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Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?

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Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?

#561

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've wanted one for gaming on the go with the Switch and Steam Deck, but couldn't really justify the purchase. ...but if I can pretend I use it as a second monitor for work, then it's OK! :D

I've got a Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 ( https://www.amazon.de/Lenovo-2160x1350-WideView-Tablet-PC-Sn... ) for "development" purposes. It's a nice tablet with 2k screen and enough power for pretty much everything, Android 13 and the killer feature for me: a micro-HDMI input. It works like a charm with MacOs/Linux as a second screen, but you can also connect a Switch or SteamDeck, grab a controller and you can play everywhere…

Wow that is a killer feature!

Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?

#562

I use a 60% keyboard that doesn’t even have dedicated arrow keys. My caps-lock is configured as the Fn key and, when it’s held down, the JKLI letters are the arrow keys. This (and other macros) are actually really convenient when you get used to them. Unfortunately, it’s hard for me to type on “normal” keyboards because when I end up tiYping thinks like that. My keyboard is a Mistel MD600 split. My favorite unusual a…

I feel like I could never get used to a keyboard like this. I use arrow keys all the goddamned time, along with home, insert, page up/down

The point is that this way arrow keys are right under your hand when you're typing.

Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?

#564

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Or take a shit. And then worry that you didn't mute properly even though you triple checked it before walking out of the room.

I once moved to the couch while wearing wireless headphones and accidentally fell asleep at an important meeting. Thankfully I didn't need to speak anymore (I think). A wire anchoring me to the desk isn't the worst idea...

That's equally on them for running a boring meeting.

Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?

#565
post #154

I use a Kinesis advantage keyboard. It's expensive and ugly but comfortable. I would not go back to another keyboard ever again. Have a look at this review https://www.anandtech.com/show/7125/kinesis-advantage-review...

The keyboardio Model 100 is also worth a look.

Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?

#566
post #75

I have a heating pad under my keyboard which keeps my hands warm in the winter. Was like $20 on amazon, and I can't even begin to describe how amazing it is, since I was really tired of always having a mug of hot water / tea / coffee to hold and didn't want to keep the heat on my house super high when I could just wear a sweatshirt and be fine except my fingers.

I have a floor heating pad for my feet that I love for the same reason.

Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?

#567
post #4

I use a small USB switcher box to let me control my personal machine and my work machine at the same desk. I also use a keyboard that lets me flip a switch to change between Mac/Windows layouts. It has been very helpful to let me cleanly separate work from leisure, without having to give up the ergonomics of my desk setup. The friction to switch is low enough that I don't feel tempted to keep work related stuff on my…

I wish there were Thunderbolt 4 "KVMs". I have my laptop connected to my TB4 ThinkPad dock, which takes care of charging the laptop, attaches an external display over DisplayPort, has keyboard & mouse, external speakers, and has wired ethernet. When I switch to my desktop, I have to unplug the laptop from the dock and attach the desktop to the dock. It's a minor inconvenience, but it is an inconvenience, and it messes with the cable management.

Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?

#569
post #458

A 3D mouse like https://3dconnexion.com/nl/product/spacemouse-wireless/ is really nice if you need it. It's basically a 6 degree of freedom input - you can move in x-y, up and down, tilt it or rotate it. Even for working in 2D it's useful. And it's a bit more ergonomic than a mouse as well. I've also tried this weird mouse replacement: https://www.marzhauser.com/en/products/operating-devices/erg... It's basically the…

Those seem wildly expensive for something you could replicate by adding a force sensor to a trackball mouse.
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