Tell me more ×
Programmers Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professional programmers interested in conceptual questions about software development. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite
1

I am going to get my wrist operated for a tfcc injury. My right hand would be in a cast of 4-8 weeks and I am not quite sure when I would be able to resume typing with my right hand.

I was wondering what my options are at this point . I would like to not retrain and learn one handed touch typing.

share|improve this question
1  
Have you gone through this question? stackoverflow.com/questions/118984/…. Various speech recognized techniques are discussed. – Manoj R Dec 20 '12 at 5:03
note the above SO question has just been deleted; I have flagged it asking for a historical lock, but who knows if that will be honoured... – AakashM Dec 20 '12 at 12:19
That's too bad. The answers to that question was not only jaw dropping, but also inspirational. – Manoj R Dec 20 '12 at 13:34
In the meantime here's the archive.org copy of that question. – Bobson Dec 20 '12 at 14:48
why is this offtopic? – Surya Dec 21 '12 at 18:24
show 1 more comment

closed as off topic by Walter, gnat, Gary Rowe, Dynamic, ChrisF♦ Dec 20 '12 at 12:15

Questions on Programmers Stack Exchange are expected to relate to software development within the scope defined in the FAQ. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about closed questions here.

3 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

Have you heard about the Dvorak keyboard layout for one handed typing? I am not sure if you're a Linux user. If so, it won't be difficult to change your keyboard layout. However, learning how to type without the physical keyboard is not easy. Might as well stay on the standard QWERTY.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard#One-handed_versions

share|improve this answer
As i would be back to using two handed qwerty in a 6 weeks. I dont want to buy/learn drovak . – Surya Dec 20 '12 at 3:51
Oh okay. Then I do not know what other options you have for one hand typing besides typing one hand on QWERTY. Not too hard I guess. – elwc Dec 20 '12 at 4:28
1  
This is an odd response - to be effective one handed you're going to have to learn something new and almost certainly spend money...? – Murph Dec 20 '12 at 11:45
up vote 0 down vote

First, my sympathies and hopes for a successful procedure; in the kind of business that we're in, changing routines for something as ingrained as typing can be somewhat unnerving.

To the question - I don't know if I have a great solution for coding, but for other work like answering e-mail, web searching, etc. you might take the few weeks to get familiar with system dictation software like the Dragon family of products from Nuance. Dictation and voice control of the system might be helpful for giving the one good hand a break, and still allow you to be somewhat productive.

share|improve this answer
I wish these worked for not native english accent :( – Surya Dec 20 '12 at 3:52
@Surya: Dragon can be trained to your specific voice and speech patterns. I'm not sure how heavy your accent is, but after a few training rounds, it might not be so bad. – FrustratedWithFormsDesigner Dec 20 '12 at 5:12
up vote 0 down vote

If I had to solve this problem I would go with a CyKey - Microwriting (the chord keyboard that the CyKey provides) is simple to learn and quick enough with practice.

(Actually will be ordering one about as soon as I'm aware a Bluetooth version is available - for use with one or more of phone/tablet/television)

share|improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.