One-handed typing

A touch screen sure makes it handy to manipulate Windows programs graphically, like running a map-GPS program while driving. But what about when you have to enter text and only have one hand free?

Attached below is a neat utility for one-handed typing. Imagine the keyboard divided into left and right halves. For right handed typing, use the right side keys normally. But for a key on the left side, hold down the space bar and press the mirror-image key on the right side. So a P becomes Q, O becomes W, etc. This also works for left-hand-only typing -- simply holding the space bar to emulate a key on the right side. Note that Space+CapsLock on the left is equivalent to Enter.

For touch typists this can be an easy trick to learn. Not being an expert typist, I marked an old keyboard using red for the spaced (mirrored) letters. This can be used for practice and might make a handy remote keyboard especially combined with some kind of trackball or touchpad.

To try one-handed typing, simply download the attached zip file then unzip and run the executable called HalfQWERTY. It is built using the nifty utility AutoHotKey and a script from the web site http://www.autohotkey.com

This does not affect normal typing, because it only translates keys that are pressed while the Space bar is also being pressed. To pause or end the program, right-click on the green "H" in the task tray.

Give it a try and let us know what you think

>>>Please don't use while driving until you're an expert<<<

 

Let's go ahead and say... "Do NOT Use while driving at all!"

That will be the forum stance! The last thing we need is someone suing the forum because someone gave them an application to allow them to pay even less attention while they drive.

Maybe this program is why there are so many moronic drivers here in MD. Everyone must be typing. Nah... They are just morons...

 

You're absolutely right Toughbook, don't know what I was thinking .....

Pulled up next to a cop at a light the other night, and saw he was reading his email on a mounted Toughbook. The way it was mounted would make it hard to reach the keyboard with his left hand while seated. So this utility might be helpful in that situation -- but only when the vehicle is STOPPED.

BTW there are hundreds of other apps at the AutoHotKey web site. Seems like a great tool for easy automation when combined with a touch screen.

 

We all know we do stuff behind the wheel that we shouldn't... I just don't want anyone to get in trouble for endorsing it.

I would think this would make a great application for someone who is disabled, yes? I haven't had a chance to check it out yet.

 

Yeah... texting while driving (One of those activities I refer to as DWS - Driving While STUPID) is now the #2 cause of accidents involving drivers up to 24 years old; with 46% of drivers in that age group ADMITTING to doing it.

While I would LOVE to see legislation to outlaw SMS capability on cell phones, my job DEPENDS on it - my Work Orders come through to me as SMS messages, and even I will admit to pulling my phone out and LOOKING at the WO before deciding to respond or not... where I WILL pull over before logging into my account.

*Sigh*

mnem<~~~ Another victim of the Information Age~~~<<<

 

If you want to learn more techniques about using the keyboard with one hand, maybe you should be posting on some pornography forums...

Jut a little advice, substituting a chick in your post with a GPS is a thin viel of disguise.

Only joking, of course!

 

lol. 10char

 

Hi TB,
I totally agree. But in saying this I am a hypocrite. I don't own a cell phone so texting is not an issue. But, I eat while I drive, sometimes. I use the CB radio. And when my Toughbook is installed in my Jeep, I will refer to the maps. All while driving. This is stupid and I try not to do it in the city. But even in the backcountry it is not good policy. Just one screw up-that's all it takes. I need a heads-up display!!

I'll try to follow your good example.

Sparky

 

Sparky,

I think you need to go to see the priest... You shouldn't confess things like that online. The way things are going... If you get into an accident they may search your past posts to arrest and convict you based upon what you posted prior online.

Unfortunately... That is the way that 99.9% of the dumb human population is headed.


Rick
<Starting my OWN planet/city next year!>

 

Hi Rick
Let me know when you start taking subscriptions. I prefer coast lines but will settle for a mountain view such as I have now.

Sparky

 

We'll get Slartibartfast to do the fjords...

mnem
fnord.

 

Hey Rick where are you going.... You just got here

 

Yeah... I like the coast too... But it is hard to beat a good mountain view

To quote a phrase... "This Earth of yours will be reduced to a burned out cinder!"

 

Then you should move where I live!

I have both!!