I did UG before laptops became common, so I have no experience taking notes on one. When I have done extensive typing at work/home, I have generally used an ergonomic keyboard, and that's what I feel most comfortable using. I was wondering if it would be do-able to use an ergonomic keyboard in class. Does anyone have experience with this? Any thoughts?

You're going to bring an external keyboard to class?

That's what I'm thinking about. The question is whether it's at all practical. Probably a cost-benefit question. As I said above, if I'm going to be typing a lot, I'm much more comfortable using an ergonomic keyboard. I've had surgery for a compressed nerve in my right forearm, and it still bothers me a bit when I have to type or write large amounts. An ergonomic keyboard helps, but I realize it may be difficult to bring one to class. Any thoughts on whether this is do-able?

Of course it is doable. You were in the army so I take it you have carried around the 80 pound bags for extended periods of time? Then you can surely carry around a 2 pound keyboard in your bag. Just find a bag that will hold it. You may look a little odd but who cares? Get a wireless one so you won't be tethered down.

not sure if a law school message board is the ideal forum for this query. check out some tech blog or something

What are you talking about? This is the best place. An ergonomic keyboard just is designed to best fit the natural position of the wrists. Nothing special and still plugs into a standard USB port. You can get them wireless. Why would he check out a tech blog? His question is can he use it in law schools and should he. If he is that much more comfortable with it he should. Simple as that.

Use whatever you feel comfortable with.

If it's weird to other people, well, so what? You're the one who would have to deal with the irritated wrist, not them.

i just gave myself an ergonomic facepalm

Go ahead, you might need to do a little more figuring out of how you are going to lay everything out though.

A more expensive option (but less weird) would be to shop for a laptop with a more spacious keyboard. Macbooks have a lot of room. I use an ergonomic keyboard both at home and at the office but use a 16" hp and a 10' acer for school and on the go and have no issues.

your avatar is uglier than mine

Her beauty is on the inside. She becomes even more beautiful to me when I watch and listen to her speak. She is one of the most gracious and graceful women I have ever seen.

Does one really need an ergonomic keyboard to G-chat and dick around on Facebook?

once you get used to the Ergo keyboards it's very difficult to give up. I've been using them since the late 90's. I too went to college before laptops were en vogue. your best bet would be to get a wireless keyboard, and just sit it on top of your laptop keyboard. i'm not sure if you can actually turn off the built in keyboard on a laptop like you can a touchpad mouse, but if you want to avoid the problem of pushing down too hard when you type and accidentally hit a key on the laptop keyboard and having it change screens or go to the next line or something, i would just unplug the laptop's built in keyboard. it just takes a little screwdriver and maybe 5 seconds of your time.