Re: [NTLK] Newton Screen Test - Take 3

On Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 4:57 PM, Ken Whitcomb <ken@imageguild.com> wrote:
> It is my understanding that this layout was created to intentionally
> slow down typists finger movements because it was possible to to type
> so fast that the mechanical arms could not retreat out of the path of
> the next arm without having them hit each other. Solve one problem,
> create another! Not that the mechanics that created manual typewriters
> could have seen the advent of electric typewriters let alone computers
> with keyboards.
>
It is also worth pointing out, that your average person, with a
smattering of touch-typing training/experience, can type 50-60 wpm,
which also seems to be about as fast as the average person can think
and type at the same time. ;-) So, combining those two features, we
are 'stuck' in a "good-enough" situation that doesn't really warrant
fixing. I'm perfectly happy with my typing speed (generally 60 wpm)
when thinking. On those rare occasions when I am transcribing, I could
wish I could type faster, but generally, my typing speed is sufficient
for me, so QWERTY or QWERTZ (Polish), works just fine.

-- 
 -Jon Glass
Krakow, Poland
<jonglass@usa.net>
"I don't believe in philosophies. I believe in fundamentals." --Jack Nicklaus
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