Ultimate Workstation
Some notes on a fantasy workstation I **might** build someday.
I want the 1:2:1 monitor layout.
I hardly use the treadmill, so I think I'd rather not incorporate it, instead focus on a good sitting position. I like the stations that are slightly reclined. I would like a split keyboard.
Before I start, I would like to get a trackball and try using that for a few weeks. It'll be much easier to use that in this setup than a traditional mouse.
The controls should be "at my fingertips" but arc out. The arm rests should be more wedge shaped - my elbows will stay in one place, but my wrists will follow an arc to each set of controls. There can also be extended interfaces directly in front of my fingertips - usb controls, possibly the optical disk.
I'd also like to incorporate foot pedals. Possibly as a mouse, also to launch other features.
All of the "additional" controls can be managed through an Arduino.
I think there's room beneath the space-bar for extra-feature keys.
I want an "audio output selector". Generally I will use my speakers, but another set, close to my hears, will serve as pseudo-headphones, without the need to put on headphones.
Controls:
- volume (main/base)
- quick launch keys and selector
- macro-recorder? (run kb out through arduino?)
- output selector
V 1.0
I've really become intrigued with this idea the last few days. I'd really like to do a basic version now and a better version in a year or two. This has the advantage that it's both cheaper and I can work out some of the bugs.
The simple version would be built around a zero-gravity chair
Parts
- Chair : $58
- side-mount 4x$15
Keyboard
Surprisingly, this is the tricky part. No great options (at least none yet).
Combimouse ideal, but not yet on sale.
Fentek looks a little shady and still has a wire.
Ergodox looks good, but it's a kit and not for sale.
KeyMouse another looks good, not for sale.
UltraErgo only downside here is a little pricey (and I'd need to get a separate numberpad)
Another option would be to put a compact keyboard on each hand. That could actually be cheaper. It may even be possible to remap some of the redundant keys to extra functionality.
Finally, I could build a keyboard from an Arduino. Pretty cheap, but a lot of work. Good Tutorial Probably start by buying and raiding a cheap keyboard. This actually seems to be the best option so far. I'd put the number pad on the left hand and a shift key by my foot. I'd also add a simple mouse to the right hand (joystick). also this. this might help. This could actually get fairly pricey. The cherry mx switches will cost $75, the key caps are another $50, and then I need a bunch of diodes and wires and I need to build a frame.