Originally published July 15 2005
Computer programmers and gamers will like new customizable keyboard
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The DX1 Input System allows users to configure moveable "smart" keys to accomplish tasks such as game cheats or executing repetitive software commands. Not only can you ditch the qwerty keyboard, you can also make programming and gaming much faster.
It's no surprise, then, that it was a game enthusiast who first conceived of the DX1 Input System, an innovative configuration of movable "smart" keys that can be assigned macros, or keyword combinations, to accomplish tasks such as implementing game cheats or executing software commands.
Customizing the keys' layout to your preferences and work style, the theory goes, improves efficiency and saves time--whether you're piloting a flight simulation or flitting around a spreadsheet.
Ergodex "These keys are like blank tapes," said Pankaj Garg, a software architect at Mountain View, Calif.-based Ergodex, which developed the product.
Mitchell Freeman uses the DX1 for formatting and organizing Office applications.
But the avid player of massive multiplayer online games is most jazzed about how the flexibility of the customized key layout helps him escape tight spots in "EverQuest" and "World of Warcraft."
"All of the sudden, you're in a very bad place with no (money) and no spell, and you're about to get chewed on...the pad helps that go away," said Freeman, a part-time software developer in San Jose, Calif.
The Ergodex keys, which contain microchips from various suppliers, communicate wirelessly to a base measuring 9.5 inches by 6.5 inches that connects to the computer via USB cable.
The pad sports two buttons: One brings up the software, and the second allows macros to be assigned to the DX1 keys.
Adware's second act All eyes on DVD format war Broadband's power-line push Opening move for Microsoft New on eBay: Giant bot Previous Next An adhesive substance keeps the keys firmly attached to the pad, which comes with a clear plastic overlay that users can place over game- or other application-related skins.
To identify their keys, users get labels preprinted with common keyboard symbols such as letters and functions keys and less-common icons like chess pieces, grenades and pistols.
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