb usage is the absolute best I've found on this unit.
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

woody

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #47 on: Wed, 17 August 2011, 01:37:04 »
From jpc's review:

Quote
The roller on the Free 2 requires more effort to manipulate than the Pro 2 roller. There's noticeable friction. It's not as easy or as fun as the Pro 2 :(
Bummer. Why would they use two different rollers. Pro2's roller bar is covered, wonder whether dust might build up in Free2.

Quote
On the Free 2, the Double Click button sends two left click button codes, so it cannot be remapped (eg. as middle button in Unix.) The copy and paste buttons send CTRL-C and CTRL-V codes
Another bummer. Three buttons that will go unused, and have to be avoided with care.

Awaiting Free2 soon. I just couldn't accept Pro's big footprint, but now that I read the review, I am not sure I made the right decision.

Offline Input Nirvana

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« Reply #48 on: Wed, 17 August 2011, 02:02:44 »
I don't think it will be as bad as you might think, the roller should not be sluggish. The button programmability might still be able to be changed with 3rd party software.

But it will make a beautiful door stop :)
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
Evil Screaming Flying Door Monkeys From Hell                     Proudly GeekWhacking since 2009
Things change, things stay the same                                        Thanks much, Smallfry  
I AM THE REAPER . . . BECAUSE I KILL IT
~retired from forum activities 2015~

woody

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rollermouse pro 2 pics!
« Reply #49 on: Wed, 17 August 2011, 02:34:15 »
I will know soon enough. Then I could pour all my hatred on you and jpc for luring me into rolling mice. Should next version be RockingMouse?

Quote
But it will make a beautiful door stop :)
How about an expensive wristrest?