[eye30]

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/forget-qwerty---new-kalq-layout-speeds-up-typing-on-tablets-150756997.html

A new keyboard for tablet computers promises to speed up typing by a third - by ditching the traditional QWERTY layout.

The new keyboard will be available as a free app for Android.

[rustynutz]

 

[The Gonz]

Given that QWERTY was designed specifically to slow down typists who were getting too quick for mechanical typewriters, it stands to reason ANY alternative layout will be an improvement. The challenge is just having a well established convention overturned, like getting the aviation industry to go metric. 

[FatBoy]

Given that QWERTY was designed specifically to slow down typists who were getting too quick for mechanical typewriters, it stands to reason ANY alternative layout will be an improvement. The challenge is just having a well established convention overturned, like getting the aviation industry to go metric. 

I agree, Gonz.  I can touch type on a QWERTY board, I'd have to relearn on the new one.  The QWERTY board was also designed so the most common used keys wouldn't clash on the travel to and from the paper.

As for going metric in aviation, well, it will never happen totally, but there is a mix in aviation at the moment.  Information given to pilots about the weather for example.  Heights of cloud is in "feet", visibility in "metres".  We have to keep 1000 ft vertically away from cloud, or 1500 m horizontally.  The French aircraft are all metric, except for the instrumentation.

[Dazzler]

Thanks for the Link Lester, I'll have to try it.

Unfortunately, I am a real creature of habit so I doubt it will be quicker for me. 

[The Gonz]

As for going metric in aviation, well, it will never happen totally, but there is a mix in aviation at the moment.  Information given to pilots about the weather for example.  Heights of cloud is in "feet", visibility in "metres".  We have to keep 1000 ft vertically away from cloud, or 1500 m horizontally.  The French aircraft are all metric, except for the instrumentation.

Go figure! I think the reality moment for me was having to source metric spanners for my Fuego. Before that, a double ended 1/2in and 5/16in spanner would take care of my whole VH Commodore.

[kittikat]

Looks to be missing a few keys to me. I am a big believer in 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. 

 QWERTY works fine.  Typists need to be slowed down to stave off RSI and Tennis Elbow. Imagine the thumb problems in the future if you encourage thumb only typing.  The kids these days all have problems from using their thumbs to text.   

[Doggie 1]

That's right.
Repetitive Thumb Injury.

[The Gonz]

Oops...

... Before that, a double ended 1/2in and 59/16in spanner would take care of my whole VH Commodore.

[Dazzler]

That's right.
Repetitive Thumb Injury.

Yes, I think it is called thumb thing like that :-P

[Doggie 1]

That's right.
Repetitive Thumb Injury.

Yes, I think it is called thumb thing like that :-P

You've nailed it.

[The Gonz]

That's right.
Repetitive Thumb Injury.
------------
Yes, I think it is called thumb thing like that :-P
------------
You've nailed it.
------------
Must have used a thumbnail. 

[Dazzler]

I might try it ..Now where is my tablet 

[Dazzler]

Looks like wont be available to try until early May. Google play knew what I was looking for, but no result.