Extending the Tablet

3/16/2008

I've been using a tablet for almost a year now. There is a lot to like, and a lot to hate. One thing that I've been thinking of is that using just one hand is inefficient. No I don't think tablets should have 2 pens.

It would be great though if there was some other input device that one could use in the other hand to scroll and zoom the tablet screen, and change applications. Tablets of course have a few programmable buttons and I've programmed them to help. But I really want to take it to the next step.

Wiimote Nunchuk

My first idea was to use the Wiimote nunchuk. It's perfectly designed for the task. It has an analog thumbstick, two buttons, as well as motion sensitivity. But to use the nunchuk you have to hook it to the main Wiimote, and it is bluetooth. Bluetooth's problems make it a critical obstacle and would also prevent usage on an airplane. It also creates a dependeny on batteries. If they only made a standalone USB nunchuk.

Update: Here is an article that shows how to interface to the main Wiimote using the nunchuk port. Maybe I can do the reverse and build a microcontroller to grab input from the nunchuk and send it over USB.

NuLOOQ

This neat little device from Logitech has a rocker type top, and a spinnable ring. In fact, its used almost for exactly what I'm seeking. However the API is closed and only works with certain programs. It also is made for sitting on a desk, and I prefer something I can hold as the places I use my tablet are not always large (airplane seats, airport floors, trains, etc). It also looks as if it might be a bit heavy.

Small Mouse

Just recently I had a thought. What about a mouse wheel? I could use the mouse wheel and its buttons. If I had enough room, I could even use the mouse. I'd leave the mouse part itself optional of course, but you can cradle a mouse and still use the wheel and buttons. I've been using this mouse as a real mouse and noticed it is a good candidate for my other needs.

This is the Mircosoft Mouse 3000. It's made for notebooks and has a nice short USB cable. It also has a multi-directional mouse wheel. I'm going to give this one a try with some custom software and see if I can make it work.

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