Trying Things Differently Often Leads To Discovery

Discovering different and new ways to use technology is something I really enjoy doing. Whether it’s a new application for my smartphone, a new WordPress plugin that simplifies a task, or whatever, it’s always good to think outside the box to find new, potentially better ways to do something.

For instance, a few minutes ago, I found a new, nearly better way to use my Dell Mini 9 netbook. While sitting in….a specific room in Casa Guru, I found myself holding the netbook on either side, using my right thumb to arrow up and down on web pages, while reading. I then attempted reaching inwards with either my left or right thumb, and realized that using my netbook as an oversized thumbpad was actually quite convenient, possibly even more comfortable than squeezing my hands together to touch type on its smaller keyboard.

Unfortunately, there are still a few issues with this new method – for instance, I had trouble reaching the touchpad and left/right mouse buttons. However, for prolonged text input, such as emails or blogging, I could definitely see this being extremely convenient. It was also more comfortable because the Mini 9 was not balancing awkwardly on my knees, or resting on the ground, but rather held firmly in my hands, at just the right angle.

If you’ve got a smaller netbook, why don’t you try it? Hold your netbook on either side of the keyboard, using your thumbs to type. Is it better? What other ways have you found to use technology in a different way to make an interesting discovery?