funk~station

In 2001, Magro came to visit me in Hamburg. During one of our endless talks we came up with the idea of using a different keyboard layout that is way more convenient than the standard one. Of course, someone had this idea before. It was Dr. August Dvorak in the 1930s.
Now, about three years later, I found out that there are several of these clever keyboard layouts and: They are implemented in almost any operation system!

I don't want to repeat what other websites cover in detail. Let me just give you a few facts: 60-70% will by typed on “home row” (QUERTY: 30-35%), your fingers don't have to move that much and thus there's people who managed to increase their typing speed by 200%!

By converting your computer to Dvorak, an incredible boost of your geek level is guaranteed!

Here's a sweat Java-Applet that shows the little differences. Pay attention to the distance your fingers have to travel on the keyboard! A very serious in-depth study about the movements was done by M. Greenway — absolutely awesome.

There's also a layout called Dvorak Right Hand — which is definitely übergeek! I am using it at this very moment writing this entry. (Well, ok, I am trying!)

Can you imagine how cool it is to hold your cup of coffee in one hand and to write an e-mail with the other one?