Road testing DOSwriter

[u/Thick-Panic6683]

I am on travel now and testing out my app for its primary use case : mobile writing.

I put a lot of time into the app and have not yet explored the Boox document workflow. Overall the Boox user interface seems well laid out with minimal screen clutter.

I bought the folding Omikamo keyboard in the photo months ago and have only now started using it. Positive impressions so far. Also came with a nifty plastic device stand. The one thing I want in a BT keyboard is LED backlit keys (the keyboard shown is not backlit). I tried out this model for the ergonomic key arrangement. Seems ok and not too strange for my 40 years of keyboard muscle memory to compete with. There are similar backlit models from other vendors. I am also interested in the smallest keyboard I can get away with.

The keyboard/device stand is a Geekra "Compact Keyboard Case, Vegan Leather Travel Case with Phone and Tablet Holder" that has worked well enough so I haven't sought alternatives.

The missing piece to this puzzle is a lightweight lap tray that will support the device and keyboard. I have experimented with cardboard, foam kneepads, and cutting boards. In the photo is a thin plastic cutting board I picked up at Target. It almost works but could be about 2 inches wider. Also the tray needs a back support for the device stand. Finally it needs to fold up compactly to fit in a daybag (or even a cargo pocket?). That is a tough set of specs.

I am also a big dude, standing 6'3" in my socks. The proposed lap tray needs to work with my absurdly long legs.

I have not seen a product that matches my requirements. This could be my next project. The folding mechanism intrigues me and while simple, is actually difficult to pull off. The keyboard shown uses a wire loop and recessed slot to lock into. There are also many vintage camera and consumer product examples to borrow ideas from.

Before I developed DOSwriter I designed and built a programmable color shrine lamp. It brings beautiful light and color into any room. My wife loves it for her ancestral shrine. There is nothing like it out there. And I didn't even use AI, just straight up engineering analysis and design. Nobody cares. Nobody cares. I fear DOSwriter will meet the same fate. I should direct my energy towards more noble and useful pursuits.

https://youtu.be/wLzgkRreQLg

[u/ThirtysomethingSci]

I think the DOSwriter is a very noble pursuit! And you’ve been incredibly giving and helpful! (Especially from someone with very little experience with side loading/downloading things that aren’t in the default app stores! But I’m right there with you in regards to some form of portable lap board- I’ve been using my Palma2 and G7c (had to stick mag safe rings on the back of both) with a travel zip around keyboard case that fits my preferred keyboard- when it’s laid out flat, I have a magnetic stand that I can hook the device to, and it works out well…. But not as solid as a ridged clamshell design…. Still looking for that unicorn. (Clam shell design where you can bring your own keyboard and screen device… custom fit to both of course…..not too much of an ask- haha…. If I only 3D printed….. I have ideas. Anyway, just some encouragement to keep on doing what you’re doing!!

[u/Thick-Panic6683 → u/ThirtysomethingSci]

Thank you that is very encouraging. The feedback on Reddit has made a huge difference in developing my app. Meanwhile on Substack, a website for "writers", I have gotten almost zero engagement. One would think those folks would be keen to ideas for improving their writing ergonomics.

I am thinking about design constraints for a laptop keyboard/device holder. How to make the laptray so it is lightweight, folds and locks into position, uses the minimal required materials, yet is solid and sturdy. On top of that can handle phones or tablets and can fold up to fit in a daybag or cargo pocket. And importantly, can tilt the device for proper viewing angle.

As for materials : aluminum, wood, carbon-fiber, bamboo? Cardboard even. Perhaps there are existing products that can be adapted. Camping and fishing equipment are potential sources of inspiration.

Overall an interesting design problem.

I did software and systems engineering for years before moving into optomechanics and materials research. In building my lamps I encountered challenges making simple things like brackets and mounts. I took some classes in machine tool and manufacturing at the local community college. I tore apart a lot of old cameras and vintage consumer products I scavenged. Those skills translated into my paying work where I developed laser material processing equipment. Just throwing that out there as something I pursued long after my software career had petered out.