The Twiddler3 is a fully functional keyboard, mouse, and nano-capacity USB storage device. It operates in both a wired and wireless mode. In the wired mode, the Twiddler3 is attached to a device via a USB cable. The USB cable supports both communications from device to Twiddler3 as well as charging the Twiddler3's internal battery. In the wireless mode, both keyboard and mouse commands are sent to the device through Bluetooth (Class 2, BT 2.1 + EDR).

The Twiddler3 is also a chordic device. You use the Twiddler with only one hand and press key chords to generate keystrokes. From the factory, each key represented on a standard 101 keyboard is mapped to a particular key on the Twiddler. Pressing a certain key combination will cause the Twiddler to send that key to the device. Pressing Key Chords are like playing chords on a guitar.

Out of the box, the Twiddler is really easy to use. All of the keys are clearly marked so that even a novice user can get started right away. The color coding is simple, White letters show what a single key press will send to your device. Red, Green and Blue letters show what key will be sent when you press the Red, Green or Blue key on the top row along with that key in the other row.

All chords are remappable and customizable and can be more than one character long. While one key chord could send out an “a” another key chord could be mapped to type out your email address. With proper mapping of common prefixes, words, phrases and suffixes a substantial increase in typing speed can be realized.

Mouse pointing functions are done through the 8 way Nav Stick. Pressing down on the Nav Stick will create a left mouse click event. New on the Twiddler3 are the 3 front facing mouse buttons. Left, middle and right clicks are accomplished by clicking the respective mouse key.

There is a soft fabric strap that extends from a slot in the side of the Twiddler's case and attaches to a Velcro pad on the bottom. This strap goes around the back of your hand, over the metacarpus, and stabilizes the Twiddler while typing or pointing. When you receive your Twiddler, decide which hand you would like to use the Twiddler and slide the strap into the groove on that side. Most users select their non-dominant hand, leaving their dominant hand to do other tasks. Select the hand that feels most comfortable for you.

Which hand should you use for the Twiddler? The first inclination is to use it in your dominant hand. But you may wish to put off this decision and try the Twiddler with each hand and think about how you will be using it before you decide.

Here are a few things to consider:

• What do you want to be able to do with the hand not holding the Twiddler?

If you want to take pencil-and-paper notes, you may wish to try the Twiddler in your non-writing hand.

• Does your normal computer work involve fine control of the pointing device (such as CAD or drawing programs)?

If so, you may want to use the Twiddler in the hand that has the best drawing control. In any case, you may wish to experiment with each hand to see which suits you best. It is always easy to change the strap to the other side. The Twiddler key layout is designed to work equally well in either hand.

How you hold the Twiddler is a matter of personal taste. It is designed to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes and shapes. The following guidelines may help you find a comfortable position:

In general, the strap goes around the back part of your hand, between your knuckles and wrist, and attaches to the Velcro fastener on the bottom of the case. Do not make the strap too tight. You should adjust the strap so your fingers fall naturally and easily over the center column of keys (the keys with the small guide-bumps on them).

You will notice that your thumb is resting on the top inside corner of the Twiddler. When the strap is adjusted correctly, it is loose enough so that your hand can be removed and re-inserted without detaching the strap from the Velcro. Rotating the Twiddler toward or away from your palm adjusts the angle of operation to accommodate longer or shorter fingers; and the angle of the strap on the bottom of the Twiddler can also be adjusted for your comfort. In fact, one way to find a comfortable position is to remove the strap from the bottom, set the Twiddler's angle, and then re-attach the strap to the Velcro pad. The fastener on the bottom helps to hold the desired angle of the Twiddler.

When you have adjusted the strap and angle so that your fingers fall naturally over the center column, you will find that the left and right columns of keys are an equally short reach for your fingers. If the strap is too tight, the closest column may cramp your fingers. If the strap is too loose, the column farther away may be hard to reach.

You can comfortably rest your thumb on the inside corner of the Twiddler, in a relaxed position, as shown in the photograph on the back cover.

You don't need to grip the Twiddler. By resting the thumb as shown, and applying gentle outward pressure, you will keep the Twiddler steady and reach the keys more easily.

The Keyboard