I use a drawing tablet as a third monitor, and I use a USB numpad so that I can shove it out of the way when I don't need it (I basically only use it for blender).
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?
#12I use a drawing tablet as a third monitor, and I use a USB numpad so that I can shove it out of the way when I don't need it (I basically only use it for blender).
For quite a while I used the Logitech G13 in the way you describe using the usb numpad. Just a big block of extra hotkeys when I was in different software.
https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G13-Programmable-Gameboard-D...
Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?
#13Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?
#14Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?
#15I wouldn't have thought they were lesser-known, but I've been surprised how many people don't know about today's cheap portable external monitors. They're essentially laptop panels with a USB-C+HDMI board. $100-$150-ish and easily found in 15.6" and 13-14", 1080p or 2K. All the ones I've tried have 2 USB-C ports, mini-HDMI, and speakers. This all depends on what USB-C ports your machine actually has and the right USB-C cables, but a single cable can do power and display from the laptop. Or plug the monitor into USB-C PD source and the same cable will charge the laptop and run the monitor. Mine even has a third USB-C "OTG" port for USB 2.0 speed devices. Good for a second screen on the go or debugging single board computers.
Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?
#16Lesser-known keyboards: I use a small 40% (45-key keyboard) or an ortholinear keyboard for my daily work.
On both I have layers for a built-in Numpad, mouse keys (for controlling the mouse cursor without taking my hand off the keyboard), shortcuts for working with text (selecting an entire line, copying and pasting, etc) and various other finger- and wrist-saving shortcuts that help me ward off the likelihood of RSI.
I had a wrist injury in the past and it had a big impact on my productivity as a tech worker so using these small compact keyboards is a real godsend.
Everything I need is literally just one key away from another--no more stretching or contorting my hands and fingers to do CTRL+ALT+DELETE or CTRL+SHIFT+F5 for example.
The 40% keyboard can be used as a daily driver but the ortholinear keyboard is my go-to since it's perfect for both work and play.
Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?
#17I wouldn't have thought they were lesser-known, but I've been surprised how many people don't know about today's cheap portable external monitors. They're essentially laptop panels with a USB-C+HDMI board. $100-$150-ish and easily found in 15.6" and 13-14", 1080p or 2K. All the ones I've tried have 2 USB-C ports, mini-HDMI, and speakers. This all depends on what USB-C ports your machine actually has and the right USB…
What is the contrast/brightness like with these? I've always wanted one for working with two screens on the go but the ones I've seen in public never seemed to get bright enough.
In a cafe or other bright environment they seem to reflect everything around them similar to the way my MacBook screen does which makes it hard to see anything.
I'm speaking only from limited time seeing them from afar though--I've not actually sat in front of one to use or test out in person.
Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?
#18I wouldn't have thought they were lesser-known, but I've been surprised how many people don't know about today's cheap portable external monitors. They're essentially laptop panels with a USB-C+HDMI board. $100-$150-ish and easily found in 15.6" and 13-14", 1080p or 2K. All the ones I've tried have 2 USB-C ports, mini-HDMI, and speakers. This all depends on what USB-C ports your machine actually has and the right USB…
Do you have a specific model you can recommend? I searched a brighter one out especially (300 nits), read reviews, etc. Paid 200€. What I got absolutely sucks, definitely not 300 nits, glitches half the time I try to use it, doesn't remember my settings. When I finally got around to return it, I discovered the company no longer exists lol.
Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?
#19I 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…
Any advice on the USB switcher? I've had a hard time finding one that was of high enough quality to be a daily driver. I need USB3 for my webcam as well
Re: Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer?
#20I use a laptop with zero accessories, which is unusual in of itself for SWE.