Ask HN: What lesser-known accessories do you use with your computer? • Hacker News Board

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

#61

Post by sleepybrett » Tue, Apr 04, 2023, 2:05 AM UTC

Kinesis Advantage 360 pro.

Apple magic trackpad.

Savant Elite2 Triple Foot pedal. Left Click, Right Click, ESC.. currently. Still playing with them.

IPEVO DO-CAM USB document camera, doubles as my face camera, but I do a lot of 'whiteboard' sketches on paper which I later translate to lucid if it needs to be kept.

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

#62

Post by anon9931 » Tue, Apr 04, 2023, 2:05 AM UTC

coder4life wrote: post #5

Lighted USB volume knob - they're inexpensive, the large aluminum knob is on a sturdy base, can be pressed down for mute. ReMarkable2 e-ink tablet -- okay, it's a standalone device, but interfaces to the computer in cool ways (like screen sharing), and it's changed my life as far as note-taking goes

I use plug-in Sennheiser HD 569 headphones, for better audio experience. But with that, I have a Koss in-line volume control. I'm very picky with how loud things are, so I use the volume control to fine-tune it frequently. Much easier than having to constantly tweak software settings for volume.

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

#63

Post by anon9931 » Tue, Apr 04, 2023, 2:06 AM UTC

fomine3 wrote: post #41

I'll never buy a new non-split keyboard

I've been using the Microsoft Natural series keyboards for years. Split, and ergonomic.

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

#64

Post by aceazzameen » Tue, Apr 04, 2023, 2:09 AM UTC

Our_Benefactors wrote: post #56

Here’s an actual lesser known accessory: a mouse bungee. It is a small weighted disc with a spring arm that holds the mouse cord up and away from the mousepad. I don’t like the lag, connectivity, and battery issues of wireless mice, this fixes all of that! It feels _better_ than a wireless mouse, because it has no wires in the way also with zero lag.

I've used a black binder clip to do just that for a long time. I'd route the cord through the silver clips and pinch the main black clip on whatever was above my mouse pad.

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

#65

Post by idontwantthis » Tue, Apr 04, 2023, 2:10 AM UTC

I recently ditched my external monitor and I’m finding myself less distracted. 16 inch MacBook Pro screen is all I really need. Anyone else prefer working with minimal peripherals?

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

#66

Post by kgwxd » Tue, Apr 04, 2023, 2:15 AM UTC

Our_Benefactors wrote: post #56

Here’s an actual lesser known accessory: a mouse bungee. It is a small weighted disc with a spring arm that holds the mouse cord up and away from the mousepad. I don’t like the lag, connectivity, and battery issues of wireless mice, this fixes all of that! It feels _better_ than a wireless mouse, because it has no wires in the way also with zero lag.

I don't use a mouse pad but I taped the wire to the top of my desk with a just enough slack to cover my typical range of motion so it doesn't slide behind the desk when I move up, causing drag when moving back down.

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

#67

Post by aceazzameen » Tue, Apr 04, 2023, 2:15 AM UTC

dgunay wrote: 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 use Microsoft Garage Mouse Without Borders[1] to control my old and new PC with one mouse/keyboard. Works over WiFi flawlessly for me. All you have to do is move the mouse cursor towards the monitor with the other computer(s) and it automatically switches.

[1]: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=354...

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

#68

Post by habosa » Tue, Apr 04, 2023, 2:17 AM UTC

Wired headphones. I’ve never had to start a meeting by trying to mess with my audio settings, or had to think about charging another battery.

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

#69

Post by me-vs-cat » Tue, Apr 04, 2023, 2:17 AM UTC

VR headset, swivel chair, and 270° of screens. What's bigger than ultra-wide?

I use both a Quest 2 (running Immersed on Linux) and a Valve Index (running Virtual Desktop on Windows).

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

#70

Post by convolvatron » Tue, Apr 04, 2023, 2:17 AM UTC

Mengkudulangsat wrote: post #52

I have multiple of these boom arms [1] clamped all around my desk. Great for things that require frequent fiddling (webcams / mics / lighting) https://www.ulanzi.com/collections/desk-set-up/products/viji...

I do the same with 1/4" brass or stainless rod..you can make little clamps to attach them to a desk or an item by drilling and tapping a screw. to attach to the rod, drill a 1/4" hole, and a perpendicular one which you tap.

all easily obtainable at a generic hardware store and requiring only a hand drill