February 1st, 2008

Wish: Wacom Tablet

New tablet to save lives

Dear Secret Law of the Universe,

I desire a Wacom Tablet.

I’ve been spending long hours doing work the past week that I didn’t have time to post anything on this site.
The last few projects I’d worked on were painfully time-consuming due to a few reasons, listed below in ascending order of time-consuming-ness:

1) Changes in client specifications
2) Computer crashing due to a lack of primary hard disk space
3) A deep pain in my wrist

The first inconvenience is one I can’t change and have accepted as part of my job. The second problem was solved(or rather had to be solved) a few days ago at a pricetag of $90, after Catastrophic Meltdown no. 379.

The third on the list is the one I’d like you to help me with as it is literally the most painful problem.
I’m showing signs of repetitive strain injury which is preventing me from doing work efficiently. My neck is stiff, I need to “punch the air” regularly to relieve the aching muscles in my forearm and my wrist is very, very sore.
But what exactly got me into this predicament?

Two words—”Bézier handles”.

Bezier handles
Do you know how difficult it is to control the little things using a mouse? With my index finger click-holding the mouse button, I have to make precise micro-movements with my wrist as the pivot. A few hundred times per hour. Or about a million times per project. Result? Vector arm. You know, like tennis or golfer’s elbow, except the sport in question is Bézier-handling.

This is where I believe a Wacom tablet has the answer. By using a more ergonomic input device to do the bulk of my projects, I can increase my productivity at work, freeing time to pursue other causes. Like posting on this blog. And by posting on this site regularly, I have the potential to touch and inspire people, and, quite possibly save a life or two.

So, what say you?

Patiently yours

How bad do I want this?
Enough to give up donuts for a week.

Previously on Wishes
Macbook Air
A Happy Period
Donut (Granted)

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January 20th, 2008

Wish: Macbook Air

Illustration of the relationship between a Macbook Air and clean air

Since I had my wish granted yesterday, I think I should move on to slightly bigger(thinner?) things in the name of science (this is an experimental website, right?), the environment and, personal gain, er, I mean development.

Dear Secret Law of the Universe,

I desire a Macbook Air.

You see, my work is almost exclusively done on a computer. However, in my entire working life(and personal life) I’ve never own a laptop. That is probably not a good enough reason by itself, but do hear me out.

Two words – “Client presentations”. Do you know how difficult it is to present ideas to clients when I don’t personally own a portable computer? I usually have to present them on paper(not the best thing for the environment) or beg someone to lend it to me(not the best thing for my pride).

You see, by granting me this wish, I could in effect do my part in reducing the amount of paper being unnecessarily wasted and at the same time wow my clients (at least with the laptop, if not with my presentation). If my clients are wowed enough, I could possibly make more money from their projects.

If I make more money, I can have my old washing machine and refrigerator replaced with an environmentally-friendly model, which in turn will benefit the earth – Good stuff for both the environment and me. :):):)

So what do you think?

Positively yours

How bad do I want this?
Well… it’s nice and shiny…

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