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19 11 2005:
Have added a second prototype. I spent a while considering comments on keyboard support before realising that, with this purely desk mounted approach, the keyboard should go back on that desk! Others are perfecting the 'lap top' support and I really look forward to seeing that evolve.
Where the Newt 2x00 scores over say the eMate in my mind is that you can overcome arm/wrist/back fatigue by moving the keyboard around relative to the display. It should not be constrained!
Thereafter focus has been on a way of supporting the Newton without scratching it, hence the plastic rollers. I'm still searching for the best material here.
Also, no pegs are falling out this time!
Previous comments:
Only 24hrs afterwards I’m already creating a FAQ!!!!
Design Aims: Adopting the ‘KISS’ approach (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) the final solution should be as simple as possible to minimise moving parts, be robust enough, reflect efficiency in material cost, and the serious limitations of my workshop and manufacture skills. It should be flexible, simple and neat, in fact in the spirit of the Apple design ethos. It should fit in the keyboard bag (should it?)
Materials: Aluminium (or aluminum!) is light, easy to work with and comes up looking really good with a fine wet-or-dry paper ‘brushing‘ and a bit of time. It is radiused on the ends and the edges have a light rounding to prevent scratching of its precious cargo. The pins and cross members are an aluminium tube into which a white plastic rod fits snugly. This is then simply glued or push fitted and forms the basis of the hinge.
Pins: There are options for threaded, hinged and other more complicated approaches. However the pins, so far, have been easier to create and look really neat. Having glued the white rod into the aluminium tube then sanded/polished the ends, I got a nice iPod Mini like combo of those materials (look at its ends/edges) However they need some careful development as they are currently a bit short and have scratched my N2000. Also after repeated use the pins have become loose and fallen out.
Adjustability: If you look at the diagram (rather than the prototype), you will note that the flat bars have a series of holes in them. The idea here is that the user uses two of the pins to set a point that the angled bars will rest on. It’s basically a deck-chair. Much simpler than previous over complex ideas, but still to resolve the pins!
Keyboard Support: Some excellent suggestions received for flip-out supports to catch the edges of the keyboard. Yes, it did wobble a bit, but not much, when tested. I noticed that I had changed my typing technique just enough to worry about the risk of RSI. Oh the responsibility! Big question here: why support the keyboard at all? (Remember KISS!) Could it hold both components together enough to allow use on, say, a train? This needs a lot of thought.
Manufacture and Sales issues: there’s a way to go yet, but encouraging early response will drive me on! 250 hits, 15 expressions of interest in purchase, plus a load of good suggestions in 24hrs. Thanks!
I think I could face making a batch of 20 of these myself over a couple of weekend and evenings. If I find the time. I need to get tooled up to ensure more accuracy in drilling centres etc. Thereafter higher quantities would be outsourced. I know a good few local metal-smiths and intend to obtain quotes when I’ve got a second prototype made.
I live in Scotland, and am a Paypal account holder. I note concerns about making shipping economical. All this needs to be calmly looked into. Costs need to be reasonable to you (and me!)
However this gadget has got to be tried and tested to destruction first. I may ask for some volunteers!
This is a hobby. We’ve just picked up a really big and complex commission (I am an Architect) but will do my best to keep this baby alive!
Thanks again for the interest!
Jon |
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Remember this is a hobby! I have other interests (and a job of course) that may hinder or kill this thing! |
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