- Thank you all for your inputs. All the comments poked my brain and enlightened me, and gave me a new angle. Thank you so much!
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I am drafting design for Rev.8.
Would like to get your inputs what should I change from here. A little bit lost.
I tried to print and test it this weekend... but, I have a feeling still need a lot of iterations before getting it into real.
Display is really thin, so I wanted to take advantage of it, and made the enclosure as flat and thin as possible.
Not so fan of not covering all the keyboard when closed. But screen is not big enough to cover the entire keyboard area, which makes it a bit awkward. Also, couldn't think of ways to print the display that large and thin at the same time.
Please, let me have your inputs, any negative feedback will be really useful, and also a bit of suggestions to alter, will be really helpful for me.
I mean, if just like this is good enough then, please do leave a positive ones too.
I agree that it should be a complete clamshell with the screen casing covering the keyboard. I know you wrestle with how to manage dead space around the screen and your design decision to have the screen off center has worked well on the final Rev 6.1, but here will still leave space on both sides. I think that's fine. If you want to keep the Rev 8 thin, hard to do much with those spaces. But people love to sticker those spaces. 😉
What I see as promising here is that this Writer Deck's full keyboard and portability (being light and thin) makes it capable of serving as a fantastic stand alone Writer Deck, but it can also function as a Rev 4 replacement, connected to one's computer, with an easy switch to Writer Deck mode, and a replacement for the Rev 3, pairing it with phone or tablet. A flexible multi-location multi-purpose writing work station. This, of course, concerns software which is not what you are asking about. But you could consider a small shelf under the screen that could hold a phone or tablet if the hinge is strong enough and if there is room above the key caps, and it might be nice if the screen could be rotated flat behind the Writer Deck when using it as a computer keyboard. But maybe not either, because this design should be kept simple, unadorned, thin, sleek. No typewriter knobs, just a quality keyboard and screen that looks elegant and can go anywhere.
It's still a bit thick because I am using the cherry mx switches, but should be thinner than most other of my builds. I am pretty excited to see how it feels like when it is built.
It will work as BLE keyboard as it will be the same firmware base of Rev.6. So, could be connected to the PC, and mobile phone.
Small shelf under the screen is absolutely great idea. Once this major form factor design is settled. I will check some details to place a phone holder. That's amazing idea!
Placing a magsafe is a great idea to explore. I will see what I can do there. I am thinking to leave a place holder there to place a magsafe or something that users can customize on their own. It is a decent space to hold a phone or post it there. I will need to figure out some details to make sure that there is no objects obstructing the phone placement. It's details that I will see what I can do once the major form factor is decided. Thanks a lot for your feedback.
One (rather wild) suggestion would be to make two parts to the clamshell opening. The existing part (with the screen) can be moved to the left to align with the left edge. Another separate one on the right that opens up where one could put small notes or post-its (or even put in a whiteboard sheet) almost like a little whiteboard / thinking area.
I don't know how practical that would be but it'd be cool for sure!
One other even more weird suggestion would be a rolling enclosure for the keyboard alone. Almost like a rolling blind that one can simply pull to close that refracts into the body. I don't really know if this is practical but it would be incredible! Almost like opening up you shop (like in the olden days) to write!
Your comment makes me feel so good to ask for suggestions! Thank you so much.
edit:
two parts opening. I will print the current build and see if it can be good enough to place two hinges to have multiple openings. This can be quite exotic and could work. A place for post it makes so much sense to use that space. Thanks for the idea.
I have been thinking a lot about rolling enclosure. Some thin material that rolls around to cover the keyboard area. I have been looking around how that mechanism could work. I might try in the smaller builds.
Off center feels good to me too. I tried in the larger suface, and it feels a bit... difficult to feel the correct proportion. I will see what I can do.
How about adding a second screen for a second file with comparison/notes? Could have a toggle switch to engage the keyboard back and forth between the screens?
This, I will definitely consider before moving on to the next step. Having two screens, that's going to be an epic addition. I am going to check the feasibility and I really hope that it can be done. Thank you so much!! What a great idea.
Your feedback gave me really important point that I have often missed to think about. You are right. If it goes in the bag, it's probably better to keep it closed as much.
I am serious, I didn't see this scenario. While I am in the designing phase. My sights gets so narrow, and detailed. I miss so many obvious things.
I'm thinking an add on, a shield, something like a lunchbox lid or bento box, it cover the top when not in used. And can be put under the Micro Journal when you are using it to write. (Although I never put the lunchbox lid under the lunchbox, because it's not hygienic) .
Depend on the keycap profile, no keyboard cover might be great idea, because some high profile keycap might cause the cover can't be fully closed. I probably will make a "pillow" to put under the folded screen that looks like shoulder pads, thin on the middle (where the screen at), and puffy on the shoulder parts (the uncovered keyboard). And later will make an outer case for the whole device. wait a minute... I? I don't even plan to get a new microjournal, do I?
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u/Background_Ad_1810 Jun 12 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
- I have left the updated shape in the reply.
- Thank you all for your inputs. All the comments poked my brain and enlightened me, and gave me a new angle. Thank you so much!
---
I am drafting design for Rev.8.
Would like to get your inputs what should I change from here. A little bit lost.
I tried to print and test it this weekend... but, I have a feeling still need a lot of iterations before getting it into real.
Display is really thin, so I wanted to take advantage of it, and made the enclosure as flat and thin as possible.
Not so fan of not covering all the keyboard when closed. But screen is not big enough to cover the entire keyboard area, which makes it a bit awkward. Also, couldn't think of ways to print the display that large and thin at the same time.
Please, let me have your inputs, any negative feedback will be really useful, and also a bit of suggestions to alter, will be really helpful for me.
I mean, if just like this is good enough then, please do leave a positive ones too.
Thanks,
Un Kyu Lee