# Computer input devices 
Over the past five decades computers have decreased in size and 
increased in their processing capacity exponentially. Unfortunately 
our interface with them has changed very little.

## Keyboards and Keymaps
The keyboard, our primary means of input, it's offset keys and it's 
keymap are hangovers from the days of mechanical typewriters. The 
keymap, designed so that there was minimal chance of the hammers 
binding with the speed of a competent typist. The offset, due to the
bars connecting the keys to the hammers. The qwerty keymap in common
use today dates to 1878.
Although neither of the above mechanical constrains exist and keymaps
have been created, more optimally laid out for many languages. They 
have not been widely adopted. 

## Mice
Mice were designed in the 1970's as a secondary input device, but due
to their intuitive nature, have come to rival or even take precedent 
over the keyboard for many tasks.
Software has developed that exacerbates this trend by allowing 
draggable windows and bars. These software concessions make computers
easier to access and more intuitive but then the majority of users 
never progress to learn how to effectively use the keyboard shortcuts.

These are grave mistakes in my opinion and causing harm to many, as 
modern life, for an increasing number of people, requires many hours
use of these devices.

## Injury to Health
Documented conditions resulting from prolonged computer use:
* RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) to the arms and wrists.
* Upper back and neck problems resulting from being in a fixed 
   position for too long or with bad physical alignment.
* Eye problems and headaches due to poor monitor refresh rates, 
   brightness or just too long focusing on a fixed position.

## My Personal Journey
A number of years after I began using computers for long hours I 
started to experience pain in my right wrist. This would persist for 
a while, even after I stopped using the computer. I'm fairly self 
aware and sought to address the problem on noticing it. Due to the 
pain being only in my right wrist and noticing it more when using the 
mouse for extended periods, I first tried switching to using the 
mouse left handed. Of course, that just moved the problem. 

I then went through a couple of years trying different trackball 
designs. Fortunately, by this time, I came to own an IBM thinkad with
a Trackpoint mouse. While using it I noticed that I didn't suffer the 
same pain. After discovering there were USB versions of the Trackpoint
keyboard, I bought one to use with my desktop computer. 

I continued looking for ways to further reduce my symptoms. On reading
that a different keymap, more optimized for typing the English 
language (Dvorak), may reduce some fatigue, I decided to give it a 
try. After 6 weeks with a piece of paper above my keyboard, so I knew
where the keys were, I achived parity with my previous typing ability.
From this point on my speed and accuracy increased and I could use the
computer for longer with little to no discomfort.

## Conclusion 
From the above you will notice that the mouse was the primary source 
of my problems. The wrist is not designed to be in a craned position 
for extended periods or for micromovements which cause strain to the 
tendons. Fingers are much better evolved for such fine movement. 

### How can we improve our experience?
* Ortholinear/Ergonomic Keyboards
* Change keymap to one best optimised for your language
* Pointing Stick Mouse built into the center of the keyboard
* Learn keyboard shortcuts and make effective use of the keyboard

I realise that changing keymap is a significant investment in time, 
but I would say that if you are brave or committed enough to make 
that investment, you will forever reap the rewards.