Dvorak Lefty 1.0

This from Tom Davis, MacMobile's former president:

To speed up my typing, I created the Dvorak Lefty keyboard layout. If you're left-handed and use a Mac, you might be interested in downloading it yourself!

Download Dvorak Lefty 1.0 (hqx, 55K)

• InfoMac archives /info-mac/cfg/dvorak-lefty-10.hqx
• MacPool
• and the MacAddict 29 CD!

	Hi, my name is Tom and I'm glad to be a lefty!
Pick a Lefty (The Left-hander's Webring): Next Lefty Previous Lefty Next 5 Lefties Random Lefty List of Lefties Are you a lefty too?

Read Me

Read Me file for Dvorak Lefty layout version 1.0 created by Thomas Waterbury Davis.

The What

This is a horizontally flipped version of the ANSI Standard Dvorak layout. The Dvorak Lefty layout is a simply KCHR resource created with ResEdit. It is System 7 compatible and should create no problems or conflicts with any software. This layout is FREE. Copy, distribute, and post it as you please. I do ask that the layout, the KeyCaps screenshot, and this Read Me file be distributed together. Also, this layout may not be sold, except that a reasonable distribution fee may be requested when necessary. Share and enjoy.

The Why

As a lefty, I found the Dvorak layout a little less useful in building speed. So I created the Dvorak Lefty layout. I popped the keys on my PowerBook 1400c and arranged them in a mirror image of the DI Dvorak layout, provided by Dvorak International. I then used ResEdit to create the KCHR resource, remapping all the keys to the new layout (including the option & shift-option characters).
I never learned to touch-type, but have managed to get around 40 wpm staring at the keyboard. I have been able to catch up to that with less finger strain with this layout.

The Where and How

Drag the layout file over your closed System folder. The Mac will install it in the system file from there. To change layouts, open the Keyboard Control Panel. You will see a list of all available keyboard layouts. Point and click once on the one you want. It will then be highlighted in black. That¼s it.
Oh, and one thing more: you may want to print out the Dvorak Lefty KeyCaps file so you know where the keys are. I ended up taping a copy the QWERTY layout to the wrist rest on my PowerBook to remind me where keys are - this is especially important when you need to know where the P and R are for Zapping the PRAM (these keys are now '.' and 'c' respectively) or for starting up from a CD-ROM (the C key is now 'v').

The Who

My name is Thomas Waterbury Davis. My Mac consulting business is MacMobile Inc. Send comments and complaints to tom@macmobile.com. Find out more about my business at <http://www.macmobile.com/>. Find out more about me at <http://www.macmobile.com/tom/>.