Hardware or software to help with tremor-- suggestions needed

Hello t0ddl

These articles are also available on Mac's Finder > Help , but here are the web versions:

   Changing trackpad response

   Controlling the pointer with the numeric keypad

Using the suggestions from one or both of them together might make things easier for him.

EZ Jim

PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.2)  External iSight

As you say, this is something that most of us who live long have to face. I am getting that way even now at 71. Anyhow, as far as the mouse is concerned I would go into the Keyboard and Mouse control panel in System Preferences and slow the mouse down considerably. It will take him longer to get the cursor to where he wants it to be, but it will not be jumping around as much. You might even want to investigate using a trackball rather than a mouse in that the cursor action can be controlled a bit better. As far as the keyboard is concerned, I think the bubble action keyboards that come with the computers are really nasty, to be honest. I think it would be better if your Dad had something like a Matias Tactile Pro 2.0 keyboard which uses the ALPS switches that the old ADB Apple Pro Keyboards used to have. The keys on it make a positive and satisfying "clunk" when they are depressed so it is much harder to make typos when using it.

I have had a fair bit of experience helping both my Dad and my wife's Dad use the computer, so I know what you are going through. Good luck!

Griff

There occurred to me that I should have mentioned that I am assuming that you are using the trackpad and keyboard of the Mac Book which I can understand your Dad really disliking. My suggestion is that you blow a few bucks and get the extra keyboard and trackball as a present for your dad and plug it into the Mac Book USB port. You might also find it handy to hook up a monitor (20" or so). It will be so much easier to read the larger screen. You might also be aware that with mouse, keyboard and display hooked up you can close the lid on the Mac Book and the display will look a bit better not having to share the video processor with the Mac Book display.

The other thing I would mention is that it might be wise to download one of the programs that make an audible click through the speaker with each keyclick, mouse click and scroll wheel turn. I use a little Preference Pane called "Keyclick" which gives you many options on how you want it to sound (I make my keyboard sound like an old fashioned typewriter - which is a sound your Dad would be quite familiar with!) With this installed, your Dad will have much more feedback and it will make typing and mousing much easier for him.

Griff

Todd, I am really glad you found something like that. And thank you for the research. This is something that I just might invest in for myself it the shakes get any worse. Right now I have it under control with a Logitech mouse that I can modify for my use and a Matias Tactile Pro 2 keyboard. (Anyone want an unused iMac aluminum keyboard with action that compares with overcooked oatmeal porridge?)

Griff

No problem on the timing, t0ddl
Thanks for letting us know what you found helpful. We will be watching for your update.

Cheers,
EZ Jim

PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.2)  External iSight

Griff sez:

Anyone want an unused iMac aluminum keyboard with action that compares with overcooked oatmeal porridge?

I sez:

If you are serious please let me know. The porridge keyboard on my new iMac may not last forever and I'd love to have a spare...

M