Looking for options

[xsphat]

does anyone make an external trackpoint device?

If not, can anyone tell me the advantages of them over touch pads, and tell me about trackballs as well. I need to pimp my easy chair and a conventional mouse isn't going to work in this application.

[iMav]

A trackpoint would be worthless without a keyboard.  The whole POINT of a trackpoint is to be able to move your pointer without having to remove your hands from the keyboard.

If you are going to have a keyboard with you in that easy chair, then I strongly suggest an Enduro Pro.

If you are speaking of using your MacBook on your lap with your HHKB covering your touchpad (and keyboard)...then I strongly suggest a Logitech Trackman Marble.

[xsphat]

I like to have little workspaces for writing scattered about my house, and I have enough 'boards to have one tactile stashed near each spot.  The HHKB doesn't feel right on my lap, but when it sits on top of the MacBook keyboard the entire track pad is exposed. What I am thinking about for the easy chair is an IKEA Dave table for the 'Book and the SMK 85 in my lap, but then I also need a pointing device. I can't afford a trackball like you have, and since I haven't used one in years I'd be hessetent to throw down that kind green right off, so are there any cheaper models that are good that I could try?

The SMK 85 does fit on the MacBook pretty well, with enough of the track pad available, but it is heavy and really bulky comparatively, but those tactile black Alps sliders can't be beat, people.

[xsphat]

iMav, why the Endura Pro? that seems like an odd suggestion coming from you.

[iMav]

iMav, why the Endura Pro? that seems like an odd suggestion coming from you.

Because it has a built-in TrackPoint.

The numpad is irrelevant (at least to me) due to the fact that you don't have to reach over it to get to your pointing device...because it is integrated.

The primary reason I hate numpads (aside from the fact that I never use them) is that they require you to position your external pointing device much farther away from the home row than should be necessary.  Having to reach over the numpad is annoying and makes for poor ergonomics.

[iMav]

iMav, why the Endura Pro? that seems like an odd suggestion coming from you.

If you want one on the cheap, check out this auction.

[xsphat]

I put together a lap desk which is a pretty solution for my problem, but thanks anyway.

And a full sized keyboard on my lap, one that weighs as much as my laptop, isn't the most appealing thought.

[xsphat]

I'm thinking about buying one of these:
http://www.lapinator.com/store/cart.php?cat=Lapinator

[iMav]

I'm thinking about buying one of these:
http://www.lapinator.com/store/cart.php?cat=Lapinator

I've never had a problem with a laptop directly on my lap.  

In fact this is how I use my thinkpad 90% of the time:

[xsphat]

My MacBook gets hot. In fact, Apple doesn't recommend users use the lappies directly on the lap. I use a board now, and it work alright, but it could be more comfortable on the legs. Who knows, maybe I'll just make something. I have  a feeling I need a project to get the rest of the crap in my life temperately out of my head.

In a way, I am wondering if I am going insane.

[iMav]

What about the obvious choice...the iLap from Rain Design, Inc.?

[ashort]

I have  a feeling I need a project to get the rest of the crap in my life temperately out of my head.

In a way, I am wondering if I am going insane.

Is this not the over-riding problem stastement of the book, Getting Things Done"?

 

[ashort]

What about the obvious choice...the iLap from Rain Design, Inc.?

I really like their i360 but they don't make it for the 24" model yet.  Mine doesn't technically swivel, but it scoots on my desktop very easily.

[xsphat]

I haven't read GTD, but I did listen to David Allen's clips from seminars, and he sounds like such a pompous ass I don't think I could read the book with out hearing, no - feeling, his snide and condescending attitudes bleed out of his words. He's like Oprah / Dr. Phil (same person?) that way.

The iLap is cool, and I like the design, and I've found them online for around $40, but I like a flat bottom ( ... ) or a bottom that, though curve, still sit good on my lap ( ... ).