Quick Keyboard Tricks, a Neat Keyboard, and a Notebook Docking Station

I'm use the keyboard more than the mouse probably because I grew up on a mouse-less DOS system.

The Avant Stellar keyboard I use reflects my attitude. It has a set of perfectly located function keys along the left side of the keyboard. I can use one hand to quickly do a spell check in Word (Control-F7), pop open Word's thesaurus (Shift-F7), rename a file in Windows Explorer (F2), or do any one of dozens of other Control combinations.

Of course I could do the same thing with the second set of function keys placed inconveniently along the top of the keyboard. But that often takes two hands -- and I have to stop and look at the keyboard. (Actually -- and don't laugh -- I don't touch type, so I have to look at the keyboard, but that's not the point.)

The $189 Avant has an extra set of function keys on the left

The Avant has built-in firmware that lets me remap the keyboard. I moved the Control key next to the "A" key and swapped the Escape key with the Tilde key.

I even bought a Targus ExpressCard Notebook Docking Station ($145 discounted) so I could use the Avant with my old notebook (and also connect to a wide-view ViewSonic LCD and decent speakers).

Dock your notebook and use external peripherals.

Keyboard Obsessions
You're picking up on my obsession with making the Avant -- or any keyboard -- fit my needs, rather than the other way around, right? So I got to thinking that even though you're probably not going to run out and buy an Avant, you might want to relocate some of the keys on the keyboard you're using. Here are some keyboard remapping tools and a few articles for you to look over.

The program I recommend is Keytweak. It's free and gives you lots of options, and includes a visual keyboard to use for remapping It's easy to use (and just as easy to change your keyboard back to its default). Read about it in the "Reshuffle Your Keyboard" section of Four Quick and Simple Tweaks Toward a More Perfect Windows. That article also has a short write up about three other remapping utilities.

My buddy Leo F. told me about Microsoft's Keyboard Layout Creator It gives you a way to modify one key or totally redesign your keyboard -- without getting into big trouble.

One other thing about keyboards many people forget: Those all-too-common keystroke combinations built into Windows and many apps. Details are in Keep Your Hands Off the Mouse and Essential Keyboard Shortcuts Both articles are old, but the keystrokes are still current.

Talkback
I know you're just itching to tell me about your favorite remapper. You can use Comments below or if you'd prefer, fire an e-mail right into my inbox.

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