Idea of the Day - A new idea each day. Some Don't Suck!

Our Latest Posts About: Keyboards

Mac Function Key Lock

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 1:00 AM By Joe Crescenzi

There needs to be a quicker way to toggle Mac Function Keys.

There's an option in the System Preferences on a Mac that lets you toggle between using the Function Keys as "Standard" Function Keys, or use them for the "Special" features printed on the keys such as brightness, LaunchPad, Pause/Play, and volume.

While this seams like a no-brainer, it's actually a pain in the neck for people like me who run Windows using VMWare or Parallels, because a lot of Windows Apps use them for things like Search, Refresh, and closing windows and Apps.

Rather than going back and forth into the System Preferences to change modes, I'd love to see a "Function Key Lock" that lets you toggle between the two on-the-fly. Rather than adding a key, a simple solution would be to double-tap the Fn k... [More]

Continue...Mac Function Key Lock...

That STUPID Windows Key!

Monday, March 6, 2017 1:00 AM By Joe Crescenzi

File this under: "What were they thinking?".

When Microsoft introduced Windows 95 over 22 years ago, they also introduced their first major hardware idea... the Windows Key, and I've hated that stupid key from the first time I saw it.

Windows 95 was radically different from all the Windows versions before it because it introduced the concept of the "Start Menu" as a way of finding and running programs. It was a big deal for Microsoft. They had a huge campaign to drive attention to the "Start Button" on the bottom of the screen, even going far enough to use "Start Me Up" from The Rolling Stones in commercials to draw attention to the new way to run programs.

The make the Start Menu even easier to find, Microsoft went one step too far, when they introduced a new key on the... [More]

Continue...That STUPID Windows Key! ...

The NumLock Key Should Be Eliminated

Sunday, April 24, 2016 1:00 AM By Joe Crescenzi

The Numlock key is a pointless key that should be eliminated.

In the early days of computing, keyboards didn't have s dedicated arrow keys. Instead of dedicated keys the original IBM PC keyboard had a number pad on the right side, and the "Numlock" key was used to switch between using those keys as numbers vs arrows.

Today"s keyboards have their own dedicated arrow keys, but for some reason, to this day, most keyboards still have a Numlock key.

That stupid key causes so much confusion because many people hit it by mistake, then wonder why the numbers aren't working. This is especially frustrating when entering passwords, and you can't see what your typing.

Because of this, whenever somebody calls me to tell me they can't get into their computer because it won't accep... [More]

Continue...The NumLock Key Should Be Eliminated...

MacBook Pro Style Bluetooth Keyboard and TrackPad

Sunday, September 6, 2015 1:00 AM By Joe Crescenzi

Apple should make a Bluetooth keyboard that is exactly like the one on the MacBook Pro.

I love the keyboard on the MacBook Pro, especially because of the integrated Multi-Touch Magic TrackPad. It would be great if you could get the same exact layout for your desktop iMac or Mac Pro.

Right now, iMac and Mac Pro owners looking for an Apple branded keyboard can choose between wired and wireless keyboards that have the same basic feel, although the wired version also has a numeric keypad on the right. Then they can choose between the Magic TrackPad and / or Magic Mouse.

I think they should have a third option... a fully integrated Bluetooth keyboard and TrackPad that is exactly like the one on the MacBook Pro. L... [More]

Continue...MacBook Pro Style Bluetooth Keyboard and TrackPad...

The Windows Logo Key is Annoying.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 1:00 AM By Joe Crescenzi

The most annoying thing about Windows PCs is the stupid Windows Key.

When Microsoft introduced Windows 95, new PCs started to ship with a brand new key... The "Windows Logo Key". A dedicated key just to get the Windows Start Menu to pop up.

At first, I thought to myself, what a cool idea! Instead of moving your mouse to the left corner, you just hit the Windows Logo and the menu opens... But then again, you didn't save any time, because you still need to move your mouse to the corner to pick from the menu... so what's the point?

I wouldn't complain if it was just useless, but when you hit the key accidentally, your cursor moves from the window you were working on and the menu to launch programs pops up.

With some programs, it's beyond annoying. To many people, th... [More]

Continue...The Windows Logo Key is Annoying....

Why Doesn't Apple Offer a FULL SIZED Wireless Keyboard?

Thursday, October 23, 2014 1:00 AM By Joe Crescenzi

This has been driving me crazy for years. I like full sized keyboard with a number pad, but I hate wires. The trouble is, Apple still doesn't make a wireless full sized keyboard.

I love the feel of a genuine Apple keyboard. It took a while to get used to, but the slimline design and tactile feedback are perfectly tuned for speed and comfort. So, although I can find third party wireless full sized keyboards, I've patiently waited for Apple to release a wireless full sized keyboard.

The trouble is... I've been waiting since 2007. Every time they have a big launch event, one of the first things I do is skip the big news and jump to the accessories page of the Apple website, hoping to finally see a wireless Bluetooth keyboard. Time after time, nothing new.

We'll never see b... [More]

Continue...Why Doesn't Apple Offer a FULL SIZED Wireless Keyboard?...

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* Note: The ideas on "Idea of the Day" were posted without any formal research into existing inventions.

In some cases, patents may already exist for these ideas, in other cases, there may not be any existing patents and you are free to develop and explore the viability of developing and patenting the ideas.

The authors make no claim that any of the ideas are safe, practical, or suitable for any particular purpose. You are responsible for the results of trying, developing, patenting or using any of the ideas on this site.

For some people, our ideas are just an interesting read, but our goal is to encourage you to take action. If you see an idea that you like, do something with it... Take action.

- Joe

Idea Of The Day. A new Idea Each Day. Some Don't Suck.