touch pads

I had been experiencing a sudden increase in RSI symptoms, particularly in my right elbow, shoulder, and wrist. It became clear that the problem was due to constantly reaching for the mouse, cursor keys and page-up/down.

After some research I came across the TouchStream (it's not particularly well marketed unfortunately, even though it is a mature product). It's an amazing device, combining mouse functionality, text-cursor 'pointing' (i.e. like a mouse; forget cursor keys!), a zero-force keyboard, and an extremely cool gesture system for many common actions (cut/paste etc.). The user's hands need never move away from the keyboard. It also has great support for specialist users, such as software engineers (a code punctuation pad and gesture sets for vi and emacs), and 3D graphic artists (gestures for object manipulation in Maya).

The unit is staggeringly customizable via a nice GUI. And it even has an SDK that allows users to write useful features; e.g. see the excellent (and free) XWinder application on the FingerWorks website. The customer forums (on the same website) are great -- full of helpful hints from enthusiastic users, and showing a very strong customer-support ethic from FingerWorks staff.

Googling for 'TouchStream' finds several reviews and blog entries. Most users loved it, a few have problems (usually dramatically slower typing speeds at first, due to inaccuracies), but often say they plan to stick with it anyway, due to the reduction/removal of RSI pain.

I found similar problems with typing at first. But a few minutes practice a day with a typing tutor program (I use TypeSmart) really helps. It's definitely worth persevering because effortless 'zero-force' typing becomes great fun once your error-rate drops to something bearable. Plus the gestures and other innovations immediately compensate to some degree for slower typing at the outset.

I suppose it might not work for everyone, but the pain in my right arm completely disappeared on the first day of use, and hasn't returned. That's so absurdly dramatic that I wonder why FingerWorks don't make stronger claims about reducing RSI than they do.

Now whenever I'm forced to use a normal keyboard or mouse, they feel unbearably clunky and awkward. Also, my RSI pain returns almost immediately -- and vanishes again when I return to the TouchStream. I wish I'd discovered it years ago.

I also considered keyboards from Kinesis, Maltron, Goldtouch, SafeType, and Adesso. They all seem to be good, possibly great designs, offering various combinations of basic ergonomic features along with their own particular innovations. But for me the TouchStream is the only device that offers a complete solution -- a well-integrated package of effective ideas. And I think that makes it a qualitative leap forward in humane input devices.

I hope this review helps someone.