I've looked for ways to utilize that space in the past, the best non modding solutions are trackpads or trackballs. The problem is that they both suffer from ergonomic problems (for me at least), the hand is in an unnatural place (front row center) for critical mousing activities, which can really cause injuries. The best solution would probably be to use a programmable/remappable keypad, maybe one of the XKeys, but I haven't looked into that.
Given that disclaimer, you can get usually get trackpads or slim trackballs to work by attaching tallish rubber feet to the bottom (3 ideally) to balance in the center. Even a large trackpad like the Apple can be made to work. The best trackball is the Marble mouse, which fits perfectly there (or almost) with three rubber feet. Again I didn't find this too ergonomic, even though it seemed perfect.
I'd be really tempted to try a numpad but I've got other things brewing.
Ergo can be an issue, but also can be resolvable. See my Split Kinesis article for pics.
Caseless looks badass. Pic from input nirvana's article:
Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6687&d=1261852302)
Is it your own pic? It looks like something from a movie.
Can a caseless mod be done in a reversible way? (I'm getting there, but still not completely comfy with modding such an expensive piece of hardware) (And where did the F-keys go?)
Thanks for the replies!
Not my pic, there is another side view I'll post though.
I'm not so interested in adding stuff to it, more just an aesthetic mod, mostly for fun and education.
Something that might not look out of place around apple stuff, with a metal/plastic case and a solid-feeling construction.
"thin, angular, Italian looking design" would be pretty accurate, I think.
I was imagining if I could get the dimensions of the existing top section of the case, I could re-create the important sections and modify the rest to taste. It's of course not particularly trivial to do that, but maybe someone has a good solution.
60 days my life changes and I join the human race again, so I can do stuff. I'll be looking for a few radical elements (photos) and post in existing mod article. I have keywells to use to help create (template, measurements, etc). You can pm links to me if you wish.
It'd be expensive, but you could go with a metal case using powder metallurgy. That, and a nice finish would look really sharp next to apple gear. (plus, we'd all be jealous).
Fo sho!