Setup - Software, Hardware, Ergonomics

Ideal Setup -- Hands-free (note, this was last updated in 2014. Addendum at bottom):

Inbox (to process):

dactyl manuform https://ohkeycaps.com/products/built-to-order-dactyl-manuform-keyboard keyboard

Voice Recognition:

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10.1 ( NeeProfessional -- dictation engine. Apparently, some users have had success training it to a Boston accent

Utter Command <http://www.redstartsystems.com/> -- vocal control software, built on top of Dragon. It provides much more efficient and complete control of computer and a structured, regular grammar to control the computer via speech with minimal cognitive load. This is the product developed by our fellow Bostonian Kim Patch, who also wrote an excellent, though informal subjective account of RSI <http://www.redstartsystems.com/rsiwhatitslike.html>

Custom Macros, which I've uploaded to <>

I use the Logitech Premium Notebook Headset <http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-980445-0403-Premium-Notebook-Headset/dp/B000HCRVQ2>, though USB mics, such as the are better. Though it

WorkRave <http://www.workrave.org/> friendly and effective stretch break reminder software. I find it amazing how easy it is to forget to stretch when I'm focused on a project. Initially, it feels impossible to break your focus and then reconstitute it upon resuming, but this is a skill that, like picking up a dropped thread in a long conversation, develops with practice.

Footime Foot Mouse <http://www.bilila.com/foot_mouse_slipper_mouse>

Notes on keyboards (updated July 2018)

A few friends swear by vertical split keyboards: "I use the Ergodox EZ. It’s amazing!". Pretty expensive

Python voice programming set up designed by MIT AI Phd

look into one-handed typing keyboard layouts. You don't need an actual keyboard for this

Overview:

1. Dictation, Software, and Accessories

2. General Ergonomics

3. Ergonomic keyboards as of May 2019

Dictation, Software, and Accessories

J's Tech Stack:

Dictation

Use Speech Recognition (Still using the discontinued Dragon Dictate on Mac at this point :/ . Going to try new Dragon on Mac via VMWare)

Dictate a ton on my iPhone

With Airpods – carry in DZANHOT AirPods Case 7 in 1 Airpods (I got a better carabiner). AirPods are convenient and pretty good but still have slight lag after you hit dictate

Also have Apple Wired headphones. To prevent tangle, carry in backpack this case, along with lightning to headphone jack cable: "Earphone Carrying Case HIFEER Portable Protection Hard EVA Headphone Case Set of 2 Pouch Storage Bags"

With Prism Glasses so you have better posture. Carry in Large Glasses Case. Have 3 sets: for car, backpack, desk.

Also use iPad Air when hands need a break (with Prism Glasses). Use case/stand: Valkit for New iPad 9.7 Case 2017, iPad Air Case, 360 Rotating Stand Smart Protective Swivel Case Cover for Apple New iPad 9.7 2018 and iPad Air

Software Tools:

Keyboard Maestro: Remap caps lock to enter and backtick to backspace for easier one-hand typing. Macros: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UILjZqhDEAJCXaTTcHBbUfnKuylr1nxQ

Experimenting with: https://textexpander.com/

Keeping a note called "Blurbs" in SimpleNote where I copy paste any text I might need to send repeatedly

General Ergonomics

Improv ergonomics everywhere you go. Keyboard belongs way lower than you expect. Top quadrant of screen at eye level. Separate keyboard just below elbow level (if it's a standard keyboard, ideally with negative tilt (stick some objects under it to make it tilt a little away from you)).

Ergonomic keyboards as of May 2019

Having tried all manner of keyboards, the one that works for me (relieving my right inner wrist/thumb carpal tunnel pain), is the https://ergodox-ez.com/ mounted vertically, using rubber bands (formerly sticky back velcro squares), to the Ascent Accessory for Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard https://www.amazon.com/Ascent-Accessory-Freestyle2-Ergonomic-Keyboard/dp/B00455EU7U. (I also had to shove some extra material underneath the outer sides of the keyboard, in between the keyboard and the bottom metal plate to make it not wobble). When ordering the ergodox-ez, I recommend getting the Tilt/Tent Kit for an extra $25. This makes it so you can carry it anywhere and still have it be tilted a bit at least.

My right hand has more problems than my left, so I also set up a one handed mirrored keyboard layout using https://github.com/qubist/mirrorboard-mac. In general, if you are thinking of buying a one-handed keyboard, my recommendation is don't. Just setup a one-handed keyboard layout in software. (For slightly out of date list of other one-handed typing resources check out. [One-Hand Typing software](http://www.onehandkeyboard.org/one-hand-typing-software/))

Layout (WIP):

Jacob’s Ergodox 0.3.5 – Includes one handed features for the left hand: https://configure.ergodox-ez.com/ergodox-ez/layouts/JaJE7/latest/0 (May 20th, 2019)

Jacob’s Ergodox 0.2.7 https://configure.ergodox-ez.com/keyboard_layouts/vlpjbm/edit