Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

The Century-Long Keyboard War: QWERTY vs. Dvorak

2025-09-02

This essay delves into the century-long history of the QWERTY and Dvorak keyboard layouts. QWERTY, far from being random, was ingeniously designed to solve mechanical limitations in early typewriters. Dvorak, conversely, aimed for efficiency and ergonomics. Despite Dvorak's demonstrated advantages in trials, historical factors like market inertia, switching costs, and a lack of sustained marketing prevented its widespread adoption. The article reveals the intricate interplay of technological progress, market forces, and human biases in shaping keyboard layouts, prompting reflection on technology standard selection and market competition.

(aresluna.org)

Tech qwerty dvorak

50 Keyboards: A Retro Tech Extravaganza

2025-09-02

Marcin Wichary showcases his collection of 50 keyboards, ranging from antique typewriters to modern gaming keyboards, illustrating the evolution of keyboard design and technology. These keyboards are not merely input devices but snapshots of technological history, each with a unique story to tell. The accompanying images are stunning, highlighting the distinctive features of each keyboard.

(aresluna.org)

Hardware keyboard collection

From Return to Enter: A History of the Keyboard's Most Iconic Key

2025-09-02

This article traces the fascinating evolution of the 'Return' key from typewriters to modern computer keyboards. Initially a mechanical lever, the typewriter's carriage return transformed into a key with the advent of electricity. Teletype machines decoupled carriage return and line feed for efficiency, adding complexity. Electronic word processors introduced 'soft' and 'hard' returns. Finally, the personal computer era saw IBM PCs adopt 'Enter' while Apple used 'Return,' establishing the current duality. The author reflects on the key's convoluted journey, highlighting the complexities inherited in modern software.

(aresluna.org)

Tech

A Nostalgic Journey Through Mac Settings (1984-2004)

2025-07-09

This article takes a nostalgic trip through the evolution of Mac settings, from 1984 to 2004. It recounts the design choices, feature additions, and stories behind each era's control panels, showcasing the evolution of Mac's design philosophy and the impact of technological advancements on user experience. From the initially elegant and simple control panel to the feature-rich System Preferences, the journey reflects the changing landscape of technology and user needs.

(aresluna.org)

Design

Manhattan's Hardest-Working Font: The Mystery of Gorton

2025-02-14

This article details the author's obsessive quest to uncover the story behind Gorton, a surprisingly ubiquitous yet unassuming font. Initially used with engraving machines, its rugged durability led to widespread adoption in diverse contexts, from keyboards to spacecraft. The author's years-long search, spanning countless miles and locations, reveals Gorton's century-long history, tracing its origins to a UK lens maker and its subsequent evolution through various iterations like Leroy. While far from perfect, Gorton's charm lies in its imperfections and enduring presence, solidifying its status as Manhattan's hardest-working font.

(aresluna.org)

Design design history