If it's a synaptics pad, and there's a good chance that it is, you want the Synaptics X Touchpad driver which is the absolute business.

It says "Glidepoint" on it.

3/4 down the page:

Can I use this driver with an ALPS Glidepoint device?

Yes, see the README.alps file included in the package for more information.

Hey, I did do a google search first to see if Glidepoint was a Synaptics product! Once the first couple links looked wrong, I gave up. :-)

I've been followed up already, but my understanding is that Synaptics basically own the applicable patents on touchpads sufficently to pretty much own the market - most touchpads are (apparently, take with a pinch of salt, research before retransmission, etc.) either rebranded Synaptics pads or licensed from Synaptics and sufficiently close to their API that they may as well be Synaptics. The driver I've referenced allows you to hook arbitrary button events to "scroll wheel" motion (i.e. running your finger along one side of the pad) so you could (in theory; I don't have the hardware to experiment with) set up the first pad as buttons 1-3 for the actual buttons, 4/5 for vert, 6/7 for horiz, and then set up 8/9 and 10/11 on the second pad. Some assembly may be required to make this sucker fly, but I believe you should at least be able to use the existing code as a basis if nothing else.

Just to add, in case it's not obvious, I do actually have one Synaptics device, and I have used - in fact, am currently using - the driver. I'm not just, you know, paraphrasing the page or some equally dumb-ass thing.

weird.

That keyboard's awesome! Where'd you get it/how much did it cost?

Kinesis.com. Forget what I paid.

hmm- too bad they dont make one that ditches the trackpads in exchange for just a built-in mouse surface off to the right- then i'd buy one

No can do. /dev/input/mice is a synthetic device providing all of the events from /dev/input/mouse*. What you want would require creating a FIFO that you point X to, then having a daemon feed the FIFO while reading /dev/input/mouse[01].

Yeah, I quickly found that out. I was confusing the user events config option with the ability to inject events into that synthetic device.

In any case, a FIFO should be easy to do.

Why not just deck out your geek captain's helm with a productivity-maximizing programmable foot switch?

http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/fs-savant.htm

Better yet, hardwire a switch in your chair that registers a clicks when you rock back and forth.

i know it's already been said, but brilliant icon.

lol talk about ultimate lazyness.

Talk about I've been typing for 20 years and my wrists fucking hurt.

Ever played with a frogpad? Might help out given the variety of intput.

Also, my hands are starting to hurt too a little and I found that using a tablet relaxes the hand quite a bit.

That's gotta be the most kick-ass chair I've ever seen.

Makes me want one!

I actually have a better chair (an Aeron chair, of course!). The keyboard attaches to any standard office chair with 4" bolts under the armrests.

Is the Aeron chair really as good as the hype? I'm planning on ordering a chair at work soon and like Herman Miller for their sustainable business practices, but wouldn't compromise on comfort. Having the right chair may finally keep my from pulling my knee up to my chest and letting my leg fall out while typing. Not the best posture I know :(

I love it. Lets your butt air out.

Luckily I have no office mates downwind of me :)

Check out the Freedom Chair. No butt airing, but it is very comfortable.

http://www.humanscale.com/products/freedom_chair.cfm

One day I'll get a better chair, and I'll try not to destroy it, or let my pets destroy it. That's my only problem, they like to (try) eat my chairs.

http://www.blogebrity.com/thelist/

you're a-list!

I've never used imwheel, but I wonder if it could do that sort of thing.

-Max