Topic awaiting preservation: Button Strip for Computer

So I've been designing a new mobile desk for laptop before I hit the road for my next book project and I'm hoping to make some big improvements on my last one.

I don't have any pictures at hand, but basically it's a desk that straps into my passenger seat that has a nice tray for corralling all my loose stuff and a nice surface for doing surfacey things. When you remove the lid, my laptop is revealed, strapped in for safety. It's connected to my GPS receiver for navigating my way around the highways and byways.

The new version is going to be much more accessible and will even include fans that keep air circulating and cool it while the lid is closed and the laptop is on.

Anyway, my real point: Using certain features of Streets & Trips requires key combinations and navigation that's too dangerous to try executing while barrelling down the highway at 70 (I mean 65) mph. So I was hoping to employ some sort of programmable keypad or, ideally, a button strip like the X-Keys Stick. Unfortunately, 80 bucks is too much for a row of buttons in my opinion.

Spotted an X-Keys Desktop on eBay last night for $20 (But It Now), but decided to sleep on it. When I awoke, I realized I was stupid for passing up an $80 device for only $20, but it was too late -- someone else already got it. But it's just as well -- I don't know how it would've fit in the already slim mobile desk.

Anyway, my real point: Anyone know of a similar device? I've searched and searched but can't come up with anything else. And I don't have the skills or time to build my own without some very easy, explicit instructions.

Check out the Nostromo SpeedPad n52 and see if that fits your needs. Although it says it $49.99 at Belkin I've seen it listed as low as $19.95 just use one of those price compare things.

'Voice recognition.' Headset on... shout out those commands at any speed. =)

The SpeedPad looks interesting, but I'm afraid that would be a little too unwieldy. Everything really needs to fit inside the desk, so when I stop at Arby's I can shut the top and no one knows there's expensive stuff in there. Just need a few simple buttons, really.

And I'm afraid there's too much lousy singing to 80s hits going on to use voice recognition.

I can get a Targus 10-key for about $20. (Maybe I can pull it apart, line the keys in a row and create a strip like I really need. ) Anyone know if there's a way to attach hotkeys/macros to those buttons? I've been looking around for software, but I'm not finding anything I'm confident about. I'm going to keep looking, but if anyone has any more ideas, let me know.

Edit: Actually, it looks like AutoHotkey, which lallous suggested in another thread, might do the trick.



(Edited by Wes on 06-30-2005 06:54)

nah, if you're going to do something do it properly.

don't just customise what happens when you press the keys, customise where they actually are.

Hey, now thats a WITOI. (Witness the birth of a new acronym. "Wish I'd thought of it.")

Getting even bigger now, though. Of course, that led me to a search that revealed the X-Large Keyboard -- an input device that's truly too big.

Inspires me to try using the controller from one of those cheap Targus 10-keys I mentioned and actually create a strip instead of just talking about it.

I feel a trip to Fry's coming on ...

I guess it would be helpful to know what kind of size you are actually looking for, I thought the SpeedPad would work for you since it's really not much bigger than a typical mouse (plus it has functionality built in that I'm sure you haven't thought of putting to use yet).

The X-Keys Stick I mentioned originally is more like what I'm looking for. I'd mount along the edge of the desk in front of the laptop.

What about some cheap voice recognition. software? No keys at all.



.:[ Never resist a perfect moment ]:.

quote:

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And I'm afraid there's too much lousy singing to 80s hits going on to use voice recognition.

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... must .... read ... full ....post


doh!



.:[ Never resist a perfect moment ]:.