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Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

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Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#11

Post by kedean »

ericrallen wrote: post #10
aaron695 wrote: post #7

Computers still only have three mainstream input devices, keyboard, mouse and gamepad after 60-80 years I'd try and bring the addition inputs a smart phone has to computers, like touch. I know there are programable keyboards and many other things. But no one has cracked it yet. It's a cool project as is. Just an idea if you were thinking of iterating forward.

There are lots of computers with touch capabilities out there. From the gesture support on Apple’s trackpads to touch screens like the Surface (and plenty of other laptops with touch screens). There are also stylus inputs and things like Wacom tablets that have been around for many years now.

There's also microphones and cameras that can act as inputs, it just turns out they don't offer much power over kb/m.

But really, the problem being solved by OP was not enough outputs, rather than not enough inputs.

Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#14

Post by Kerrick »

aaron695 wrote: post #7

Computers still only have three mainstream input devices, keyboard, mouse and gamepad after 60-80 years I'd try and bring the addition inputs a smart phone has to computers, like touch. I know there are programable keyboards and many other things. But no one has cracked it yet. It's a cool project as is. Just an idea if you were thinking of iterating forward.

I collect and use as many input devices as I can, as a bit of a hobby. It all started when I was younger and got a CueCat. Now I’m up to webcams, microphones, fingerprint sensors, many keyboards, mice, trackpads, trackballs, many game pads, MakeyMakey, a VR system, CharaChorder, MIDI keyboard, floor dance pad, Wacom tablet, BlackMagic keyboard with jog shuttle, and HOTaS. I’ve still got my eye on a macro pad, MIDI Fighter, and a racing wheel.

Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#16

Post by ben_w »

aaron695 wrote: post #7

Computers still only have three mainstream input devices, keyboard, mouse and gamepad after 60-80 years I'd try and bring the addition inputs a smart phone has to computers, like touch. I know there are programable keyboards and many other things. But no one has cracked it yet. It's a cool project as is. Just an idea if you were thinking of iterating forward.

Given how much we use them to talk to each other, I'm surprised you're not counting the microphone; likewise video calls and the camera.

And given how phones and tablets are so much more common than laptops and desktops, touch screens.

Arguably there's also passive continuous inputs like GPS and heart rate sensors, accelerometers, etc. — mainstream, but I doubt it was the category you had in mind.

Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#18

Post by jvm___ »

Kerrick wrote: post #14
aaron695 wrote: post #7

Computers still only have three mainstream input devices, keyboard, mouse and gamepad after 60-80 years I'd try and bring the addition inputs a smart phone has to computers, like touch. I know there are programable keyboards and many other things. But no one has cracked it yet. It's a cool project as is. Just an idea if you were thinking of iterating forward.

I collect and use as many input devices as I can, as a bit of a hobby. It all started when I was younger and got a CueCat. Now I’m up to webcams, microphones, fingerprint sensors, many keyboards, mice, trackpads, trackballs, many game pads, MakeyMakey, a VR system, CharaChorder, MIDI keyboard, floor dance pad, Wacom tablet, BlackMagic keyboard with jog shuttle, and HOTaS. I’ve still got my eye on a macro pad, MIDI Fi…

I picture you having them all hooked up at once, one-man band style.

Re: Show HN: Use an old tablet as an extra monitor

#19

Post by landtuna »

Kerrick wrote: post #14
aaron695 wrote: post #7

Computers still only have three mainstream input devices, keyboard, mouse and gamepad after 60-80 years I'd try and bring the addition inputs a smart phone has to computers, like touch. I know there are programable keyboards and many other things. But no one has cracked it yet. It's a cool project as is. Just an idea if you were thinking of iterating forward.

I collect and use as many input devices as I can, as a bit of a hobby. It all started when I was younger and got a CueCat. Now I’m up to webcams, microphones, fingerprint sensors, many keyboards, mice, trackpads, trackballs, many game pads, MakeyMakey, a VR system, CharaChorder, MIDI keyboard, floor dance pad, Wacom tablet, BlackMagic keyboard with jog shuttle, and HOTaS. I’ve still got my eye on a macro pad, MIDI Fi…

I had a boss who was pretty excited about CueCat. It's funny that it took another 15 years to catch on as smartphones and QR codes!
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